The Matrix Trilogy

By Sophia Doshi

The Matrix is unlike any other movie ever made. No film has ever made me question reality like this (particularly the first movie). I also now like to bounce around and act like I'm in the signature Dojo studio as if I'm readying to fight Morpheus. The signature scenes where they fly through the air, seemingly in slow motion, and kick the bad guys into the nearest solid object make it memorable. 

Granted, Hollywood said "Let us cast the most emotionless actors in the biz and stick them in a sci-fi movie where nothing is real. People will love that." Newsflash, it made it pretty boring. And the green to distinguish the Matrix from the real world? It got overwhelming in some scenes, especially in the Oracle's apartment. However, it would be cool to download hundreds of hours of kung-fu and jiujitsu moves. I would also love to download piloting helicopters, which would be incredibly cool. 

Regardless, the concept will be contemporary in the far-reaching future. Even when technology is wireless, hospitals bring the treatment to you, and we extend our average lifespan 20 more years, this concept will still be fresh. Yet again, although the CGI in the second movie is blatantly obvious. What is a dream within a dream? An Inception? Will artificial intelligence inject itself into our everyday lives and cause a mass extinction event? 

It's not the best film ever made, plain and simple. But it is a good movie. The second movie is over-edited, uses CGI far too much, and the car & fight scenes are overkill. It makes it cartoonish and childlike, in addition to Trinity and Neo acting like Agent Smith is just a flea with their stone faces. The second film, in general, suffers from over-editing and an overabundance of action scenes that feel excessive and drawn out. Why question the nature of reality–actually draw people in with an existential question–then put in a woman dressed in body-hugging latex to satisfy male fantasies? 

Trinity is so much more than that. She's intelligent, intuitive, and doesn't take bullshit from others. She knows what she has to do, and she does it without casualties (or minimal casualties). Yet the movie holes her into the attractive supporting character, and it ticks me off. Given the caliber of emotion used between Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, either one of them could be classified as the sci-fi messiah. Maybe it's too much of an inference but the Wachowski sisters, formerly brothers, could have used their different thinking (informed by their experience as being transgender) and applied that to Trinity's character. This opinion may be informed because of my own gender and identification, nonetheless, it is mine. 

The body cannot live without the mind. It's seen in hospitals when people are braindead: when their bodies are functioning not on their cortex but on the most basic form of the neuronic system. It is tragic for all parties involved as demonstrated with The Matrix. The concept of mental control over physical existence is both fascinating and terrifying, highlighting the importance of consciousness and the mind's role in defining reality. It really follows the concepts presented in Chris Nolan's Inception–fascinating. 

While I don't like the third movie as much as the first (I detest the second), it is quite good. Following the slow pace and random action sequences of the second movie, and action-packed, fast-paced third movie is welcomed. "Knuckle up" and the commander's other speeches are motivating, contrasting the stone emotionless acting of Reeves and Moss. 

The third film, The Matrix: Revolutions, delivers a more intense narrative, driving the plot to a satisfying end. The stakes are higher, battles more epic, and the dialogue motivational, providing a much-needed sense of urgency and finality. The defense of Zion, in particular, is a standout sequence, combining bustling action with emotional depth. The massive machine invasion (those drillers were nasty), the human resistance, and the desperate struggle create a palpable tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

"Knuckle up" and the commander's speeches add a layer of human determination and resolve that was somewhat lacking in the previous installments. These moments of leadership and gritty determination offer a stark contrast to the often monotone and detached demeanor of Neo and Trinity. It's refreshing to see characters who display raw emotion and passion (in contrast to Reeves and Moss), making the fight for humanity's survival feel more personal and urgent.

The visual effects in the third movie are also a highlight. While the second film suffered from overuse of CGI, Revolutions strikes a better balance, using special effects to enhance the story rather than overshadow it. The climactic showdown between Neo and Agent Smith, set against a backdrop of torrential rain and darkened skies, is both visually satisfying and emotionally charged. This battle, representing the final confrontation between freedom and control, between good and evil, is executed with a dramatic flair that makes it one of the more memorable scenes in the trilogy.

Additionally, the philosophical themes of the trilogy come to a head in Revolutions. The concepts of choice, fate, and sacrifice are explored in greater depth, giving the audience a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the overarching narrative. Neo's journey towards self-realization and his ultimate decision to sacrifice himself for the greater good adds a poignant layer to the story, highlighting the enduring human spirit.

Despite its flaws, Revolutions manages to bring the series to a compelling conclusion. It ties up loose ends and provides a sense of closure that was sorely needed after the convoluted plotlines of the second film. While it may not reach the groundbreaking heights of the first movie, it is a fitting end to the trilogy, offering a blend of thrilling action, emotional resonance, and philosophical depth that keeps the audience engaged until the very end.  

I suppose that in the end, I did enjoy Revolutions, almost as much as the first movie. All three (even though I still hate the second one) made a lasting impact on me which I intend to keep. In the end, the enduring themes and innovative storytelling of The Matrix trilogy have secured its place in my mind and heart. Its influence on my perception of reality and the potential future of technology is something I intend to keep with me. It serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Cover image from The American Society for Cinematography