The one & only Matrix: Reloaded thread

[Guest Nanks]

Spiny Norman - No mate, you've gotta see the first movie before this to understand what's going on. It'll mean nothing outside the FX without the start of the story.

 

I feel embarrassed for those reviewers you've quoted there Crucifixio. They don't understand what's going on. There is so much going on around and even within the action scenes,

Spoiler (Highlight to Read):

ie. Neo bleeding when he blocks the shot from the sword, this is the answer to all the people complaining that he doesn't fully use his powers, it's because he still doesn't have a full grip on what he can do

and if those reviewers don't get it, they should keep their uneducated opinions to themselves or try harder to appreciate what they're reviewing

[Guest Kahran Ramsus]

I actually think more movies (those in a series like this one is) should end like this. Trying to make sequels self-contained films has tanked many a movie over the years. I prefer the Empire Strikes Back or Back to the Future route, where the film is clearly only one part of an extended story.

[Guest HartFan86]

I think if they have a REALLY good twist or some kind of great ending to the 3rd Matrix, then it's worth it.

[Guest Anglesault]

I FINALLY got off my ass and decided to see the original Matrix today, (Yes, I hadn't seen it til today STOP MOCKING ME!) so I bought it from Blockbuster. Now I'm really hyped to see Reloaded.

[Guest SP-1]

That explains it a little better, but they've clearly promoted that there will be a third movie, people should logically expect some kind of cliffhanger.

[Guest notJames]

I FINALLY got off my ass and decided to see the original Matrix today, (Yes, I hadn't seen it til today STOP MOCKING ME!) so I bought it from Blockbuster. Now I'm really hyped to see Reloaded.

Geez, man, what cave have you been living in?!? It's like that episode of the Simpsons where Principal Skinner inadvertantly writes a screenplay about "cloning dinosaurs" without ever hearing about Jurassic Park. HA HA!

 

Ahem... sorry about that. Go see Reloaded.

 

(loser)

 

[Guest Hogan Made Wrestling]

Upon thinking about it for a bit, I realised my original comment might have sounded somewhat negative, which is not at all what I was going for. Sometimes it's easier to point out the flaws than to identify the good parts. In all honesty I think this is one of the better movies so far this year, and if movies like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon can get Oscar nominations, I see no reason this can't either (depending on the strength of the year for movies - and what Revolutions is like). This is also just as good as either LOTR movie in my opinion.

[Guest Kahran Ramsus]

Ebert & Roeper both liked it, with Roeper calling it the best film so far this year.

 

Just for those interested in that sort of thing.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

I saw it Saturday night and I can't wait until the next one. It makes a lot of sense for them to have the 3rd one come out this year, because I think people would literally have gone crazy if they had to wait a year or 3 years for the next one. I just hope they don't stop for good after the 3rd one.

[Guest Urine Sane]

Intersting article.....from http://www.corporatemofo.com/stories/051803matrix.htm

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE MOFO

reloads

THE MATRIX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

Ken Mondschein

 

 

 

 

Going into The Matrix: Reloaded, I wasn't worried if the fight scenes or special effects would measure up to the first film—it was the metaphysics that bothered me. The first Matrix was such a neat allegory of Gnostic philosophy, I was more concerned with how the Brothers Wachowski could successfully extend the metaphor into three films than whether they could pull off even more virtuoso examples of cinematic ass-stomping. What was mindblowing about the first movie, after all, wasn't the fight choreography or bullet time, but its brave assertion that the banal, day-to-day reality we live in isn't the real world. In that sense, all the wire-fu was just the candy coating on the red pill the filmmakers were offering to every high school student and cubicle slave in the world. (Though, since I study martial arts myself, I found the idea of kung fu as being metaphorical for something happening in hyper-reality, a la Thibault's mysterious circle, to be pretty darn appealing.)

 

Thankfully, Reloaded more than allayed my fears, even if it seems that half the reviewers either didn't understand what the Wachowskis were getting at, or else were only paying attention during the highway chase. Watching the movie, I was personally less impressed by the fists of digital fury than by the Brothers' evident familiarity with the Dead Sea Scrolls and the theology of Origen of Alexandria. Seen in the light of the books they're referencing, the movie's plot is brilliant; of course, to the non-initiate, the characters' actions and dialogue seems arbitrary and incomprehensible, and the exposition is just filler between car crashes. It would seem, therefore, that a bit of exegesis of The Matrix: Reloaded is warranted. But be warned: If you haven't seen the movie yet, don't read on. There are some major spoilers.

 

Much like that other great Keanu Reeves vehicle, Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, The Matrix: Reloaded centers around the hero's journey into the Underworld. Frazier, in The Golden Bough, notes that it is a prophetess—in this case, the Oracle—who sends the hero off on his journey, from where he returns with special knowledge. And, of course, that's just what Neo does, though it would have been a while lot more amusing if he'd had Alex Winter along. (The Oracle probably isn't entirely benign, by the way, even though she may not consciously intend any harm: She is, after all, the one who sent Neo on the path to the Core.)

 

Neo's first task is to rescue the Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim, doing his best Rick Moranis impression) from the Merovingian, who is a daemon—in both senses of the word—left over from a previous version of the Matrix. (The Merovingians were the ruling Frankish dynasty; they were succeeded by Charlemagne's family, the Carolingians, and then by the Capetians, who thought they were descended from Christ.) The guy in the health food store where I buy my granola and soy milk thinks that The Merovingian was one of Neo's predecessors, but all the explanation I need, as well as the way I understand his obvious fascination with human pleasures, is found in Genesis 6:4—"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them. . ." According to various sources, including Kabbalah, this mating of men and angels (here, a computer program from an earlier version of the Martrix) is what produced various monsters, such as the vampires and wraiths that serve the Merovingian. Dante, bringing a Christian sensibility to the proceedings, placed these monsters in his Inferno. Thus, though the Merovingian is sort of an antediluvian remnant of the former world, he's also (as is shown by the fact that his wife is named Persephone) kind of like Hades, the holder of the keys to the underworld. What the Keymaker does, much like the golden bough the Sybil gives Aeneas, is open doors and permit Neo access to the underworld—or, in this case, the Core.

 

After the requisite battles and explosions, Neo gets into the Core and finds The Architect. Considering that The Architect built the Matrix, you might think that he's God. Of course, he's nothing of the sort. In Gnostic theology, it is Satan, not God, who has created the world in order to imprison humanity. It is also the Architect who is unleashing the Sentinels to destroy Zion; that is, beginning the Battle of Armageddon. It is my prediction that in the third and final film, it will be revealed that there is a power behind the Architect, and that he is the one who sent the One into the Matrix. It is also my prediction that this guy will look a lot like Neo.

 

The important thing is choosing what to believe from the raft of condescending exposition that the Architect inflicts on Neo. He says, basically, that though ninety-nine percent of humans believe in the illusion of the Matrix, there is that troublesome one percent (comparable to the few awakened Gnostic true believers) who refuse to believe in the created world. This tends to produce massive amounts of instability, and crashes the system. (Not coincidentally, most of the people in Zion seem to be black or Hispanic, which makes perfect sense: If you're a white suburban Matrix resident, driving your Matrix SUV to your Matrix golf club, why doubt the nature of reality?) The solution is that they allow the dissidents to escape to Zion, which they can then periodically destroy. They have also created the Prophecy of the One, who is in fact a device sent by the machines into the "real" world so that his knowledge of humanity may be integrated into the system in order to further perfect the Matrix-illusion, and then allowed to re-start Zion so that the cycle can begin again. The idea of multiple creations and a cycle of created and destroyed worlds is, needless to say, also found in theologies as wildly variant as the Mayan and the Buddhist.

 

The idea that the Prophecy—and Zion—were just another means of control is lifted right out of French philosophy. The first movie made use of Baudrillard's Simulacra and Simulation; this movie seems to be dipping into Foucault and Derrida, who wrote that the systems of power and control are all-pervasive, and language is one of the ways they make their influence felt. The Prophecy is, like all prophecies, speech, and thus language. More importantly, it is a religion, and, as John Zerzan writes, the purpose of a religion is to manipulate signs, that is, words, for the purpose of control. Zion is the longed-for millennial promised land; by keeping the war between good and evil foremost in their hearts, even the freed humans are kept from doubting their own world, from thinking too hard about why things are the way they are.

 

Understanding why things are the way they are requires an understanding of another holy text: Asimov's Laws of Robotics. The machines, as demonstrated by Smith's need to try to kill Neo even after being "freed," don't have free will. (Likewise, in Gnostic theology, angels and other such divine beings also don't have free will—only humans do.) The bit about the machines needing human bio-energy to survive, as Morpheus (the dreamer) explained in the first movie, is bullshit. The machines keep humanity alive but imprisoned, even after taking over the world, because they were created to serve people. In other words, the machines would like to destroy humanity, but they CAN'T. Instead, they need a human to make the choice.

 

As the Architect reveals, Neo is not the first One, but rather the sixth. Why the sixth? The answer is that Neo's five previous incarnations represent the Five Books of Moses that make up the Old Testament. Neo (representing Christ, and thus the New Testament) differs from his five predecessors in his capacity to love. In the work of Origen of Alexandria and other Church Fathers, it is love ("eros" in Greek) that compels Christ to come down from the heavens to redeem humanity. Furthermore, "neo" means "new"—as in "New Covenant." In Neo, the machines have finally found the iteration of the One who will make the illogical choice of saving Trinity and dooming humanity. [Note to the theology geeks who've been e-mailing me: I know the difference between eros and agape, but Origen used both terms for reasons I'd have to delve into pre-Socratic philosophy to explain.]

 

This is the Architect's real purpose in giving Neo a choice between two doors. At once all human and all machine, rather than being a device to refine the Matrix into a more perfect simulation of reality, re-found Zion, and thus continue the endless cycle of death and rebirth—as the Architect says he is—the purpose of the One is to be manipulated into destroying all of humanity. However, not having free will themselves, the machines are not able to comprehend it in others—and thus Neo, being also human, is a bit of a wild card. It is Neo's destiny—as was Christ's in Origen's theology—to break the cycle of death and rebirth, and offer humanity a new future. This is shown by the fact that, by the end of the movie, Neo (and also, incidentally, Smith) gain power over machines in the "real world"—which shows that he has power not only over the first—level simulated world of the Matrix, but also the second-level simulation of Zion.

 

Miscellaneous touches I liked:

 

Neo and Trinity are shown making love beneath an arch. In religious iconography, being shown beneath an arch is a traditional sign of divinity. Masaccio's fresco at the right, for instance, shows the Holy Trinity beneath an arch.

The fact that The One comes from the machine world is a brilliant way to write around the fact that Keanu Reeves can't act.

Neo's own gift of prophecy is explainable by the fact that, like the Oracle, he comes from beyond the Matrix—that is, the world—and thus exists outside of time, much like God in St. Augustine's theology.

I saw the movie sitting next to a really cute girl.

 

 

Things to be wrapped up in the third movie:

 

Who's behind The Architect?

Neo will need to make a choice—but what is this choice?

The climactic Battle of Armageddon between Good and Evil will have to take place—but what will happen afterwards?

What's Agent Smith's role in all this? His ability to multiply is reminiscent of the demon Jesus exorcised ("my name is Legion"), but I bet he's going to wind up being an ally of Neo's.

How is Neo able to zap the machines in the "real world"?

How did Tank die?

Will Link live to see Zee again?

Will Niobe leave Jason Lock and go back to Morpheus?

Will priestly cassocks become a fashion trend for men?

What pivotal role will be performed by Neo's adoring acolyte?

How will Bane sabotage the human defense of Zion? Will Neo kill him?

What led Morpheus to the Oracle in the first place?

Is the "real world" only another level of simulation, an outer matrix, indicative of matrices upon matrices, onionlike in their layering upon each other?

What're they going to do about the fact that Gloria Foster, who played The Oracle, died?

Will Neo wake up and say, "Bill, dude, you won't believe this bitchin' dream I just had. . ."?

[Guest cabbageboy]

Sorry dude but both LOTR movies beat the shit out of Matrix Reloaded and come back for more. I don't recall either LOTR movie having an entire half hour that was a crashing bore.

[Guest Urine Sane]

But neither of them have even close to as complex story line.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

*reads article*

 

...Whoa.

[Guest PORNFAQ]

Ebert & Roeper both liked it, with Roeper calling it the best film so far this year.

Just for those interested in that sort of thing.

Ebert also alludes to the fact in his review that he believes the Wachowski's cast black people because they are "in" right now and would attract the young white demographic. They just "happened" to be good actors to boot. Dumbass.

 

 

And that article is just the type of tripe written by 'net geeks and fanboys who seem to know way too much, think way too hard and have way too much time on their hands. This is the stuff 'conventions' (be it Star trek, Star Wars or the Matrix) are made of and how fucking movies end up being worshipped as religions. Bah.

 

As the Architect reveals, Neo is not the first One, but rather the sixth. Why the sixth? The answer is that Neo's five previous incarnations represent the Five Books of Moses that make up the Old Testament. Neo (representing Christ, and thus the New Testament) differs from his five predecessors in his capacity to love.

I mean seriously? That's just ONE example. Do you think the Wachowski's actually sat down and thunk that shit up?

[Guest Urine Sane]

And that article is just the type of tripe written by 'net geeks and fanboys who seem to know way too much, think way too hard and have way too much time on their hands. This is the stuff 'conventions' (be it Star trek, Star Wars or the Matrix) are made of and how fucking movies end up being worshipped as religions. Bah.

 

Just said it was interesting, you don't have to be a dickhead.

 

Oh and who's the one that knows so much about porn that their name is 'PornFAQ'? Yeah don't be a hypocrit.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Considering that the Wachowski Bros. told their actors to read certain books of philosophy before filming, I think the allegorical content is intentional.

[Guest Nanks]

Awesome article/commentary Urine Sane, I really enjoyed all that stuff. I was recognising all those themes throughout the movie but I didn't have the requisite knowledge of philosophy and theology to link them all together. Cheers for that. In answer to one question however:

 

What're they going to do about the fact that Gloria Foster, who played The Oracle, died?

 

Assuming she didn't die mid-taping, it doesn't matter. They filmed Reloaded & Revolutions as one enormously long movie and then decided where to make the cut. If she was in ailing health, it would be unusually careless of The Brothers not to put her scenes in the can early in the piece.

 

A question I have to pose. On the subject of previous Ones choosing the other door and selecting 16 females and 7 males to rebuild Zion. Morpheus refers to The One in the first movie as being the person who freed the first of us. But how did the previous Ones die after that?? Can The One die of old age???

[Guest Urine Sane]

Awesome article/commentary Urine Sane, I really enjoyed all that stuff. I was recognising all those themes throughout the movie but I didn't have the requisite knowledge of philosophy and theology to link them all together. Cheers for that. In answer to one question however:

 

Thank you, but I didn't write it.

[Guest SP-1]

I think the Waichowskis are fully aware of any and all allegory in these movies. I don't believe for one second that it's all about fight scenes and lots of money. The art of storytelling is far from dead, thank the Lord.

[Guest PORNFAQ]

Just said it was interesting, you don't have to be a dickhead.  Oh and who's the one that knows so much about porn that their name is 'PornFAQ'? Yeah don't be a hypocrit.

 

1. Just making a point, not being a "dickhead" or HYPOCRITE (and I fail to see how I'm being a hypocrite...am I writing extensive thesis comparing "Stop My Ass is On Fire" to the book of Revelations? thought not.)

 

2. I never said I knew much about porn, it's just a username

 

3. the Oracle will look different in Revolutions and will not be Gloria Foster as the Wachowski's have stated in SEVERAL interviews

 

4. While the Wachowski's may be aware of some allegory and alot of it intentional, I doubt the author of that article is DEAD ON, due to the fact that he is REALLY reaching on some of his religious comparisons and theories

 

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a well-thought out and informed take on the situation, but it's taking alot of things and shaping them to fit what he wants to believe. There are just too many things that contradict the bible/Armaggedon/plot of the Matrix movie dynamic.

 

On top of that, I didn't care for the "residents of Zion are mostly black and hispanic" because the white residents of the Matrix are living so comfortably they'd rather not "wake up" theory. Huh? So no one white is living in squalor or experiencing hard times? No one black is living lavish? Bah. Let's say for a minute that this racist theory IS true. Wouldn't all these poor, disenfranchised minorities in the matrix be too DUMB to "get free" due to their lack of education, etc, etc???

Edited May 20, 2003 by PORNFAQ

[Guest Urine Sane]

I believe he was just stating a fact that possibly there are more minorites, because in today's society minorities are still not treated equally to white people, and therefore would tend to reject society more then a middle-upper class white person.

[Guest HungryJack]

But....Neo was an upper-middle class whitey, and he's the so-called 'messiah' ....

 

how's that one work?

[Guest Urine Sane]

It was just an "out there" thought I think, because I don't agree with it either.

[Guest SP-1]

There are alot more theories at work there than Christianity. And even some of the "Christian" stuff there is possibly from heretical sources. Matrix is a hodge podge of philosophies put together. The guy probably isn't dead on, but I'm willing to bet he's damn close. That's the second time I've heard someone compare the frech dude to hades and bring up his wife's name.

 

A friend of mine, an English major who reads tons of philosophical stuff as well, also brought up a theory about the ship being destroyed, and the parallels between that and the biblical King it takes it's name from.

 

There's alot of stuff floating around in the Matrix storyline. The more people point little things out, the more amazed I am at the Waichowski's. They're storytelling genuinses, in my opinion.

[Guest Crazy Dan]

I liked this flick. A definate must see, if you liked the first one. I still liked the first one better, but this was a solid movie, with some great action scenes. I like Kung-Fu flicks, so I was in heaven with this flick. And the Highway chase scene is one of the best I have ever seen. This movie has it's faults and it could have some time cut off it, but over all a very pleasant movie experience. And the Specia Effects were good. I can't wait for Revolutions. I give the film 3 1/2 stars out of four.

[Guest PORNFAQ]

That's the second time I've heard someone compare the frech dude to hades and bring up his wife's name.

 

Well, that's one of the fairly obvious ones and I'm apt to think that the Bros Wachowski would go that route rather than the way that article was saying. Deep, but not overly so as to lose a good 75% of your audience.

[Guest Flyboy]

I want my money back.

[Ultimo Dugas 0]

Then you might as well never watch another movie again, because even if it didn't live up to your expectations, it is better than most shit thats been coming out.

[Guest Flyboy]

Then you might as well never watch another movie again, because even if it didn't live up to your expectations, it is better than most shit thats been coming out.

You are kidding?

 

X2 was MUCH better than Reloaded.

[Guest Big Poppa Popick]

thats because it pandered to your need for flashy / captivating fight scenes and follow-the-dots storytelling

 

face it

 

the people who are complaining just dont get that we're supposed to be using our brains to draw connections...thats what separates good movies from art

 

art makes you think...movies do the thinking for you

 

nuff said