The Matrix: Compare and contrast the representation of the characters in the Matrix, i.e. Hero and Villain!

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20th November ‘02

The Matrix: Compare and contrast the representation of the characters in the Matrix, i.e. Hero and Villain!

        This essay will feature a comparison between the hero and villains of the Matrix. The directors, the Wachowski brothers’ have deliberately picked the hero and villains in the Matrix to fit in with codes, conventions and prejudges towards both heroes and villains. In the Matrix Neo is the hero, the agents being the villains. In any film the audience expect the hero to be good and fight evil. A classic portrayal of a hero is an attractive male, who is of medium build, making him attractive to a large audience. Stereotypical heroes fight for what they believe in and are usually prepared to risk their own lives in order to do this. Yet in contrast a stereotypical villain is commonly ugly, rich and in a position to cause or inflict damage. The villain generally fights for what the majority of the audience would disagree with and puts the hero in unnecessary danger.

        In many ways Neo complies with a stereotypical vision of a hero. For example he is young and good-looking, this means he is attractive to a wide audience, this makes him appealing. As a result the audience warm to him, adding to his heroic portrayal. Another factor which makes Neo appear a hero is his resourcefulness, when both himself and the agent are fighting he quickly realises the uselessness of guns, as they are only in his mind, this suggests that he is mentally strong, which is well thought-of. After the guns another heroic feature comes in; arm to arm combat. Neo uses his fists to fight against the agent, this shows he is not only mentally strong but physically strong as well, this is something than both male and female audiences admire and respect, meaning that by winning the fight he also has won the audience. When Neo is fighting he bleeds, this shows the audience that although he has some superhuman powers he is still real and believable. Neo sees his friends and colleagues in the resistance die, during that scene he shows compassion and emphasises with Trinity, this shows that although he may have a fairly hard and cool exterior, he is emotive and sincere inside, adding to his warmth and reality. Through out the film the audience learn that Neo is fighting for what he believes in, this is highly admirable and a classic feature for any hero, adding to his heroic portrayal and the connection that Neo makes with the audience.

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        In contrast to Neo the agents where dark, business like suits, this suggests they are harsh, modern and money co-ordinated, this allows the audience to relate to someone in their society that may also have the same characteristics. To support their portrayal the agents have very long faces with quite sharp and jagged features, this created a very callous and untrustworthy image. Through out the film the agents emphasise their authority with their formal attitude and erect posture. All the agents have ear-pieces this suggests to the audience that they do not think for themselves and that some above and ...

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