Matrix 1 • Matrix 2 & 3 • Matrix 4 & 5
The Matrix (Matrix 1)
The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowskis[note 1] and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. It depicts a dystopian future in which reality as perceived by most humans is actually a simulated reality called “the Matrix”, created by sentient machines to subdue the human population, while their bodies’ heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Cybercriminal and computer programmer Neo learns this truth and is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, which involves other people who have been freed from the “dream world.”
External Links
- The Matrix: A Cyberpunk Triumph
- The Ending of the Matrix Trilogy Finally Explained (one view on YouTube)
- What the Matrix Ending Really Means (another view on YouTube)
- Max Igan: Navigating a Digital Dystopia
- The Matrix: Zen in the Art of Being Bulletproof Part 1
- The Matrix: Zen in the Art of Being Bulletproof Part 2
- “The Matrix, or, the Two Sides of Perversion” by Slavoj Zizek
- The Matrix Movie – Advaita Vedanta – Non Duality (external site)
- The Matrix: A Modern Interpretation of Vedanta
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The Matrix Reloaded (Matrix 2)
The Matrix Reloaded is a 2003 science fiction action film, the first sequel to The Matrix, and the second installment in The Matrix trilogy, written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers. It premiered on May 7, 2003, in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, and went on general release by Warner Bros. in North American theaters on May 15, 2003, and around the world during the latter half of that month. It was also screened out of competition at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.[7] The video game Enter the Matrix, which was released on May 15, and a collection of nine animated shorts, The Animatrix, which was released on June 3, supported and expanded the storyline of the film. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $742.1 million worldwide. The Matrix Revolutions, which completes the story, was released six months after Reloaded, in November 2003.
The Matrix Revolutions (Matrix 3)
The Matrix Revolutions is a 2003 science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers. It was the third installment of The Matrix trilogy, released six months following The Matrix Reloaded. The film was released simultaneously in 60 countries on November 5, 2003.
Return to Source: Philosophy and The Matrix (Matrix 4)
This is one of the two feature-length documentaries on #8(The Roots of The Matrix) of the 10-Disc Ultimate Set. It goes over many philosophical concepts that inspired, and are presented in, the trilogy. They spend the first half(!) on the original film, and the rest of the time then goes over parts 2 and 3, with a couple of things on the Animatrix shorts. This consists of clips of aforementioned releases and interviews. This does a good job of informing the audience about the various thoughts, although it would obviously take far longer to go over all the symbolism in them, and one can ask the very appropriate question if something anywhere near that definite and final is even desired, by viewers or the Wachowskis alike. That does mean that this is limited, but it is likely enough to enlighten and provide food for thought. In line with the series, this may provoke debate, rather than give answers set in stone. Whether one cares for this or not may depend on the extent of their knowledge on the subject, the old ideas, as well as how much they’ve thought about the presence of such in these three silver screen efforts. Obviously, it also makes a difference if one particularly wants to think about the meanings one could possibly take out of them. This is well-edited and has an appropriate pace. It doesn’t overstay its welcome or repeat itself.
Philosophy and the Matrix – Return to the Source (Full Documentary) from Joseph Anderson on Vimeo.
The Animatrix (Matrix 5)
The Animatrix (アニマトリックス Animatorikkusu) is a 2003 American–Japanese animated science fiction anthology film produced by the Wachowskis. It is a compilation of nine animated short films based on The Matrix trilogy, which was written and directed by the Wachowskis. Four of the shorts were also written by the Wachowskis. The film details the backstory of the Matrix universe, including the original war between man and machines which led to the creation of the titular Matrix.
ACTIVITIES
MATRIX Movie 1 Assignments
March 18-22, 2019
Monday, March 18
Watch the first Matrix movie.
Wednesday, March 20
Write your blogpost on the first Matrix movie, using this moment to begin drawing together some of the themes from the first half of our semester as context for a discussion of the Matrix movies and what they say about popular culture.
You are NOT required to comment on your groupmates’ blogposts this week, although you certainly may if you’d like.
MATRIX Movies 2 & 3 Assignments
April 8-12, 2019
Monday, April 8
Watch The Matrix Reloaded (Matrix 2) and The Matrix Revolutions (Matrix 3) movies.
Wednesday, April 10
Write your blogpost on the second and third Matrix movies. Your exact focus is up to you, but if you want to prepare for the Final Synthesis Paper, explore these two questions:
What seems to be the primary focal point of each of our next two Matrix films, Reloaded and Revolutions? And how does each film build on the first Matrix movie story line?
Friday, April 12
Respond to your groupmates’ blogposts.
MATRIX Movies 4 & 5 Assignments
April 15-22, 2019
Monday, April 15
Watch the fourth Matrix movie.
Wednesday, April 17
Watch the fourth Matrix movie.
Friday, April 19
Write your blogpost on the fourth and fifth Matrix movies.
You may choose whatever topic best allows you to explore the ways in which the Matrix 4 & 5 movies add a deeper dimension to your understanding of the whole movie series (all five taken together).
Monday, April 22
Respond to your groupmates’ blogposts.