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Essay / A Film Study of The Movie Matrix
Table of ContentsPart 1The Set DesignLightingDecorCostumes and MakeupPart 2ConclusionThe Matrix Reloaded is a 2003 fictionalized futuristic film written and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. The film takes place in the future where artificial intelligence rules the rest of the world. As the second sequel to The Matrix, it builds its story from a post-apocalyptic era where man faces rebellion against machines that have become self-aware after the introduction of artificial intelligence. Machines overwhelm humanity and create a virtual network system in which humans serve as their power source, called a matrix. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Humanity serves as an energy source as an alternative to the sunlight it has blocked to deprive machines of their primary energy source (Cloud 330). Large parts of the film were filmed at Fox Studios in Australia. Filming for the film took place on March 1, 2001 and finished a year and a half later. Other parts of the film were filmed in the United States. Oakland and Alameda were the locations of the highway chase as well as other minor sections of the film. The film was released as a sequel to the original Matrix film which turned out to be a huge success. Matrix Reloaded falls into the science fiction category and forms a long list of imaginative films made in response to the rise of computer technology and fears that uncontrolled advancements in the industry could prove to be a catastrophe for humanity (Fielding, 15). Similar films at the time followed a similar model to Terminator. The Matrix is also a fusion of science fiction and action. This article delves deeper into the stylistic analysis and interpretation of a five-minute scene from the film. The film's main thematic concern is the dangers resulting from uncontrolled development and technological improvements. The scene, from 1:50:00 to 1:55:00, provides the most in-depth understanding of the characters, summarizes the film and explains the function/role of each character within the matrix as envisioned by the architect which has been absent from the beginning of the film and yet central to its plot.Part 1The selected scene is the climax of most sections of the film. To find an answer to his question, Neo must access the computer's mainframe through Oracle. However, to access the mainframe, they would need the Key maker and precise planning from their teams. Once Neo accesses the mainframe, he encounters a seated, elderly man who introduces himself as the architect. The encounter is a revelation both for the audience and for Neo as a character. Throughout the film, plot and character development focused on Zion and Neo. For the first time in the film, the focus shifts to the bigger picture and reveals the role of Sion, Neo (the one), and the Oracle. The Architect is a well-spoken speaker and explains the role of Zion and Neo within the film. the entire matrix web. Instead of the messianic figure envisioned by the prophecy that Morpheus firmly believes in, the One (Neo) reveals himself as a means to an end, a facilitator for the continued existence of the Matrix. As revealed by the Architect, the function of the One is to facilitate the continued existence of Zion by choosing 23 individuals, 16 women and seven men, to rebuild the next Zion. In a word, act as a control system. Additionally, Neo discovers that this is the sixth time Zion has been on the verge of being destroyed by the machines. The way the scene unfolds is rather dramatic. WhileNeo opens the door to face the architect, a bright white light envelops him, placing him fully at the center of the image that is forming. The cinematic illusion of brilliant white light creates an illusion of messianic grandeur and complexity. Neo enters the room with the goal of not only finding answers to his questions but also saving Zion from ultimate destruction according to the ancient prophecy. The dramatic nature of his entrance creates anticipation for the rest of the scene. Within the framework of the setting, this article analyzes various aspects of the film in detail, as explained below. The Set Design As Neo opens the door, he enters a large room with screens on each wall and a single chair facing the opposite end of the space. The Architect sits in the chair and dramatically rotates to face his nemesis. To further illustrate the conflicted nature of their relationship, the scene places the two men at some distance from each other in several shots. While Neo is standing, the Architect sits on a rotating chair which represents the positions of the two gentlemen. The architect is in a position of power and exercises this power with a feeling of invincibility. The exchange of knowledge between the two adversaries is also reflected in their physical positions. The room itself is neatly arranged, without any noise and with a single chair as the only piece of furniture. A well-organized room presents the architect as an orderly person. Additionally, the empty white space is used by the filmmakers to depict nothingness and the architect's cold, machine-like attitude toward the people of Zion. In his monologue, he describes them as part of an unbalanced equation rather than as a people with an identity. Importantly, the changing colors of the piece play with the viewer's sense of depth and create an illusion of infinity. To further reinforce the feeling of illusion of depth and infinity, the walls are superimposed by numerous televisions which broadcast the same image at any given moment. As the Architect sits in his chair, he appears to control the mounted televisions which occasionally catch Neo's attention. The directors use the televisions to enhance the architect's viewpoints and further reinforce his personality. As the architect turns with his chair to face Neo, he breaks a pen he is holding in his right hand. Wielding a pen further illustrates his status as architect of the matrix. In academic settings, the tutor often carries a pen or other indicator of his or her position as teacher or instructor (the purveyor of knowledge). In the scene, there are few transitions as the majority takes place in the same room, with the exception of Trinity's reflections. Lighting As mentioned before, the scene is made up of two parts; the interaction between the Architect and Neo and the fight scene between Agent Smith and Trinity. When Neo enters the room, a bright, crisp white light is used to illuminate him and place him in the spotlight. Light functions as an attention seeker because it highlights it. In the fight scene between Agent Smith and Trinity, the directors use low-key lighting (high contrast) to show the drama of the scene. Low-key lighting further enhances Trinity's do-or-die experience in her quest to help Neo on his mission. It acts as a precursor to Trinity's eventual fatal shooting. In the Architects' Room, the theme continues with an emphasis on discreet lighting consisting of a light pattern juxtaposed with darker tones. Discreet lighting is used in both cases to destabilize the audience and createa feeling of anxiety about the upcoming series of acts. The same theme of understated lighting extends to the images of past human horrors depicted on screen as the architect explains the grotesque nature of the human psyche. The photo depicts war events and shows photos of old dictators like Adolf Hitler. Low-key lighting with shadows comes in handy when a director wants to further enhance a troubling section of the film. Overlapping shadows and dark portraits create an illusion of impending danger or an air of peril/threat. DécorColor in Matrix is used to show deeper meaning and contrast between different locations and sections of the film. The two events of Trinity facing Agent Smith and Neola's conversation with the Architect take place simultaneously. To create a difference between the two sections/scenes, the directors used brighter colors in the conversation, while darker tones showed the other scene of Trinity fighting the Agent (O'Halloran 1). Textures are also used in the scene whenever flashbacks are used. The grainy depiction of Neo on the TV creates a difference in the film's changing sections and scenes. The different color combinations help the audience follow all the scenes simultaneously and bring out the full range of emotions imagined by the directors. Costumes and Makeup Costumes are used to show an individual's rank or status within a society. Directors can use the same in films to create distinction between characters or to further enhance their appearance regarding their roles. For her rebellious and fighting past, Trinity wears tight pants which contribute to her agility and flexibility. On the other hand, Neo is dressed in a long suit which reinforces his superpower status in the film's characterization. The architect adopts a formal gray suit to represent his position within the matrix and differentiate him from the agents of the system. Agent Smith matches the normal clothing of official security personnel in a black suit and earpiece. The earpiece, in particular, identifies Smith as a staff member or security guard within the Matrix. The architect is impeccably dressed and therefore exudes a certain sophistication that matches his personality. The polished look is further enhanced by accessories such as the gold watch on her wrist. The architect is articulate, slow and confident with a deep voice in his speech. The depth of his voice creates an imposing atmosphere and reinforces the perception of the control he exercises over the One.Part 2The chosen scene is the culmination of the different series of events that take part in the film. At the beginning of the film, Captain Niobe alerts the rest of the ships of an impending attack from the machines. This preparation is unlike anything they have faced before and worries the majority of the captains. However, an old prophecy suggests that the One will save Zion. Morpheus advises Neo to seek advice from the Oracle (Cloud 330). The latter advises Neo to access the mainframe using the keymaker as a means to achieve this goal. All other intermediate events lead to the selected scene; Neo meets the architect. Additionally, the film creates pertinent questions that only the architect can answer. For example, the role of the One in the salvation of Zion and whether Zion will be saved? The Architect responds to the thematic concerns of the film by explaining the very dormant position of machines in relation to humans. The scene further develops the plot but conclusively compared to other sections of the film. In the scene we have chosen, he reveals in one.