Today, we're diving into the captivating world of "The Matrix" (1999), a cinematic masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the realm of science fiction and visual storytelling. (And Mr.Lin's favorite film of all time. I used to watch this movie every time it is playing on TV, you can always catch something new on re-watch) Directed by the Wachowskis, this film invites us to explore questions about reality, identity, and the nature of existence. In this blog post, we'll provide you with an introduction to "The Matrix" and pose thought-provoking questions for you to ponder and discuss in the comments section.
A Glimpse into "The Matrix":"The Matrix" introduces us to a world that might not be what it seems. The film follows Neo (played by Keanu Reeves), a seemingly ordinary individual living an unremarkable life. However, a series of mysterious events lead him down a rabbit hole into a reality that challenges everything he thought he knew.
Discussion Questions:
- Blurring the Boundaries: "The Matrix" delves into the idea of reality versus illusion. How does the film explore the tension between the world we perceive and a deeper, more complex reality? Can you think of real-life situations where our perceptions might not align with actuality?
- Visual Language of Cinema:Visual storytelling is a crucial aspect of filmmaking. "The Matrix" is known for its unique visual style, including iconic slow-motion action scenes and distinctive green-tinted visuals. How do these visual elements contribute to the film's storytelling and themes? Analyze a scene/sequence.
- Enduring Impact: "The Matrix" has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has sparked discussions about reality, technology, and the human experience. Why do you think this film continues to resonate with audiences? How has it influenced the way we think about our relationship with technology and our perception of the world around us?
- Lastly, Did you like the film? Why/Why Not?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Optional reading/watching:
Deep Dive analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMWFruxxt_o
Wise Crack philosophy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDGAHI3_tA
Simulation & Simulacra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJmp9jfcDkw&list=PL7vtNjtsHRepjR1vqEiuOQS_KulUy4z7A&index=1
Easter Eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg5rStNXHq8
1. It delves into this idea rather visually. There are countless examples of things being appearance versus reality. Some of those examples are how the agents move around so quickly and when they hack the body of a random person in the right place. Yet another example is when the bald kid that looks like Eleven from Stranger Things (I haven’t gotten around to watching the show personally, but I felt a good pop culture reference was appropriate) bends the spoon, and the kids around him are levitating blocks; These abilities are amply explained by the kid when he says, “You have to know that the spoon isn’t there.” Yet another thing was the deja vu, where the same cat did the same thing twice, and it was said that that happens when the Matrix code is altered. Still more is when the agents and our heroes are leaping tall bounds, it goes slow-motion, and we see bullets flying through the air almost breaking the air in a wind tunnel. All these moments pale in comparison to when Neo has that moment near the end of the movie where he has the realization that he is "the One" and he sees the Matrix as all the green code (great perspective shot). Showing us all these things keeps the audience guessing as to what will happen in this made-up world. Some real-life situations where our perception and reality don’t line up include magic; every magic trick relies on a sleight of hand and deception of the eye. Yet another example is optical illusions, like the guy that paints the sidewalk to look like an elaborate set of stairs, when it’s just more sidewalk.
ReplyDelete2. This film has a very distinct visual style, and it is clear that every scene taking place in the Matrix is tinted green. According to Cinegrading, "...the colors may represent the corruption and sickness of a prison, almost like a mental hospital. The idea is that the world is “sick,” and the filmmakers communicated that in a visual way... The colors can also be interpreted as a reference to older computer monitors that displayed monotone green text. The monotone color grade may reference the monotony of life in a prison." This tinting is lifted in the real world, distinguished as dystopian futuristic, Terminator esk in some ways (This is my formal request to please put Terminator (1984) on Plex). This green tinting allows for a greater understanding of the environment and an added feeling of abnormality; it also distinguishes The Matrix from the other programs run through in the film. In summary, the green streamlines the story, enhancing the visual feeling of the film and adding to the themes of oppression and the unnatural explored throughout. The slow motion on the other hand highlights the intense and striking fighting choreography. With the slow motion, we get to see in greater detail the various kicks, punches, and bullets in these scenes. But this slow motion is most well highlighted in the scenes where Neo and the Agents are squaring off on the roof of the building where they are holding Morpheus. Because they can bend the Matrix, this adds to the storytelling in that we see them moving so fast defying all reality as to understand that Neo is the one. The combination of slow-motion fighting is most apt seen when Neo dodges the bullets. There is a rather good action sequence at roughly 1:46 in the film where Neo and Trinity are facing off against one of the agents. Starting with a full-crowd shot of Neo and Trinity taking down some more of the building's security forces with their ninja moves, then we see the helicopter pilot get hacked by one of Agent Smith's counterparts. This whole scene is tinted green and we even see green code when the guy is getting hacked. Neo shoots a soldier with a barrage from one of their M16s and Trinity throws a knife into a guy's head. They see the agent and react quickly; Neo unleashes two fully loaded handguns at one of the agents who dodges all of them, of course, this is a callback to earlier in the film where Morpheus tells Neo how he once knew a man who emptied a whole Magazine into an agent and it didn't hit him. This cuts between the Agent's superfast dodging and Neo's shooting (a cowboy and close-up shot). Then we see a slow-motion shot of Neo dodging the bullets, this in slow motion with the camera doing an arc shot as we see the bullets flying by him, only slightly grazing him, as the agent goes in for the kill he pauses to gloat and Trinity shoots him point blank, the agent teleports away leaving the dead helicopter pilot, showing that the agents use the bodies of different human's as disposable vehicles for destruction. We get a great perspective shot from the agent as Trinity goes, "Dodge this." This is one of the more iconic sequences in the movie and for good reason based on its story significance and unique visuals.
Delete3. This film continues to resonate with audiences because of how relatively far ahead of its time it was. They essentially live in a virtual reality, and that concept is more and more on the minds of people today. Today, you have people talking about living in the Meta-Verse and being able to choose their avatar, which they do in this film. Gamers will relate to this as far as cheat codes go, Neo is quite literally the cheat code in this movie. Today, you can plug into a VR headset in a similar way they do with the Matrix and other programs. This also has the ever common Sci-Fi trope of AI and that has never been more relevant than how it is developing now and influencing the lives of all. It also opened up interesting philosophical questions, like, "Are we in the Matrix?" or "Is life a simulation?" and "Are we the masters of our own destiny?" Our relationship with technology has become more and more dependent and this movie serves as a warning, but we also see in it easily blurred our perception of the world is based on selfishness and how we want to make it. The secondary villain makes an interesting point about how ignorance is bliss and in the end, certain people may choose the digital life because it is carefree and they can choose how they perceive the world. In the end, this movie has impacted many parts of popular culture and serves as a reminder that we are moving into a uniquely digital age.
Delete4. I very much enjoy this movie a nice blend of martial arts and Sci-Fi culminating in a true 90s classic. Keanu Reeves is a fine actor despite what some say, the cast is truly stacked here with Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving the standouts in my mind. I love a good Sci-Fi movie and this does delivers awesome world-building, writing, and characters. Killer AI robots have been done before and some rather gut-wrenching concepts in this film hold it back from perfect. Also, the CGI doesn't hold up as much as I would have liked, hot take.
Citation:
Cinegrading. “Color in Film: Case Study - the Matrix (1999).” CINEGRADING, cinegrading.com/blogs/all/color-in-film-case-study-the-matrix-1999#:~:text=The%20idea%20is%20that%20the,of%20life%20in%20a%20prison.
1.The film “The Matrix” explores the tension between the world we perceive and a deeper more complex reality. This is done through the concept of the matrix itself. This is the idea that humans are plugged into a simulated reality that they are unaware that they are in while their bodies are used as an energy source. What this does is make us think that there is a possibility that there is a more complex reality farther than we can see. Some real-life situations where our perceptions might not align with actual reality are dreams or optical illusions. In dreams, things can feel real but they don’t go with what's actually happening in reality when we wake up. Illusions are when our brain gets tricked into seeing something that's not really there.
ReplyDelete2.Visual storytelling is a crucial part of storytelling. The Matrix uses this aspect of storytelling in many scenes. Such as the bullet dodgeing scene being taken in slow motion which shows Neo's growing awareness and control in the Matrix. This helps show the audience the moment he starts to understand the illusion of the world around him. The green tint in the film helps the audience distinguish between the real world and the Matrix. It shows how the characters perceive reality.
3. This film: The Matrix still continues to resonate with audiences because it taps into the minds of many people who have many universal questions about reality and everyone's place in the world. This film also causes people to become concerned about the influence of technology on our lives. The matrix has influenced the way we think about our relationship with technology by showing a very dystopian future where humans are all slaves to machines. This makes us question as to how far we can rely on technology and if it could turn against us one day.
4. And lastly, I personally did not enjoy the film I found it very boring but it was probably because of the time difference from then to now.
1. The Matrix presents an alternative version of our world where the reality we know is a computer simulation, designed by sentient A.I. This plot structure is used to present the ideas of a manufactured society that we could be living in, in the real world. Both in the real world and the digital world of the matrix, humans are living out pointless corporate jobs to serve a higher power (not as in a god). This idea acts as a mirror to our real world, with an anti-cooperate, anti-urban, and anti-conformist messages. The Matrix is saying we are growing disconnected from the natural world, and shows what could be a result of it in this extreme sci-fi story.
ReplyDeleteThe movie uses metaphors to talk about governing control for the sake of continuing the growth and prosperity of an upper class of sentient beings. In the movie, they are the A.I. In the real world, they are all the unnamed owners of these massively large companies, world leaders, etc. The Agents represent those who silence others (such as the Gestapo in Nazi Germany) for the sake of maintaining the will of the governing body. The illusion of the matrix is representative of the false perspective of the world that can be created by things such as propaganda that influence the minds of people, especially those who are uninformed of the reality of whatever is actually around them; which is a very board idea in and of itself.
2)
(39:25-44:00) (roughly)
This is the scene where Morpheus is first telling Neo about the reality of the world they live in, and its real history. They are in the computer loading program.
The scene starts with a rather clean transition between a close up of Neo going into the simulation, and him arriving calmly. The two characters are talking about how the matrix manipulates one’s senses, and asking the question, “what counts as real?”. During this, we can see the tv that looks to be from a time period not far from the current year of the in universe matrix, indicating the halt of human progress in favor of the A.I. takeover. The TV displays the matrix city, and then Morpheus contrasts this with the real world, in the same place. They are then seen sitting in an isolated area in this huge display, which indicates the reality manipulation that is possible in the matrix. The rules are up to the code. The dystopian city is a very desolate place, reinforcing the idea that humanity is heading in the wrong direction with their rampant technology and urban landscapes that disconnect them from Mother Earth. The “scorched sky” that the humans created as an attempt to stop the robot race is further indicative of the destruction of the planet. As Morpheus continues on about the energy capacity of a human, the shots consist of the humans in these sort of pods, mixing both organic and inorganic things to keep the human alive. The robots that monitor and examine these little pods are the start of the motif used in the movie of the robots mimicking creatures we consider slimy, disgusting, and alien. This sort of characterizes the robots as humanity’s enemy, as they represent things we have negative connotations with. The nature of the robots also calls into question how our sentience is different from theirs. The previously mentioned “pods” are also slimy, disgusting, and alien. We are being used by the robots so similarly to how we used them, its almost the same. The only real differences are that 1) we are a HUMAN audience of ORGANIC life, so we instinctually disapprove of the real world of the matrix; and 2) that world is a result of our negligence, our sins, as opposed to our care, our virtues. This all comes together to present the idea of the reversal of fortune for our species, trapped by the robots we created. We are ironically, the creators of our fate.
3)
DeleteI’m going to talk about this first from the timeless perspective and again from the 2020’s perspective.
Human beings have tried to understand and proposed countless ideas regarding our reasoning for being here in the universe, what our place is, and how we work. The Matrix brings forth the conceptual question of what is real, and what price of truth is too much? In terms of technology, that is again an aspect of Human history that has been ever-growing with ourselves. The movie voices concerns of a sentience more powerful than ourselves. One thing that made this assignment difficult was differentiating between the general concept of human invention and technology, and the modern technology of the past 30 years that gets exaggerated in the movie.
As we become more engrossed in technological advancements and as we face an increasingly less stable economy, concerns for the future of society as we know it are bound to arise. We are seeing all kinds of art, mostly made by small creators on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram reels, demonstrating a rejection of the current direction of the norm. Creators who promote exploring the world, being reflective, every single one of those “stoicism” reels you see, etc. They all are examples of the same kinds of people as the main characters in the Matrix, not conforming to what is around them and following their own path. Many other people relate the movie’s fear of what could happen to our society, even in the literal robot takeover that the movie presents. We already are having our art mimicked, our stories simplified into what the robot can produce. Our identities are at stake, with A.I. voices and deepfakes. The movie validates our fear of trusting what is around us.
4)
I really liked the movie, when me and my dad were adding it to our little tier list we have going, we didn’t expect it to be in the top 3 and yet it is. I love the movie more for how it is a perfect representation of the stories movies, videogames, etc. were trying to tell on their deeper levels. I also really liked the acting in this movie, which isn’t something I talk about a lot with my responses. With this movie, I was really focused on how real the actors were in their roles; If it wasn’t for the fact that I knew who Keanu Reeves was, then I would be completely immersed in the story of these characters.
1. The Matrix explores the tension between the world we perceive and a deeper, more complex reality by using the idea of “the Matrix” which is a computerized system to make people believe they are living a different life when in reality they are slaves to AI and only serve as batteries to power their systems. They make this difference known by using a green tint when the characters are within the Matrix along with utilizing the way the characters are dressed as a way to differentiate. A real-life situation I can think of where our perceptions might not align with actuality is when we are in love. When people fall in love they tend to ignore all their partners' flaws. This is where the term “blinded by love” comes into play because the person in love will have a different, better perception of their partner and their relationship. Meanwhile, someone else looking in could say that said person's partner is manipulative or that their relationship is unhealthy, which might be the actuality but it is something that the person in love would not be able to see because they refuse to believe it.
ReplyDelete2. These visual elements contribute to the film’s storytelling and themes by allowing the audience to distinguish between when the characters are within the Matrix, their perceived world, or the real world. Around 2:05:18 Neo stops the bullets in mid-air and they fall to the ground. The use of slow motion makes the scene more engaging, furthers Neo's character, and allows the audience to focus on the one most important thing that is happening at the moment. The screen has a green tint to it, showing Neo is in the Matrix before it disappears as it then cuts to Morpheus calling him “the one”. The camera then cuts back to a close-up of Neo’s face and his realization because then a POV shot is utilized to show that he no longer sees “the Matrix”/the world the same. He sees lists of numbers and codes and finally realizes that “the Matrix” is only a perceived reality and begins to see the world for what it is.
3. I think this film continues to resonate with audiences because with technology constantly evolving and AI becoming more prominent in our daily lives the idea of perhaps becoming slaves to the machines we create is not so far off from reality. It is also like people to be curious and question their existence because it is a form of coping with the idea that we may never know how we got to where we are now or why we are the way that we are. This film has influenced the way we think about our relationship with technology and our perception of the world around us by allowing us to think about the role of technology in our society today and how much we rely on it to do simple day-to-day things like tell the time, contact people, or even brush our teeth.
4. I liked the film because it made me think about the way I perceive the world around me. It also made me question my existence and I did not particularly enjoy that thought because I question my existence every day in TOK when Mr. Hiatt brings up the conversation of what is “real” or not. All in all, I thought the film was very interesting and entertaining.
1. Through plot and character development The Matrix communicates the idea of reality versus illusion. Through Neo’s character, we are put into his perspective of questioning a world he once knew and realizing a complex reality; that he was once under the trap of the matrix. As Neo learns more about the Matrix and accepts it, he falls farther from conformity (Rage Against the Machine on the soundtrack is so perfect for this). The idea of the matrix reminded me a lot of “The Treachery of Images” especially in the scene where they talk about bending the spoon. The themes definitely have a philosophical aspect to them; leading you to question what is real, or even intelligible. Having thought-provoking concepts like this in the film furthers the film’s intention to have the audience question their perceptions.
ReplyDelete2. At around 25 minutes, there is a chain of Alice in Wonderland motifs starting with the black and white tile staircase, a direct mention of Alice, and the question of the red pill or blue pill. Then he immediately delves into the unfamiliar world, he’s officially down the rabbit hole. He’s passing by new people and new technology he is yet to learn all about. He then experiments with the mirror they place him with, which I saw as an allusion to Alice Through the Looking Glass. The two stories are similar in theme in regards to questioning your reality/perceptions. Utilizing Alice in Wonderland motifs helps enhance the storytelling of the Matrix.
3. The film continues to resonate with audiences because as long as there is a system in place where individuals are being controlled and self-proclaimed superior individuals are benefiting from that, there will be an encouragement to question everything. I feel that this can connect to not only the evolution of technology but also the progressive collection of power governments today are gaining.
4. My interest and investment in the film faded in and out as I watched it but it definitely has visuals and themes worth discussing. It’s also just not my kind of genre.
1.The film explores tension between the world we perceive and a deeper reality by using The Matrix which is the concept that what people think is “reality” is actually not and everything is simulated by a computer, this idea leads people to believe there is something more to the life theyre living and Neo wants to reveal that truth. There are many real life situations where our perceptions dont alight with reality like for example something as simple a drawing illusion. Artist can draw something on flat paper but make it seem like its 3rd, or maybe the real life situation is more relatable to everyday life like social media. People often perceive others based on their social media, leading to huge misjudgments or envy, but the people who post chose how they wanted to be perceived despite what might actually be going on.
ReplyDelete2.The Matrix is very famous for their green tint throughout the film and after watching it, it all makes complete sense. Starting from 1:12:15 there is a prominent green tint and close up shot of Neos intruiged and confused face. The green color symbolizes virus/sickness of the Matrix, this is paired which a close up of Neo and a spoon, hes bending his head and as he bends his head so does the spoon. Typically spoons do not bend by themselves, this close up and color assert the ideal of reality versus illusion.
3The Matrix has been consistently talked about by millions of people year after year. The idea behind The Matrix is horrifying to think about especially with the growth in technology today, something like The Matrix may not seem so crazy as humans have been able to accomplish many unthinkable things. The Matrix has influenced our relationship with technology by creating a type of awareness of what could be and how much we truly rely on it.
4.It was my first time watching the Matrix and I liked it. It was interesting to think about such an advanced and frightening world, its also made me a little scared of what people can do with technology, I understand why so many people like it now.
1. The Matrix explores the tension between our perception and the complicated reality we find ourselves in through the characters in this story. Neo’s alter-ego, Thomas Anderson represents what the “average man” should be. Anderson has a desk job (a job that his friend who stocks vending machines would kill to have) and never seems to be much trouble for anyone. But this is just an alter-ego. Neo is a hacker who makes ends meet and sells technology to whoever has the money, which are habits the everyday man wouldn’t have. Everyone around Neo wouldn’t know this, though, unless they were his client, as Thomas Anderson is perceived as an average man, who works for a company, lives a healthy enough life, and can blend in with the rest of the world without realizing it. The reality of Thomas Anderson is that he isn’t Thomas Anderson, he's truly Neo, a man the world wouldn’t be very fond of due to his status as a hacker and support for what they consider terrorists. This perception versus reality shows how our conception of a person or people can be very wrong and how the reality of this person or people can be drastically different. Another character who is perceived incorrectly is Cypher, the resistance member who gives up the resistance for riches and to live in the matrix once again. On the outside, Cypher seems to believe in the resistance when he secretly plots with Agent Smith to take them down. The reality of Cypher’s true motivations doesn’t reflect the perception of the audience and the cast but does reflect the simulation of the matrix. The hidden realities of Thomas Anderson and Cypher both reflect the matrix, as the matrix is too misperceived and has a very different, complicated reality. The matrix is perceived by all who are trapped within as real life, as reality, when in reality this perceived reality is nothing more than a very complicated VR game to keep humans from escaping from their robot captives. This is a problem we see in our reality, as perception and reality don’t always meet in the real world either. For example, someone could be struggling with a drinking problem at night but could hide this problem while around others, causing others to perceive that they aren’t having problems like this. Another example could be how social media portrays a celebrity of some sort, as the way someone is perceived on camera will be how everyone perceives them, even if these cameras aren’t focused on the true reality
ReplyDelete2. The Matrix’s use of visual elements such as color and camera movements contribute to the film’s storytelling and themes. For example in the sequence where Morpheus and Neo are training in the matrix, the use of color and freeze frames shows the film’s storytelling and theme. During the scene where Neo and Morpheus practice martial arts skills, the color grading is a cool yellowish tint, representing how this simulation is different from the matrix and its sharp green tint. Yellow often represents happiness and energy while green can represent greed and being possessive. The use of these different colors in these different locations shows how the training simulation is safe and full of energy while the matrix is full of greed as the machines feed off of the humans’ energy. This use of color also shows how Neo has regained his energy after escaping the matrix, as his training simulation is yellow for energy while the matrix is green for greed, and since the machines only use humans for energy, the green tint shows the machines’ greed of the humans’ energies. The slow motion during the training simulation scene shows how the matrix is fake and can be manipulated through belief, a lesson Neo must learn to rise and become the prophesized chosen one. Shots like the one where Morpheus floats in the air in a freeze frame show how bendable the matrix is and how much Neo must extend and mold his old beliefs into new ones that will grant him the power needed to stop the matrix. This use of slow motion and freeze frames also shows how well-trained Morpheus is in the matrix and creates Morpheus as a great warrior, only to be defeated by Agent Smith to show how powerful Smith is.
Delete3. One of the ways The Matrix still resonates with audiences is through its portrayal of its world. Inside the matrix, the world we see consists of a city crowded with tall glass buildings, apartments, empty run-down buildings, and small restaurants. These buildings are all personality-less and show a lack of empathy from the world, which is strikingly similar to the location of Se7en. Se7en also features a similar city where personality-less buildings occupy all of the space in the film’s city, except more noir and dark than The Matrix’s. However, while Se7en’s production design was made to look like it could be any city, The Matrix’s city is designed to look like a city you’d see in some form of media, whether that be a film, TV show, video game, or even an ad. More specifically, the city in The Matrix seems generic and bland and what society wants the everyday city to look like. This city reflects the negatives of living in a city that only influences the everyday man to waste their life away sitting in a cubicle office, doing work that doesn’t matter to them, and earning just enough money to keep the process repeating itself over and over until that person either dies or retires. This resonates with viewers, as from the time this film was released to modern times (not the film) many people find themselves in this type of work in this type of environment having to repeat this cycle and be another number in the machine, or more accurately to The Matrix, another battery in the energy source. The only interactions Neo has in the matrix are with his disappointed boss and to clients he sells his wares to, showing that Neo is alone, not lonely, but alone. The only time Neo is shown some empathy from his environment is when his client invites him to a nightclub, only to abandon him later on in a bursting nightclub that plays great music. In conclusion, people resonate with this film due to Neo’s world in the matrix of being alone in a seemingly endless cycle. Just like in The Terminator franchise, Alien, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Matrix made viewers cautious of AI and the rapid evolution of technology. At the film’s release, it caused viewers to fear what AI could become as seen in The Matrix, and made some not want technology to improve due to the fears of being at the mercy of a machine. The Matrix came out the year prior to The Truman Show and like that film, had many viewers questioning their own existence and worlds. These films caused people to wonder if they were really in control of their lives or if their world was all puppeteered.
Delete4. I enjoy watching The Matrix and I think it’s a great film and work of art. I love the story-telling of this film and how even a straightforward enough narrative like The Matrix’s can still have so many hidden details and little details that can cause so many different theories and ideas that cause the film to feel much more alive and rich. The characters are great all around and I can’t think of any issues that I have with the actors or characters. The cinematography and color usage are also very well done and help establish The Matrix’s personality. Plus the green tint that dominates the screen while inside the matrix is very iconic and cool. I also have to appreciate the film’s impact on other films that I enjoy such as The Lego Movie and Free Guy. Overall, The Matrix is incredibly well-made and is a great and fun film that goes deep down the rabbit hole of AI and dystopian futures without hitting a septic tank and being bad, like Space Jam 2. Bonus points for Rage Against the Machine and Rob Zombie both being played in this film.
Delete1. 1. The matrix explores the tension between perceived reality and a deeper truth though the concept of the matrix itself a simulated reality in which masked the truth in a way. In real life situations where our perceptions which might not align with actuality is social media in which it shows expectations which leads us away from actual reality.
ReplyDelete2. The scene I will be analyzing is the bullet scene when neo is fighting agent smith. In this scene he discovers his ability to manipulate the simulated reality of the matrix. In which in this scene the use of slow motion enhances the visual effects of tension and this shows his control over the simulated world. These visual elements play a role in convey the films explosion of a reality versus the illusion.
3. The matrix continues to have an impact because it taps into universal themes like questioning reality and the influence of technology. Its exploration of a simulated world parallels concepts about the increasing roles of technology in our lives. The film prompts audience to reflect on their own relationship with reality and technology , in which this sparks discussion about the existence and the potential consequences of advancing technology on our perception of the world.
4. I really didn’t enjoy this film it just isn’t something I would watch.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. The Matrix explores the tension between the world we perceive and the real world around us through the concept of The Matrix itself, a “reality” that is simulated by a computer. The Matrix sort of masks the real world, making people believe there's something more to the life they’re living. A real-life situation where our perceptions might not align with reality is when someone goes into a situation with rose-colored glasses. When someone goes into a situation with rose-colored glasses they only want to see the good in something and/or someone so their view is unrealistic.
ReplyDelete2.The Matrix uses a green tint throughout the film to signify the difference between the real world and the computerized world in the Matrix, as the real world is deceptive in blue tones and overall just more saturated than the colors in the Matrix. Where's the green of the Matrix is a reminder of older computer monitors that had a monotone green text. Also, because everything in the matrix is shown with a green tint it suggests that what is shown/happening in the Matrix is filtered through something else (in this case the computers and their codes).
3. I think The Matrix continues to resonate with audiences over time because of its exploration with reality with the influence of technology. As technology only continues to advance today, with robots, AI and virtual reality people have discussions about the possible consequences of technology and how power it can become. And especially with today's advancements in technology the idea of something like The Matrix happening in the future doesn't seem so far fetched.
4.This was my first time watching the Matrix I didn’t dislike it or like it I thought it was just okay. I tend to not really enjoy most sci-fi movies so it's not something I would've watched on my own will.
1. The Matrix goes into the tension between perceived reality and the complex truth by showing a replicated world where humans reside unknowingly. As a viewer it makes us wonder what’s actually true and ultimately challenges how we see things in our own lives. Real life situations where our perceptions don’t always align with reality would be misleading advertisements. So for example how the food in fast food commercials always looks bigger and better then we get the meal in person just for it to be smaller than expected and overall underwhelming. People with online personas can also create a gap between the viewer and the person posting the video or picture. People often set unrealistic expectations for how someone should and shouldn’t look and oftentimes it’s either unattainable or unrealistic standards being set in place.
ReplyDelete2.This movie is known for popularizing the bullet time effect. This effect would slow down what was currently happening on screen while the camera orbits around what goes on. Green tint was commonly used to depict the matric while the blue tint was used to show the real world. This reinforces the contrast between the artificial and the authentic. In the scene where Neo fights against Agent Smith the bullet time effect was put into action. They both run on the sides of the pillars of the subway and then proceed to jump in midair and time slows down. The camera starts to the left of Agent Smith and orbits all the way around to Neo’s backside all the while bullets from both of their guns are being shot out at a relatively quicker pace and soon after they end back up on the ground. Also important to note that the green tint is present meaning this fight is happening in the matrix and every hit received heavily affects the body in the real world. Overall the visual elements serve to immerse the audience in the films themes illusion, reality and the blurred lines between the two.
3. The film continues to resonate with audiences because it takes a deep dive into the profound concepts of reality, technology, and human experience. The long lasting appeal of this movie lies in the ability to make the audience question how real is their existence and the influence of technology on their lives. The film’s themes resonate with today’s world as technology continues to advance, prompting discussions about virtual realities, artificial intelligence, and both the good and bad effects of our reliance on technology. As a result this continues to spark ongoing conversations about the technology and how far it's come along with how much it's influencing the world as a whole.
4. Yes, The Matrix was very interesting. There was a thin line between fantasy and reality. It was interesting to put into perspective. The bullet time visual was something I had never seen before and I thought it was very cool.