Films › Lana Wachowski

The Matrix (1999)

Film

DirectorLana Wachowski

Meta takes3

Figures

Characters

The character of Morpheus → The Magical Negro

Form & technique

The "Red Pill / Blue Pill" choice scene
The "Follow the white rabbit" sequence → The Pastiche Playbook
The use of Rage Against the Machine's "Wake Up" in the final scene and credits → Anempathetic Sound

Tropes

Neo's "residual self-image"
Neo's decision to re-enter the Matrix to save Morpheus
The "Bullet Time" effect on the rooftop
The division between the simulated world and the 'real' world

Films most connected to The Matrix

Watchmen (2009) — via The Pastiche Playbook, Anempathetic Sound
Reservoir Dogs (1992) — via The Pastiche Playbook, Anempathetic Sound
Drive (2011) — via The Pastiche Playbook, Anempathetic Sound
Green Book (2018) — via The Magical Negro
Million Dollar Baby (2004) — via The Magical Negro
The Intouchables (2011) — via The Magical Negro
Ghost (1990) — via The Magical Negro
The Shining (1980) — via The Magical Negro