THE MATRIX RELOADED
US, 2003, 138 minutes, Colour.
Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne? Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett-Smith?, Harold Perrineau, Helmut Bakaitis, Gloria Foster, Harry Lennix, Robyn Nevin, Anthony Zerbe, Lambert Wilson, Monica Bellucci.
Directed by the Wachowski Brothers.
It is difficult to remember a time when there was no Matrix. The 1999 release of the original film not only pleased fans of science fantasy but drew academics and philosophers into discussion about its issues as well. A world where human beings were under threat from machines, especially the sophisticated machines created by humans. The story of rebels who were trying to break through the tyranny, especially its black-suited and dark glasses agents, were the new heroes. And, of course, the principal figure was Neo, the One, who was destined to be the Saviour. Loved back into life by Trinity, his destiny is clear.
And so we arrive at The Matrix Reloaded with Matrix Revolution to be released in November 2003, completing the trilogy. The financial success of Reloaded has meant that millions around the world wanted to continue the experience of the menaced futuristic society and think about the issues raised. It has also meant that many critics who like to lop successful films have now praised the action sequences (even more spectacular with Neo being able to fly and Agent Smith able to replicate himself at will to do battle with Neo) and the decor and special effects (even more elaborate than before). However, many have ridiculed the discussion sequences, some dismissing it as gobbledygook. One of the troubles with this kind of dismissal is that when a serious issue like human freedom and choice is discussed, it makes demands on the minds of the audience which some critics resent, declaring it holds up the action. Those who valued the reflections on the dimensions of existence, human freedom and the purposiveness in choice will not be disappointed.
Neo has matured since The Matrix with Keanu Reeves very comfortable in the role. Carrie Ann Moss is more serious and more loving as Trinity. Laurence Fishburne has more gravity as Morpheus. A number of new characters are introduced, including Lambert Wilson as a kind of Turette sufferer who compulsively swears and is vulgar in French, some light moments which precede one of the more important philosophical discussions.
Just as this film relies on knowledge of the original, so it relies on the third part. It is an interim film in terms of plot. Neo and the rebels have staved off attack, but the respite is only temporary.
1. The impact of the original film? Visual, action? Philosophy? Expectations of the sequel?
2. The visual impact of the film, colour, editing and pace, action and effects, sets, costumes and décor? Musical score and atmosphere? Final song?
3. The title, the Matrix and the machines in control of human beings, the role of humans, the lack of power and control, the rebels in Zion? Lies and the truth? The quest for freedom?
4. The technological background, information technology, cyberspace, the Matrix, being plugged in, being programmed, programs being deleted, overridden, changed? The victims and the controllers?
5. Themes of power and control, choices and freedom, the significance of causality? The purpose of the world, of human life, the nature of human nature? Beyond the immediate, the transcendent, power and God-like creatures, redemption?
6. The core group after the first film? Morpheus continuing his dreams, intuitions, wanting the truth, finding the possibility of being deceived, his clashes with Lock about the strategy? The backing of the council? His friendship with Councillor Hamann, their discussions like-mind? The meeting with the council, the president of the council, the call for ships to go out on mission, volunteers? His being plugged in? Life dreams and reality? Trinity, the theological overtones of her name, continuing strong, yet vulnerable, the fearful dreams, her love for Neo, saving him? Being saved by him? Neo and the development of his personality, the transition from Mr Anderson to The One? The new skills, his knowledge, ability to fly? The significance of his fight sequences? The love for Trinity? Going on his mission and expectations that he was The One?
7. The machines, especially those burrowing down to Zion, the visuals, the tentacles, the drilling, getting close? The question of who controlled the machines? Fighting them, the council, Lock and his opposition to sending ships? The traitor? The volunteers taking the ships? The personalities in the council, especially the advice of Councillor Hamann?
8. The team on the ship, going into Space? Link, his personality, at the controls? Young and brash? Morpheus wanting him to trust him? Going home to his family, the niece and nephew? The human touch? The reality of leaving and going on mission? His availability? His skills in helping the team, especially during such action as the car chase, the fights, in the mazes?
9. Niobe, her past relationship with Morpheus, her present relationship with Link? Surly, yet volunteering to go on mission? Her skill in her work?
10. Mr Smith embodying the enemy, the suit and dark glasses, the agent, his presence in the first film, his being an agent of the machines, his way of speech, referring to Neo as Mr Anderson, his ability to fight, transform other characters? The innovation of his being able to multiply himself? The variety of fights with his multiple personalities attacking Neo?
11. The visit to the Oracle, her role in the first film, talking quietly with Neo, an ordinary black old woman, her enabling him to see, come to the truth about himself, find a way of vision, of action?
12. Merovingian, his lifestyle, French, his pleasure in uttering vulgarities in French? His speech about choice, causality? His relationship with his wife? Going out to the other women? The wife, her anger with her husband? Her decision to help the team, taking them to the key-maker?
13. The key-maker, his room, literally having the keys, his explanations, leading them into the maze of rooms, to find the controller, his death?
14. The architect, age, experience, sitting in his room, the background of his control, the television panel with the scenes of Neo's life? Neo and the confrontation?
15. Neo and his growth as a person, emotionally, the relationship with Trinity? The torment of her falling in his dreams? His warning her not to go out? The dream being fulfilled? Her being shot, his ability to go into her and take out the bullet, love and healing?
16. Neo and his work as redeemer, expectations on him, his ability to fly, his ability to fight?
17. The impact of the long chase sequence, as part of the plot, special effects, Trinity at the controls, the crashes as well as the pursuit?
18. The role of the council in Zion, the president, Hamann, the traitor?
19. The build-up to the confrontation with the machines, the dangers, Trinity, Neo - and their coming back to life: to be continued?
