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“Whoa.”
This is everyone’s first reaction after viewing
The Matrix, including those in the film industry. The Matrix
is the first motion picture pioneer in the 21st century, setting
standards in special effects, cinematography, and storyline.
Simply framed, The Matrix is a story
about discovering that what you know is not real, and understanding your
potential if you can only “free your mind.” This is one man’s search for
truth. Thomas A. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) lives his life in computers and has
feels that something isn’t right with the world. Under the hacker alias Neo,
he searches for answers, believing one man, Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne)
may hold the answer to his most precious question, “What is the Matrix?”
Upon finding Morpheus, however, Neo is informed: “No one can be told what
the Matrix is, they must experience it for themselves.”
We follow Neo on an exploration of the “Real
World,” a post apocalyptic state in which humans are unconscious slaves held
captive by an interactive virtual reality, The Matrix. By "waking up," Neo
enlists in a war that pits human beings against machines, fought in the
physical and mental world. In a reality where anything is possible and an
Oracle holds keys to the prophecy of salvation, Neo struggles to understand
his destiny and ultimately faces challenges with far greater impact than
simply freeing his mind.
The Matrix is
literally a thrill a minute, action packed, roller-coaster ride of a
movie…if you can leave reality at the door and enjoy the ride.
Writers/Directors the Wachowski Brothers have not created a movie or story,
but a theology and culture. Their goal was to make what is essentially a
comic book into a movie.
While the audience may not be aware, the
cinematography and interesting camera angles and shots are representative of
panel storytelling art characterized in comic books. The flow of action also
reflects the comic book narrative style. When referring to the comic book
story style, please do not reference Superman, Batman, or even
X-Men as an example. While these stories have a comic book origin,
the movies are only action packed special effects extravaganzas. The
Matrix is that as well, but is a visually compelling film definably in
its own right.
There are other ways this film is visual
compelling The Wachowski Brothers are also the first directors to use
computer technology to create a virtual camera that can move about in space
and not be hindered in any way. These "bullet-time" sequences are one of the
highlights of the movie.
The martial arts fighting sequences in The
Matrix are absolutely superb. The goal was to pay homage to classic Hong
Kong movie-making by using wire work, wide shots for an extend period of
time, and have the actors actually doing the stunts themselves. The hard
work and intense training pays off in a big way, making The Matrix an
incredible movie to watch the first time and every time.
Just because special effects and action
sequences are outstanding, doesn't mean the acting is as incredible. But in
this case, acting equals story and effects wonderfully. By the first scene,
you'll be sucked down the rabbit hole. I promise.
While recognized as revolutionary, Hollywood has
used The Matrix as a new formula for success. Many movies following
this 1999 break through tended to copy its style and “bullet-time” special
effects literally becoming film fast food for freaks. Unfortunately, it is
forgotten what makes The Matrix a great movie: its original,
outstanding story. |
