The Wachowski Brothers' The Matrix

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The Matrix is a film directed by the Wachowski Brothers depicting a future in which machines rule. The machines have created a complex computer program called “the matrix” which simulates a form of reality. The machines have enslaved humans by hooking them up to the matrix so that they can harvest them as an energy source. A number of people have been able to escape the matrix and they continue to fight the war against the machines in hopes of being able to free everyone still trapped within the matrix. Throughout the film the main characters Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity enter back into the matrix several times for various reasons. Because the film bounces back and forth between reality and the matrix, the film induces a strong theme of appearance versus reality. In this essay I will examine the numerous ways the film furthers this theme of appearance versus reality through its editing style and innovative use of special effects.
In the first action sequence where Trinity is cornered in a windowless room by several members of law enforcement, the audience is introduced to the idea that everything might not be as it appears. In this scene Trinity is able to disarm and eliminate the threat posed to her by the members of law enforcement. While doing this, she displayed the ability to move and react faster, hit harder, and defy gravity. The visual effects used to give Trinity these abilities in the film have come to be known as “bullet time.” The Wachowski Brothers have described bullet time as “a visual analogy for privileged moments of consciousness within the Matrix." Bullet time was a major component of establishing the theme of appearance verses reality. These visual effects were used several times throughout the film. It illustrat...

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...es onto to bend the spoon and as he does so, his face is reflected within it. As the spoon bends Neo’s reflection bends as well, symbolizing the change in his perception of what is and isn’t real.
The Matrix is an action/sci-fi film that was met with great financial and critical success. With the film be filled symbolism and various themes, The Matrix has been proclaimed by some as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. One of the most predominant themes being that of appearance verses reality. The Matrix used a multitude of visual effect, filming, and editing techniques to incorporate this theme with in the film. When you combine these elements together like “bullet time,” the appearance of the characters, set design, and the symbolism behind the use of mirrors, it makes clear that the theme of appearance verses reality is meant to the cornerstone of the film.

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