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Do we live in a simulation? Philosopher Nick Bostrom proposed the “Simulation Hypothesis” in 2001, arguing that humanity could live in a constructed universe run by a computer simulation that replicates emotions and experiences. In 2018, Elon Musk echoed Bostrom, declaring “We’re most likely in a simulation.” But before all of that, an iconic piece of U.S. cinema posed this question as its central plot device.
“The Matrix” celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year. Directed by sisters Lilly and Lana Wachowski, the science fiction action film takes place in an alternate universe where sentient artificial intelligence has usurped power from humans. These robots keep human bodies in womb-like pods, hooked up to wires that harvest their bioenergy for fuel. The machines run a simulated version of reality known as the Matrix that tricks the human consciousness into thinking it’s the truth. Protagonist Neo (Keanu Reeves), with the help of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), wakes up from the dream world and joins a resistance group that seeks to regain control of the robots.
What makes “The Matrix” such a compelling film? To begin, its fast-paced, high-stakes plot never fails to entertain. The characters shift in and out of the Matrix as they are relentlessly pursued by a hoard of “agents” (Hugo Weaving), secret-service-type men directly controlled by a seemingly all-powerful A.I. from the “real” world. However, there’s hope. An oracle (Gloria Foster) prophesizes that Neo will destroy the Matrix and become “The One” to save humanity. There’s fighting and action galore: hand-to-hand combat, jumping between rooftops and even hanging from helicopters. The film is complete with a double-crossing resistance agent and a presumed-dead, beloved character turns out to have evaded the reaper. Over its two-hour, 16 minute run-time, there’s never a dull moment.
Moreover, the film’s cutting-edge special effects add to the spectacle of the simulation. The use of slow motion is masterful, culminating in the iconic scene where Neo leans backward to dodge bullets suspended in the air, with multiple arms seeming to emerge from his back. The characters also run up walls, levitate during fight sequences and hook themselves up to wires. The film effectively employs CGI to create the post-apocalyptic world that Neo enters. The editing and camera work are not to be outdone — from early on, the directors use aerial shots and rain to set the dark mood and add suspense to the narrative. They also frequently film Neo through reflective surfaces, including a broken mirror, Morpheus’s sunglasses, window panes and even a doorknob. This choice hints at the film’s reflective nature and the distorted versions of reality in which Neo sees himself. The Wachowskis also utilize jump cuts during action scenes to heighten the tension.
There’s an undeniably compelling style to “The Matrix.” The film works in the aesthetic tradition of “cyberpunk,” from its costume design (black trench coats, leather, iconic aviator sunglasses) to its set design (the grimy mechanics of the Nebuchadnezzar, the shadowy hallways of Neo’s apartment building). The Wachowskis juxtapose that darkness with the saccharine brightness of Neo’s city in the Matrix, hinting at its false interior.
Beyond the dystopia of a hyperrealistic simulation, “The Matrix” seeks to answer another philosophical quandary: What does it mean to be human? The Wachowski sisters masterfully imbue this question into their directing style. “The Matrix” invites us to reflect on our own humanity, both literally through the lens of the camera and metaphorically throughout the narrative. The film continually rejects the premise that living in the Matrix is preferable to living in reality; no matter how idyllic the simulation appears or how depraved the actual world becomes. The question of destiny is central as well. Neo takes the red pill (another iconic cultural reference) because of his desire to control his life, and the Oracle lies to Neo about him being destined to become humanity’s savior so that he has the confidence to get there anyway.
The movie isn’t without its faults, though. Trinity, the only female character of substance, reveals at the end that the Oracle predicted she would fall in love with humanity’s savior, and her kiss resurrects Neo. It’s an unflattering narrative in a modern context; one that reminds the audience that despite Trinity being a savvy resistance fighter, she is, more importantly, a woman longing for love. The dialogue can feel clunky at certain moments, and some action scenes are protracted beyond necessity (the kung fu sparring between Neo and Morpheus comes to mind).
In just the last five years, the advent of generative artificial intelligence has ushered in what some call the “Artificial Intelligence Revolution.” The dystopia of “The Matrix” looks more and more plausible each day, as AI creeps into everyday life. Will robots usurp human intelligence? I don’t think we’re anywhere close to that — ChatGPT can’t even write a decent essay. Nevertheless, the lessons of the Wachowski sisters are a crucial reminder that human creativity and authenticity are irreplaceable.