“Everything that has a beginning has an end.”
- Janna Hutz
- Keanu Reeves, about to sing in the rain (Courtesy of Warner Bros.)
The tagline for “The Matrix: Revolutions” refers to
the conclusion of the story of Neo and the war between humans and
machines. This statement, however, contains deeper implications.
The third “Matrix” movie will also present the
Wachowski Brothers’ final philosophical statement on the
nature of life and reality.
When it was released in 1999, “The Matrix” asked
some very thought-provoking questions. What is the nature of
reality? Is it what we personally sense and believe, or is it an
objective truth? This did not always seem like such a difficult
question. What we saw and felt in the world seemed consistent with
truth and reality.
“The Matrix,” however, challenged this belief,
because that which one felt and saw in the matrix was not
consistent with what one actually did. For instance, Neo sees,
feels and thinks he is working a standard nine-to-five job, but in
reality, his entire world is a mere computer simulation. Reality,
according to “The Matrix,” is thus an objective state,
and it is not always consistent with our perceptions.
The second installment in the trilogy, “The Matrix:
Reloaded,” expands upon the reality theme. It questions why
being outside of the matrix is preferable to enjoying the
computer-simulated fantasy. The outside or “real” world
is, after all, a harsh place to live. Food is scarce, and the
threat of death is constant. What is wrong with allowing yourself
to indulge in the fantasy of the matrix and live in the computer
generated world?
“Reloaded” offers several explanations to this
question. First, the Wachowski Brothers explore a theme of
independence. Morpheus and the other revolutionaries take pride in
their freedom from the machines, and their ability to control their
movements in the matrix.
This goes along with themes of humanity and life.
“Reloaded” demonstrates that there is an inherent good
in living and being human. This is exemplified by Neo’s
decision to save Trinity at the end of the film. Instead of
sacrificing Trinity and allowing the human race to subsist in the
matrix, Neo chooses to save her and subject humans to an uncertain
future. One can mull over the implications of this action for a
long time. Neo’s choice makes it clear, however, that human
life involves much more than simulated or perceived sensation.
There is an emotional component that makes life outside of the
matrix better than life in the computer-generated world.
“Revolutions” will conclude the “Matrix”
trilogy this Wednesday. The Wachowski Brothers describe the film by
saying “Whereas ‘Reloaded’ is about life,
‘Revolutions’ addresses death.” What does this
mean? Could the Wachowski Brothers be planning an apocalyptic
ending to their story? Despite this statement and the
aforementioned tagline, I would not expect to see a tidy, complete
end to the trilogy. If the Wachowski Brothers remain true to their
previous themes, “Revolutions” will portray death as
simply another part of the life cycle. The death of some characters
will probably be shown in contrast to the continued life and birth
of others.
“The Matrix: Revolutions” hits theaters
Wednesday. Check out tomorrow’s Daily for Ryan Lewis’
review.