Analyse How the Film 'The Matrix' presents two Different Versions of Reality
Analyse How the Film ‘The Matrix’ presents two Different Versions of Reality
We are presented with two different versions of reality. In one we get the feeling of everything being enclosed and lifeless, this is the Matrix which is a computer program designed as a trap for human minds. In it people have no individuality; they are all just part of the system. The other reality is a harsh post apocalyptic one where computers have enslaved humanity and the sky is dark. This reality is when humans are conscious and no longer part of the Matrix.
In the first scene I analysed the, the camera moves along a split section of a wall next to Neo’s office until he comes into view. This reminds us that there are walls all around and he is enclosed, this is important because it shows that in the Matrix people are enclosed to make them easier to control. The office he is in is very bland and the lighting is subdued to give the feeling of oppression, this demonstrates how the Matrix has been designed to be dull and uninspiring. The walls parting the office Neo works in are very short allowing people to see over them, this gives the impression of being watched all the time.
When the delivery man enters the scene and gives Neo the package it is all done in a monotonous way. Neo and the delivery man do not make eye contact and even when the delivery man talks to Neo he does so in an emotionless way. This accentuates how people in the Matrix act like machines and tend not to show much human emotion. Neo opens the package to find a mobile phone inside. The phone rings as soon as neo opens it, this makes it seem like whoever is phoning him is watching him. When Neo answers the phone music starts, it is a fast beat but not very loud, this builds tension and helps make the mood more exciting. Morpheus speaks to Neo and tells him to look over his office wall, as he does this, the camera cuts to what he is looking at. Neo sees the agents talking to a woman. The music turns into a dramatic drum roll as the agents come into view; this builds drama in the scene and shows that the agents are not good. The agents are wearing black suits which contrast against the cream walls of the office and normal clothes everyone else are wearing. This shows us that they are important and not just normal people. The agents also wear sunglasses, eyes are an important part of the human face and are in some cultures said to be windows to the soul. By dressing the agents in sunglasses I think the director intended to make them less human and without a soul like machines. The agents all turn their heads in unison to look at Neo, this is very abnormal and creepy, and it makes them look as though they are all one unit. Neo quickly ducks down to stop the agents from seeing him. We see Neo crouching on the phone; the camera gives us an aerial view of Neo. The way we see him crouching in the corner of his office with no where to escape, like a caged animal is like a metaphor for the Matrix being like a Zoo for humans. As Neo leaps into a cubical on instruction from Morpheus the music slows down and Neo hides in a dark corner. The slow music makes the audience relax slightly and the dark lights emphasises that Neo is hiding away. As Neo then runs around the office the music gets much faster and builds excitement and energy. The camera tracks Neo as he runs away which makes the office look like a maze. The maze could also be interpreted as the Matrix with Morpheus is guiding him out of to escape from the agents, this mirrors what happens in the film when Morpheus really does guide Neo out of the Matrix.
