Matrix Essay, Research Paper
The Matrix is a Perfect Movie for the 21st Century
The Matrix has found many fans since the release of the movie on March 31, 1999.
The Matrix is based on a scientific theory that we are being run by computer programs.
The computer program allows people inside the matrix to do anything they would like to
do. In the opening sequence of the movie, it shows Trinity jumping across buildings that
are separated by large streets in a highly populated town. Trinity is being chased by
undercover officers that are out to get her and the matrix.
The Matrix really starts to get exciting when Neo takes the red pill that will help
him get into the matrix. Neo has to go through several tests on his brain to find out how
he will react to the matrix. Once Neo takes the pill, the action begins. He then gets
trained by Morpheus and then goes into the matrix.
The matrix has many different meanings. The matrix is like a dream state. A
person is not in the real world, yet is inside a computer program. A lot of people have
different opinions on exactly what the matrix is after viewing the movie. Bret Polish stated
in a movie review that the movie was how our reality is a mere virtual reality used to
cover up a future controlled by machines (1). Another movie reviewer for
Entertainment.com stated that it would be better to watch the movie than read a review
that tells some of the storyline.
The movie shows many views on how technology is increasing for the 21st
century. The whole movie is based around one computer program, which is called the
matrix. Computers are becoming popular in the new century. Almost everywhere in the
world, a computer is somewhere around. Many new films are becoming more popular by
using new computer technology while filming. If anyone asked actors twenty years ago if
they thought that some of the visual stunts that are done today were possible, the majority
would probably have said no.
The Matrix stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a computer technician, Laurence
Fishburne as Morpheus, the leader of the matrix, and Carrie-Ann Moss as Trinity, the one
chosen to help Neo fight. Together, these three stars make the movie an action-packed
thriller. Every character has their own unique characteristics. Morpheus is the leader of
the movie. He is in the movie in order to find the one, or the person who is able to
everything while in the matrix.
The one aspect that puts the film into a class of its own is the special effects.
There were a lot of special effects that have never been shown in another film. During one
of the scenes, Neo is fighting someone on the top of a building. During this shot, Neo is
shown dodging bullets while the camera is rotating 360 degrees. The speed of the film is
also slowed down to enable the audience to see the actual bullets whizzing past him.
Animal Logics helped both of the producers during many of the 3D scenes. Examples of
the 3D scenes include the opening sequence, the gun that shoots lightning, and the
corridor of codes.
The filming of the movie took 10 months. Much of this time was spent filming the
kung-fu scenes. The actors had to learn kung-fu in less than 3 months to do many of the
stunts that were required for the filming of the movie. Kung-fu was used during several
scenes. Neo is shown going through a rigorous kung-fu training session. During the
whole scene he is learning his superhuman strengths before going out and fighting.
Trinity is a girl who helps Neo. Many movies these days are mostly composed of
men. Even though this is all right in most movies, it added a lot to the overall plot.
Carrie-Ann Moss showed that she is an actress who deserves a lot more attention than she
got before.
The storyline for The Matrix was perfect. The whole movie lasts around two
hours and fifteen minutes. Many movies these days are set between an hour and a half and
two hours. The movie was a perfect length for any moviegoer. There are no slow parts.
Action is always waiting around the corner of the next scene.
Many people say that there is too much action and not enough storyline. I believe
that the movie is perfect. I thought that there was both enough action and storyline. The
understanding of what exactly is the matrix is hard to catch the first time while viewing the
movie. I have viewed the movie over ten times and I always catch something that was
missed during one of the other viewings. The storyline reminds me of a Quentin Tarantino
movie, due to the confusion. One of the most confusing parts of The Matrix is trying to
figure out exactly what the matrix is. The story behind the matrix is told in pieces and
while watching the movie they all fit together forming the confusing, yet powerful matrix.