The Liminal World in Practice -- A Review of Matrix Revolution

     image by Warner Bros

Editor’s Note: I originally wrote this review for my Anthropology of Popular Culture class in the December of 2003. At the time, I was at different mindset. Some of this will come across as agenda ridden from a liberal left perspective. Guess what? It was and is, but the cultural perspective from some will find it valid and a bit understated. So, I ask you for moment and step outside the box of rigidity and look beyond the obvious and view from “The Others” perspective. 

I wanted to see the ultimate movie experience in special effects, martial arts, and conclude a storyline cliffhanger from the second movie, Matrix Reloaded; however, the epoch Matrix Revolutions was to be the definitive conclusion of the series, but left me confused. Why?

For the most part, the third Matrix movie wraps up the trilogy with very few open-ended questions. Yet, I am plagued with a single question about the series: the casting of the characters both— primary and secondary. It is subtle. I would like to think that it is unintentional, but my suspicions are that it may not be. What am I referring to? Even though the movie purports diversity, the hegemonic themes of Christianity are riddled throughout the movie (and the trilogy—to be honest).

Let me explain, in general, the cast of the characters in the film are minorities with a few minor exceptions, such as the main hero—Neo. Although liberating, the minority cast selection represents another level within the tale that is not immediately obvious because of the overlaying story. The basic premise of the movie was this: it takes place some time in the distant future when computers (and machines) have taken over the world and humanity is relegated as being batteries. The machines create a virtual world for the humans, a simulacrum, so that the human brain is engaged in choosing its own reality (Baudrillard).

Another revealing moment within the story is the crew of the Nebakanezzer searching for the “One,” a.k.a. “Neo,” to save humanity; and the representation thereof—minorities (both ethnic and racial). Neo (played by Keanu Reeeves, who is white) was found in the virtual world of the machines (in the first movie), and for the most living his bland, vanilla existence one day at a time. When he wakes up (reborn), the world is dark and foreboding. The world is in the belly of the Earth awaiting for the city of Zion to reclaim and restore humanity from darkness.

In the second movie, citizens of Zion are a mullato racial culture, and interestingly enough are I n the minority. This is strikingly subtle message to the audience. Why?

Because Neo realizes and represents how sheltered he has been (in the world) not seeing the oppression of others (remember the first Matrix moving was in 1999 2 years before September 11^th). In essence, actuality of acknowledging the outside world parallels –United States’ wake up call to terrorism; as Neo sees the wrongs from the perspective of being a white male. Thus, the audience should connect that the United States has become more racially diverse and the institutions of the Caucasian retaining power, to some, are outmoded. Does this movie depict the United States institutions as machines?

Maybe, if one is inclined to think that the United States has and is subjecting its citizenry to a finite conclusion. Morpheus (played by Laurence Fishburne, who is black), in the second movie, answers the oppression of the machines through terror and death have brought. He says, “For one hundred years they have fought the machines.” They, the machines, have tried to kill them, squelch their spirit, and take their nature; he concludes dramatically, “that they, [human city of Zion], are still here!”

The image the came to mind to my mind when hearing the oration of Morpheus was the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr., speech in 1963, of the Emancipation of the slaves. Morpheus’ role is liken to John the Baptist despite embodying leadership, however, he is still subordinate to the One, but his resolve to is founded in his belief of a single savior—Neo; and, that he is messiah for humanity.

Ultimately, the multi-layered movie plot reveals itself through Christian symbolism. In the final edition of Matrix Revolution, Neo has to choose his path knowing that he may have to sacrifice his life along with Trinity’s (played by Carrie Ann Moss, who is white), the love of his life. As he tells her, “You are a part of me.” (Neo—“He” gives his life to save His people’s lives’ in order to make peace with the Father—called the Architect in the movie).

The Christian symbols within the movie are almost operatic and virtually predictable. The machines attack Zion as Neo (the Messiah) and (the) Trinity go to the Machine City to confront the Architect. However, Neo has a final destination; he first must face himself before he can face the waves of Sentinels (flying mechanized soldier machines), dark angels, if you will, to secure his destiny of himself, Trinity, and the last refuge of mankind. The “Messiah” and Trinity pay the price for Zion’s salvation. They fought the noble battle to save the worthy savage—humanity.

One final thought, it could be interpreted from a radical point of view that, the casting of Neo, being white, the true message here is: “I, the white man, am and always the savior of the masses, especially to the minorities.” Nonetheless, from a popular culture perspective, this movie is another reinforcement of traditional and popular ideals.

Editor’s Post Note: The issue of race has been forefront in recent weeks, with OJ Simpson coming to mind specifically. However, I would like to point out the treatment of Ed Bradley on CBS and other MSM outlets. The care and respect they showed Bradley was rather profound. For 60 minutes to do so was a bit of a surprise, especially during the coveted sweeps period, but it is also illustrated the respect he commanded for his body of work. Like him or hate him, the quality of Ed Bradley work was of good measure.

So do I think race relations have been forwarded and improving—emphatically yes! Nonetheless, the Matrix series of movie reflected the globalization to come and the realization that America’s ethnocentrism will be confronting more of the “Others” than the “US” and for the majority we will not be dealing with “White Anglo-Saxon Protestant.”