ENTERING THE MATRIX
How Deep the Rabbit Hole Goes
THE MATRIX
• In 1999, Larry and Andy Wachowski released a science-fiction film called The Matrix.
• The story involved a hacker, with the pseudonym Neo, discovering that this reality is virtually created by machines to control and utilize of the body heat of the human population.
• Neo is then drawn by a group of rebels to rebel against the machines, both in the real world and within the virtual Matrix.
INFLUENCES
• Literary– Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• Religious• Philosphical– Plato’s Allegory of the Cave– Descartes’ Evil Demon
• Anime and other film– Ghost in the Shell
REACTION
• 87% critical approval rating (RottenTomatoes.com)
• #39 on the 500 Greatest Movies of all Time (Empire Magazine)
• 8.7/10 viewer rating, #21 on Top 250 (IMDB.com)
• 4 Academy Awards: Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Visual Effects
• Considered a key figure in science fiction, cyberpunk work and
THE MATRIX RELOADED
• In 2003, the Wachowskis released the much anticipated sequel.
• Expanded the universes of both the Matrix and the Real World. Involved Neo attempting to carry out the prophecy before the human city of Zion was destroyed by machines.
• Also critically and financially successful.
ENTER THE MATRIX
• In conjunction with the release date of Reloaded, a multi-platform roleplaying-action-shooter game was released.
• Play as the secondary characters of Niobe and Ghost during the temporality of just before and during Reloaded.
• Revealed more about the universe to the players through gameplay and in-game films.
THE ANIMATRIX
• Before the release of the conclusion of the trilogy, the Wachowski Brothers produced nine independently made animated short films relating to the world of the Matrix.
• Some of the films expanded the knowledge of the Matrix universe, before, and during the temporality of the films.
THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS
• The conclusion to the Matrix Trilogy.
• Most of the film, unlike the first two, took place in the Real World.
• As the Agent Smith virus grows within the Matrix, Zion prepares for the machines’ attack, Neo and Trinity attempt the impossible.
• Mixed reviews critically, but financially successful.
THE MATRIX COMICS
• Several comics were released online and in print between 1999 and 2004.
• In 2003, a collection was made available.
• Extended the parameters of the world and the stories of several characters.
THE MATRIX ONLINE• An MMORPG released in 2005
after the completion of the Trilogy.
• Takes place immediately after the last film, where people are given the option to live in the Real World or consciously in the Matrix, or “redpills”.
• Features characters from the films that players can interact with, along with several missions and opportunities for combat.
• Shut down in 2009.
THE MATRIX: PATH OF NEO
• Video game released in late 2005, where players can play as the film’s protagonist in several scenes from the trilogy.
• The only official release of the Matrix franchise that I do not own.
IN ADDITION...
• Soundtracks were released for each film release and Enter the Matrix.
• Several books on philosophy and the world of The Matrix have been written.
• Matrix fanfiction and forums have been populating the internet since the film’s inception.
QUESTIONS?
• Being a self proclaimed Matrix nerd, I’ll be able to answer any questions, comments, concerns about the transmedial world of the Matrix.
• Thank you for listening to my presentation; I hope it helped free your mind.
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