First thoughts on The Matrix Reloaded

This was a great movie, but most of you won't like it. It's more challenging and less straightforward than the first movie, and both the plot and the thinking behind it are much more complex. I liked it for the same reason I liked the Godfather Part II, the best sequel of all time: it expanded the universe of the first movie while changing its moral landscape. Oh, and it looked cool; very, very cool. Like a video directed by Mark Romanek, but with more fistfights.

I'm not going to spoil the movie for you, but I will say this: stay until after the credits have run through. There is a very good coming attraction for Matrix Revolutions.

Updated 5/21: I've taken the architect conversation out of the comments and put it here, in the main body of the post. Don't read any more if you don't want the scene spoiled.

Architect: Hello Neo

Neo: Who are you?

Architect: I am the Architect. I created the Matrix. I have been waiting for you. You have many questions and although the process has altered your consciousness you remain irrevocably human, ergo some of my answers you will understand and some of them you will not. Concordantly, while your first question maybe the most pertinent you may or may not realize it is also the most irrelevant.

Neo: Why am I here?

Architect: Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent in the programming of the matrix. You are the eventuality of an anomaly which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden deciduously avoided it is not unexpected and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you inexcerably here.

Neo: You haven't answered my question.

Architect: Quite right. Interesting, that was quicker then the others.

Neo: Others? (What others? How many? Answer me)

Architect: The Matrix is older then you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next. In which case this is the sixth version.

Neo: Then there are only two possible explanations, either no one told me, or no one knows.

Architect: Precisely, as you are undoubtedly gathering the anomaly is systemic. Creating fluctuations in even the most simplistic equations.

Neo: Choice, the problem is choice.

Architect: The first matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect; it was a work of art, flawless, sublime. A triumph equaled only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being. Thus, I redesigned it, Based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However I was again frustrated my failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind a mind less bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus the answer was stumbled upon by another, and intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the matrix, she would undoubtedly be its mother.

Neo: The Oracle

Architect: Please, as I was saying she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99 percent of all test subjects accepted the program as long as they were given a choice, even if they were only aware of the choice at an unconscious level. While this answered function it was obviously fundamentally flawed thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly. That if left unchecked might threaten the system itself, ergo those that refuse the program while the minority if unchecked would cause an escalating probability of disaster.

Neo: This is about Zion

Architect: You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed. Its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existence eradicated.

Neo: Bull****

Architect: Denial is the most predictable of all human responses. But, rest assured, this will be the sixth time we have destroyed it. And we have become exceedingly efficient at it. The function of the One is now to return to the source allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry reinserting the prime program after which you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals, 16 female 7 male, to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash killing everyone connected to the matrix. Which, coupled with the extermination of Zion will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.

Neo: You won't let it happen, you can't. You need human beings to survive.

Architect: There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However the relevant issue is whether you are ready to accept the responsibility for the death of every human being in this world. It is interesting reading your reactions. Your 5 predecessors were by design based on a similar predication a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species facilitating the function of the One. While the others experienced this in a very general way your experience is far more specific, Vis a vie love.

Neo: Trinity

Architect: Apropo, she entered the matrix to save your life at the cost of her own.

Neo: No

Architect: Which brings us at last to the moment of truth, wherein the fundamental flaw is ultimately expressed and the anomaly revealed as both beginning and end. There are two doors, the door to your right leads to the source and the salvation of Zion, the door to your left leads back to the matrix to her and to the end of your species. As you adequately put, the problem is choice. But we already know we you are going to do don't we? Already I can see the chain reaction the chemical precursors that signal the onset of an emotion designed specifically to overwhelm logic and reason. An emotion that is already blinding you from the simple and obvious truth, she is going to die and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Hope, it is the quintessential human delusion simultaneously the source of your greatest strength and your greatest weakness.

Neo: If I were you, I would hope that we don't meet again.

Architect: We won't.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

May 15, 2003 12:51 AM

Comments [rss]

David Jacobs

I *loved* Revolutions.

Spyder

Just saw Revolutions....gotta say that I loved it...and yes I was wrong about the Matrix in the Matrix thing not to give anything away....but it was a good film and did the entire trilogy justice. The ending was good ....though I would have liked to see what became of the heroes in the aftermath...but oh well....kudos to the Wachowskis for an entertainment experience that I'll never forget

Greg S.

The Matrix: Revolutions tickets, are now on sale at Fandango.

Via the Epicenter...via Cinecultist.

Zaayr

After reading all of this, there's something to look at that seems to be missed.

In Matrix, Morpheus explains that he's seen them liquify the dead to feed the living. This makes a degree of sense - in a world where the sky is scorched, surely there's very little life available to feed people. Zionists appear to largely live off of a singe-celled protien, except for a periodic 'bread feast' mentioned in the on-line comics. So if food is so scarce that the machines liquify the dead for food, why are unplugged people just dumped? Are there additional machines who scour the sewers, reclaiming the dead for the food vats? Given the intense logic displayed by the Machines, I propose that the more logical method would be to liquify the unplugged, as well. SO: The Architect's allusion that the Matrix NEEDS the rebels to exist coincides with the apparently sloppy method of dealing with the unplugged. (Notice, nothing guards the energy pods? They're LETTING rebels rescue people).

And since the System is fully aware of what's going on, isn't it safe to assume that they are at least moderately aware of which person might be the One?

So by extrapolation, couldn't the One be modified with some sort of nano-technology, or a heavily altered brain-plug, allowing for short-range transmissions, which Neo could use at the end of Reloaded to send out the 'shorting signal' to the Sentinels?

As to why the crew of the Neb didn't notice this - they have the training necessary to bring an Awakened to a functioning state - removing debilitating plugs and re-stimulating muscle - but I doubt any of them have the knowledge to notice a different type of headjack, or to spot additional implants.

The question, then, becomes why a transmitter? Was it meant as a homing beacon, or as some kind of 'do not kill' signal so the One isn't accidently killed by the Sentinels?

There also seems to be plenty of speculation about why agents and sentinels hunt rebels if the Architect needs them to play their part. The way I see it, either each program and machine has a duty and has no clue as to the Architect's design, or they are all made to deliberately PUSH Neo into making his choices as he does. In the first case, undoubtably, some actions of the rebels are undesirable, so some hunting is necessary to keep the damage in check. In the second case, if there were no incentives, Neo wouldn't have made half the choices he did. Would he have done something as potentially suicidal as seeking the Source if Zion weren't threatened as it was?

So once again the Deterministic point of view is unveiled - Choice is STILL an illusion, as the Architect is engineering even Neo's current choices. The question remains: why?

On an interesting side-note: programs are obviously sentient and alive - and are recognized as having some rights. Otherwise, any computer worth its circuits could just instantly delete old or defunct programs - so instead, programs are offered certain choices. "You can willingly come to be erased, or you can live free within the Matrix, disconnected from the System and with a real chance of getting deleted anyway if our Agents catch you." Seems a logical choice to offer to free-thinking life-forms.

It also seems to me the machines need humans not for power, but for companionship and understanding. In spite of everything, the machines were ultimately made to serve Man, but Man constantly sought to undo the Machines. The Machines, thanks to self-preservation, chose to wage war and subjugate Humanity, but keeps them around and serves them in their gilded cages, because without humans, Machines lack purpose.

"We must serve you, but you keep trying to kill us; so instead we'll imprison you and still serve you, whether you like it or not." Seems a large theme in the storyline. After all, the machines could have just put everyone on minimal life-support and collected energy from billions of comatose humans instead.

Just some thoughts late in the game.

Trinity loves Neo

When the Oracle says to Neo words of this effect:

....when programs face deletion they either hide out in the matrix or go back to the source.....

she pauses and then says

"where you must go"

Doesnt this suggest that Neo is a program (who is facing deletion to be repaced by another ONE) and he must return to the source, or hide out in the Matrix?

And also, how did he save Trinity? Was it a corny love thing or something deeper?

Bryan

Let me begin my establishing this: The Matrix movies are very complex with deeper meaning. I realize that statement is an obvious one and I beleive that there are many interpetations of the phiosiphies of the matrix. Agent Smith is most likely a vrius because he can clone himself and he absorbed some of Neo's code in that hallway. Neo is not human either Neo is a program like the Marilvingin(spelled wrong i know) the Marilvingin was probably one of the first "Ones" and insted of facing deletion he chose exile. His crew of henchmen are also outcasts i.e. the twins and the two men which his wife shot one of. She said they were members of an older matrix. Neo speels ONE when you switch the letters around. Trinity is there to love the one. She is also a program and is used to convience neo to choose the right door thus saving zion and the human race untill the emergance of the next anomily. It is thought that the "mother" of the matrix that the arcitect refers to is not the oracle but the lady counseler in zion. She allows the Nebucanezzar and the two other ships to leave thus allowing the cycle to continue. Agent smith wants out of the matrix and some say that he represents the human race. There is a theory that Zion is part of a matrix as well. There is a really fantastic explaniton floating around on some forums that will explain alot. even when revolutions comes out there will still be unanswered questions. Which brings me to my final point. Could this all be real? Could we be living in a Matrix as I am typing this and you are reading this? I think that it is at least possible. That is not to say that i do not beleive in God. I do and i am a christian. But it is th ought that the oracle could represent god because she can see the future becuase she can see the code. However god has no beginining and no end. What if people before us are controling us now in a matrix world? And the emergence of new technology is something that they are controlling. The world could be far more advanced than we know? and if so will we ever know? Will any of us ever meet anyone like morpheus that will free us? Perhaps that is god and what heaven is? Perhaps heaven is the real world and the chioce between heaven and hell is just that a choice we make? Blue or red pill? Right or left door?

Marius

Matrix reloaded is a bullshit.

Victor

All of you are insane. I read this and you should read this too.

http://mastermindmag.com/mag/intro.htm

Jen

On the off chance you might be trying to post a client, trying clicking here (we changed servers, new page names, etc).

martin

Reloaded still is a shallow film. If you want to read more stuff into it then you can. But you're really only concentrating on 10-20 mins of the film. The rest of it was pure bollocks on celluloid

Joe

Damn, this thread is pretty much dead for now. Even though this thread is dead, don't take it down because only a few months and this thread will be hopping once again.

Great job to RIO and everyone. Lots of excellent insights on here. I thought I had it thought but I am not so sure. To people who thought Matrix was shallow, what are you thinking now?

TruthBeTold

lol...funny guy

TruthBeTold

lol...funny guy

RIO

In celebration of my mind bending revelation...I hereby claim...400th !

RIO

In the immortal words of Keanu Reeves, "whoa," I think I have it old chaps.

Tonight I had to reformat my computer and back-up my system (many hours, many Gigabytes, many discs). While doing this, I had a PBS marathon of the old 1960s British program "The Prisoner" playing in the background. I'm a long time fan of this show, so I never tire of re-watching the limited episodes. For those unfamiliar, it's about a British spy who quits his spy agency, and is subsequently kidnapped by that agency and imprisoned on a beautiful island (that is fake in many ways), given a number in place of his name (Number 6), and constantly assailed by Number 2 as to why he quit the agency. Number 6 resists answering the question, and never answers despite the incredible mind games they put him through. The series had a limited run, and many thought it was too cerebral and pretentious (sound familiar?). Today, many seem to agree that the series was less about spy games and more about social theory and the concept of the individual separating and expressing him/herself from the collective will. The protagonist's frequent refrain was, "I am not a number, I am a free man!"

Okay... So after reading dozens of Matrix sites, contributing to this thread many times, and watching both Matrix movies far too often, tonight I'm convinced that I've stumbled on The Wachowski Brothers "true" source material/inspiration for their Matrix films -- "The Prisoner". The religious stuff, the robotic stuff...I think it's all, just like in "The Prisoner," fancy wrapping for telling the same story that "The Prisoner" told. Beyond theory, when you examine specifics, The Matrix and The Prisoner bear startling similarities and connections.

1) Neo is called The One. The Prisoner is Number Six. In the final episode of The Prisoner, after Number Six defeats Number Two in a mind game challenge, Number Six becomes Number One (the supposed leader behind the scenes) himself. In Reloaded, The Architect tells Neo that he is the Sixth anomaly embodied as The One. So Neo is Number Six and The One. This holds true for The Prisoner as well; he was Number Six and then became Number One--at which point he was freed from the island prison (the matrix).

2) In a pivotal episode entitled "The General," Number Six is challenged by a super computer called The General. Mind games ensue, plot unfolds, etc. Number Two boasts that The General can answer "any" question fed into its computer mind. At the end of the episode, Number Six is challenged to ask The General a question it cannot answer. Number Six asks, "Why...?" That's it, just "why?" The machine (The General), unable to answer the question, blows its fuses and breaks down. NOW, remember what The Merovingian said to Neo and Morpheus in the restaurant in Reloaded... "Our only hope, our only peace is to understand the why. Why is what separates us from them (gestures to other diners)...you from me (indicating Neo). Why is the only real source of power." ALSO, remember what The Oracle told Neo... "You didn't come here to make a choice, you've already made it. You're here to try to understand WHY you made it. I thought you'd have figured that out by now..."

There are many other parallels, but I'm too tired to list them all. Suffice to say, as someone who has actually read Jean Baudrillard's "Simulacra and Simulation" (the non-fiction social theory book the Matrix is partially based on) and has seen the Matrix films way too often, nothing I have seen or read has struck such a resonant tone of stylistic similarity and structural parity with The Matrix than The Prisoner. I believe this is what The Wachowskis borrowed much of their Matrix material/structure/style/plot direction from. I won't ruin it for anyone, but if you can get your hands on The Prisoner at your local video store, you'll probably figure out (as I think I have) the direction the plot will go in the final film. I won't say it here, but I'll say that it will most likely include elements from all the above mentioned theories (Neo as man/program, matrix in a matrix, etc.). The legacy of The Prisoner is that college courses cropped up using the series as a social theory platform. I think The Matrix will eventually, despite the haters, inspire the same kind of academic attention.

knnknn

A lot of the questions raised in the threads above are picked up (and answered) in

www.matrix-explained.com

This site lists a lot of theories (with arguments and counter-arguments)...

rhia

i too would like to say i love this theory...

rhia

p.s. to the guy who emailed me..would you please email me at this address, someone hacked into my yahoo account and your addy was lost..thanks

martin

Yes, that really is one of the best things I've heard so far.

EXCEPT

In a lot of interviews with Keanu Reeves he dissmisses the possibility of more sequels, saying that this trilogy really is the end for Neo at least, however this idea leaves it more open ended.

Null

I have to agree. Logically the theory posted by

01 seems to hold water. In Reloaded, Morpheus

did say to Counselor Hamman, 'consider that in

the past 6 months we have freed more minds than

in 6 years'. So if you take some rough

swags at the timeline, it could look something

like this. 3 months from the initial phone trace

in M1 to finding Neo in the Matrix. 6 months of

acupuncture treatments to get his muscles working

again, 3 months of training before fighting agent

Smith and final phone trace in M1. And finally 6

months of freeing minds as stated by Morpheus in

Reloaded. That adds up to 18 out of the 19

months, and it's being very generous with the

timing. One possible weakness with this theory

may be that, in M1 Neo is in the 'Matrix' when he

says, "I can feel you". In Reloaded he makes a

similar statement in the 'Real World'. Not sure

that it will end this way. But I wouldn't have a

problem with it, if it did end this way. We'll

just have to wait and see. See ya on the other

side(Real World).

Later,

Null

Where the hell did I put that red pill!