Matrix: Bashing
More on the latest Matrix, and thoughts on the series overall. The biggest difference from my opinion is that I liked Reloaded better (with the exception of that rave scene from Zion).
However, the reviewer misses a point. “It seems that, in conceiving their pair of sequels to The Matrix, the writing and directing team of Andy and Larry Wachowski overestimated the profundity of the original’s philosophical musings.” There was always intended to be three movies, which even fits the trinitarian aspect of the Wachowski’s musings. I believe that the questions that were raised as part of the series could only be answered by the creators’ beliefs, which they have been notoriously reticent about. The studio execs probably had something to do with it, since they want to ensure that it appeals across as many belief systems as possible.
The original’s philosophy is severely undercut by the sequels, which take the Wachowski’s mishmash of philosophical possibilities and reduce them to a single option, that of choice. As Agent Smith asks, “Why do you
persist?” “Because I choose to,” says Neo. Of course, that’s directly opposite of the Merovingian’s oft-repeated “Cause – Effect” philosophy that is so prominent in Reloaded and in the beginning of Revolutions. The end doesn’t even show any of the choices for the future, it just kind of leaves you with the unresolved feeling that you get at the end of Pleasantville, that everything should be ok, but it is all too nebulous to feel good about.
Oh well, I’m not going to say any more about this, it’s all kind of worthless in the long run anyways. Of course, I will be getting the boxset when it comes out, it is still a decent sci-fi experience.
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