Uncanny that you mentioned Terminator in this analysis, since I just watched the original two this weekend out of random interest. Just thought that was funny.
I just find it hard to grasp with the concept that we have had films that humans wrote, warning us about losing our humanity to AI, and yet some people accept it with open arms. The picture was painted for us, yet a lot of people look at it with admiration instead of wariness and hesitation.
It’s eerily comparable to a self fulfilling prophecy.
It often feels like an uphill battle saying these things, but someone has to do it. (Felt like Morpheus saying that)
Yeah, anyone that is in favor of generative AI taking over human processes, and especially art… I just have no idea what’s going through their brain tbh. The only reason art ever resonates at all is because there’s a shared human experience underlying the story that we can connect to and a machine will not be able to replicate that in any genuine way.
I apologize that my feedback wasn’t more centered on your focal points you wanted to elaborate on. I tend to be a bigger fan of the sequel movies (hot take, I know) so I felt mentioning those and that story would detract from this movie.
However, “Her” was one of my favorite movies when I was younger and angstier, so I am excited to watch that again and really analyze it with the context of the current climate surrounding AI.
If you created a list of the top 20 movies that will stand the test of time and still be consumed in some form or fashion hundreds of years from now, I feel like The Matrix would be on that list. Sure, Descartes was the first to ask “What is existence/reality?”, but the idea of a simulation was foreign to 17th century humanity. The Wachowskis asked the question again at the PERFECT time, in an almost perfect way. As a result, The Matrix is cemented in pop culture in a way 0.1% of art accomplishes. I love it for that reason. It doesn’t just entertain me or emotionally move me, it makes me think and question and reflect on my own reality after the credits roll.
100% Totally agree with everything you said. It was just SO culturally relevant in a profound way when it came out but has also managed to prove that the filmmakers were also looking to the future in an intelligent and predictive way because it’s still incredibly relevant, in some ways, even more so!
The scene where Neo is being shown what The Matrix is and where Morpheus asks him what is real is my favorite scene. We do really create our own realities inside our heads. And AI is making it easier to do so as these algorithms make us think we are branching out when we are stuck in a loop.
This time around, I really thought about our current relationship with AI. Is the movie a warning for the environmental effects of AI? Is our using ChatGPT for fun internet trends going to scorch our planet? Are we doomed to become like the world of the Matrix?
I also understand Cypher's motives more. Even though at some point he must have consented to be woken up from the Matrix, does it make it right to wake someone up who doesn't have a grasp on what they are going to see? What are the ethics behind giving someone that much information, when they are not ready for it?
Interesting idea on Cypher. He definitely claimed he was tricked and if any of them had known what lay in store they would have refused. His actions end up being unforgivable, but there may be a little bit of validation in his claims!
My views on Cypher completely changed as I’ve gotten older. When I was younger I was very much in the “Fuck Cypher! What a weak coward! What an irredeemable villain!” But now that I’m an adult and I wake up every day to a life I absolutely love, I can’t help but have some empathy for him. If someone popped me out of my life right now, without my consent, and brought me into the “real world” to fight our AI overlords and save humanity, I would absolutely want to be put back in The Matrix 🤷🏻
Right? And especially that he was forced to make a decision he didn’t fully understand? Seems pretty unfair. That said, I do think what he does to his friends is pretty unforgivable!
I hadn't watched The Matrix in years and it was nice to watch it with somewhat fresh eyes.
It is eerie watching a movie made more than 25 years ago be so spot on about what is happening with technology nowadays. With how fast technology is progressing, it isn't too far fetched to see how The Matrix could become a reality in the future. I often think about how every person's algorithm is specifically curated for us and how we are constantly consuming media. The endless scrolling and highlight reels that are being shown to us ruins every day life for us. The "perfect life" is being shown to us in a screen so often that when we look up we feel disappointed or stagnant. I suppose comparison truly is the thief of joy. Like you, I believe that we as humans wouldn't be able to accept a perfect world (maybe because of our fight or flight instincts kicking in) because we wouldn't always be waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, I think that we are also blissfully ignorant. We don't question much and accept things for what they are which is why so many people are still "stuck in the matrix".
Cypher makes me think of A Few Good Men when Nicholson says his famous line "You can't handle the truth!". To me, his statement that if he had known everything he wouldn't have taken the red pill is sort of a cop out. I think that those individuals who have been taken out of the matrix are those who were looking for more in the first place. If he really wanted out I think he could've found a way to put himself out of his misery. Instead, he chose to sacrifice those who had become his community for his own freedom.
Lastly, a few things that left an impact. Neo's rebirth after taking the red pill is so interesting to me. It is so traumatic. It felt like his choice to open his eyes to the harsh reality of the world came with a physical trial as well, so I suppose it was fitting. Also, Agent Smith telling Morpheus that he basically wanted out of the matrix shows that AI is continuing to evolve to a point that even the programs are becoming sentient and wanting to be individualized.
Great rewatch! I'll definitely have to rewatch the other ones!
Really fantastic thoughts here!! I think you raise a good point about Cypher and my wife mentioned something similar to me… if he was the the type of person to be searching for something more the first time around what makes him think he’s be at peace the second time? It’s not that he doesn’t want to know the truth he just ended up not liking the truth. Which can spin off to all kinds of fascinating questions about us as humans and the ignorance is bliss idea!
Thanks so much for offering your thoughts! And yes, totally agree on the physical trauma of Neo being woken up. It really was like being born, but as an adult. Crazy!
This was actually the first time I’ve seen The Matrix. Born shortly after the movie released in 2001, it just missed me until now, and frankly nothing outside of the blue and red pill scene, and the dodging bullet scene, was spoiled for me coming in.
While watching, when the Agent says the humans rejected the utopian world they designed, I initially took it two ways:
1. Each individuals idea of a utopia varies, depending on desires and perspective. Assuming all the humans are experiencing the same Matrix and not custom generated worlds based on each humans ideals.
2. Humans need negative emotions. I personally am most drawn to movies and music that portray a “negative” emotion of sadness. This is the emotion I feel the strongest from art as an empathetic person. Maybe the utopia they imagined didn’t include the need for such feelings?
Side note: As this is the first time I’ve seen this movie, it is nice to catch all the pieces of pop culture and art I know well that is inspired or directly references this movie.
Very valid points here. And funny enough one of the best stories to convey some of those ideas in simple terms might actually be, for me personally, Inside Out lol. Seems obvious but sometimes even as an adult I have to be reminded about why “negative” emotions aren’t always a bad thing. Although if machines ever use that against me to keep me in a simulation I’m gonna be mad
I love that take that humans need negative emotions. Especially when consuming any kind of art, I definitely most remember those that made me emotional!
Upon rewatch, I caught a previously overlooked detail. So the machines had apparently been run on solar power, and as they gained power the human population darkened the sky to block out the sunlight. But it was already too late - the machines had evolved too much already and were able to harness human power instead of solar, thus leading to the world of The Matrix. To me, this brings up some good questions about when it would be time to rein in the progression of AI and a cautionary tale to do so before it's too late.
If you are interested in exploring the philosophy of The Matrix, there are many resources out there; books, podcasts, etc.
Yeah definitely an interesting idea for humanity to consider - at what point would we collectively think the development of AI has crossed a line and needs to be stopped? And is that line in a place of no return? For some people we’re already past it if it’s taking people’s jobs, and others would probably take it much much further.
Some notes I took down during the movie based on the suggested questions:
Why do you think the story heavily features elements of faith and spiritualism?
Every religion claims to cut through this world as we perceive it and reveal the true nature of existence. Other realms, heavens, hells, a creator, etc… even nontheistic religions like Buddhism claim that the existence of self and much of our waking experience is in fact an illusion.
All of these ideas are so closely tied to what Neo is going through that it would be hard to imagine that the characters would not find it easy to have “faith” in higher or invisible powers and prophecies.
What do you think of the choice Cypher makes?
It’s an interesting topic. Ignoring the betrayal of the crew, I think the interesting part of Cypher’s choice is all about choosing what’s “real” vs. the more comforting illusions of the Matrix.
It’s hard for me to judge Cypher for choosing the Matrix over a bleak reality. As he said, “ignorance is bliss”. It’s interesting that humans place value on the basis of how “real” something is. Where does that attachment come from?
Can you see any connection between his philosophy and our current relationship with AI?
This attachment to what’s “real” is what causes us to track our screen time, put down the video games, and “touch grass”.
We degrade AI art and relationships (see “Her”) because they aren’t “real”. Meaning what?
I’m not saying human art and relationships are the same as AI. Something about the effort and time and organic messiness of human existence makes these things more beautiful to me and most people. But maybe this is a silly, shallow outlook.
Great observations! Made me think of how when people try to describe what makes something feel real or more human they often will say something to the effect of “it has a soul” - even if it’s a piece of art. And most of us understand what that means. It may not be a literal soul in that sense, but some metaphysical, undefined, but recognizable element that we can all sense that something feels more real, or perhaps, earnest if we can sense the shared human experience in it. But what if we really couldn’t tell the difference? Pretty interesting discussion!
Kaden are you on letterboxd? I plugged your substack in my review but couldn’t find you on there! Might be cool to get a list(s) going for each month! Really excited I found your TikTok to find out about this!
I am on Letterboxd but I don’t really use it for reviews, more of just a personal log of what I’ve seen in theaters. I should be under the username Meridius though. What’s the list function you mentioned? And thanks so much! Really glad to have you here!
Kind of thought of something similar to what Cinemonster does for Hooptober every year: https://letterboxd.com/cinemonster/list/hooptober-11-the-return-to-texas-because/. Acts kind of like a hub! Connects all the people doing your club, people can see each other's reviews/thoughts, etc. This is your baby so not trying to tell you what to do in the slightest, but I'm on letterboxd daily, so might be a cool way to get the word out in that community :) pumped to be here, looking forward to the rest of the month & beyond!!
Uncanny that you mentioned Terminator in this analysis, since I just watched the original two this weekend out of random interest. Just thought that was funny.
I just find it hard to grasp with the concept that we have had films that humans wrote, warning us about losing our humanity to AI, and yet some people accept it with open arms. The picture was painted for us, yet a lot of people look at it with admiration instead of wariness and hesitation.
It’s eerily comparable to a self fulfilling prophecy.
It often feels like an uphill battle saying these things, but someone has to do it. (Felt like Morpheus saying that)
Yeah, anyone that is in favor of generative AI taking over human processes, and especially art… I just have no idea what’s going through their brain tbh. The only reason art ever resonates at all is because there’s a shared human experience underlying the story that we can connect to and a machine will not be able to replicate that in any genuine way.
I apologize that my feedback wasn’t more centered on your focal points you wanted to elaborate on. I tend to be a bigger fan of the sequel movies (hot take, I know) so I felt mentioning those and that story would detract from this movie.
However, “Her” was one of my favorite movies when I was younger and angstier, so I am excited to watch that again and really analyze it with the context of the current climate surrounding AI.
Oh no need to apologize at all, any comments and observations are welcome! Looking forward to your thoughts on Her!
If you created a list of the top 20 movies that will stand the test of time and still be consumed in some form or fashion hundreds of years from now, I feel like The Matrix would be on that list. Sure, Descartes was the first to ask “What is existence/reality?”, but the idea of a simulation was foreign to 17th century humanity. The Wachowskis asked the question again at the PERFECT time, in an almost perfect way. As a result, The Matrix is cemented in pop culture in a way 0.1% of art accomplishes. I love it for that reason. It doesn’t just entertain me or emotionally move me, it makes me think and question and reflect on my own reality after the credits roll.
100% Totally agree with everything you said. It was just SO culturally relevant in a profound way when it came out but has also managed to prove that the filmmakers were also looking to the future in an intelligent and predictive way because it’s still incredibly relevant, in some ways, even more so!
The scene where Neo is being shown what The Matrix is and where Morpheus asks him what is real is my favorite scene. We do really create our own realities inside our heads. And AI is making it easier to do so as these algorithms make us think we are branching out when we are stuck in a loop.
That’s a great scene! Asking ourselves what is reality in context of our social algorithms seems like a very smart thing to do right now!
This time around, I really thought about our current relationship with AI. Is the movie a warning for the environmental effects of AI? Is our using ChatGPT for fun internet trends going to scorch our planet? Are we doomed to become like the world of the Matrix?
I also understand Cypher's motives more. Even though at some point he must have consented to be woken up from the Matrix, does it make it right to wake someone up who doesn't have a grasp on what they are going to see? What are the ethics behind giving someone that much information, when they are not ready for it?
Interesting idea on Cypher. He definitely claimed he was tricked and if any of them had known what lay in store they would have refused. His actions end up being unforgivable, but there may be a little bit of validation in his claims!
My views on Cypher completely changed as I’ve gotten older. When I was younger I was very much in the “Fuck Cypher! What a weak coward! What an irredeemable villain!” But now that I’m an adult and I wake up every day to a life I absolutely love, I can’t help but have some empathy for him. If someone popped me out of my life right now, without my consent, and brought me into the “real world” to fight our AI overlords and save humanity, I would absolutely want to be put back in The Matrix 🤷🏻
Right? And especially that he was forced to make a decision he didn’t fully understand? Seems pretty unfair. That said, I do think what he does to his friends is pretty unforgivable!
Oh completely agree haha, that part IS irredeemable. But his motive, I get.
I hadn't watched The Matrix in years and it was nice to watch it with somewhat fresh eyes.
It is eerie watching a movie made more than 25 years ago be so spot on about what is happening with technology nowadays. With how fast technology is progressing, it isn't too far fetched to see how The Matrix could become a reality in the future. I often think about how every person's algorithm is specifically curated for us and how we are constantly consuming media. The endless scrolling and highlight reels that are being shown to us ruins every day life for us. The "perfect life" is being shown to us in a screen so often that when we look up we feel disappointed or stagnant. I suppose comparison truly is the thief of joy. Like you, I believe that we as humans wouldn't be able to accept a perfect world (maybe because of our fight or flight instincts kicking in) because we wouldn't always be waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, I think that we are also blissfully ignorant. We don't question much and accept things for what they are which is why so many people are still "stuck in the matrix".
Cypher makes me think of A Few Good Men when Nicholson says his famous line "You can't handle the truth!". To me, his statement that if he had known everything he wouldn't have taken the red pill is sort of a cop out. I think that those individuals who have been taken out of the matrix are those who were looking for more in the first place. If he really wanted out I think he could've found a way to put himself out of his misery. Instead, he chose to sacrifice those who had become his community for his own freedom.
Lastly, a few things that left an impact. Neo's rebirth after taking the red pill is so interesting to me. It is so traumatic. It felt like his choice to open his eyes to the harsh reality of the world came with a physical trial as well, so I suppose it was fitting. Also, Agent Smith telling Morpheus that he basically wanted out of the matrix shows that AI is continuing to evolve to a point that even the programs are becoming sentient and wanting to be individualized.
Great rewatch! I'll definitely have to rewatch the other ones!
Really fantastic thoughts here!! I think you raise a good point about Cypher and my wife mentioned something similar to me… if he was the the type of person to be searching for something more the first time around what makes him think he’s be at peace the second time? It’s not that he doesn’t want to know the truth he just ended up not liking the truth. Which can spin off to all kinds of fascinating questions about us as humans and the ignorance is bliss idea!
Thanks so much for offering your thoughts! And yes, totally agree on the physical trauma of Neo being woken up. It really was like being born, but as an adult. Crazy!
This was actually the first time I’ve seen The Matrix. Born shortly after the movie released in 2001, it just missed me until now, and frankly nothing outside of the blue and red pill scene, and the dodging bullet scene, was spoiled for me coming in.
While watching, when the Agent says the humans rejected the utopian world they designed, I initially took it two ways:
1. Each individuals idea of a utopia varies, depending on desires and perspective. Assuming all the humans are experiencing the same Matrix and not custom generated worlds based on each humans ideals.
2. Humans need negative emotions. I personally am most drawn to movies and music that portray a “negative” emotion of sadness. This is the emotion I feel the strongest from art as an empathetic person. Maybe the utopia they imagined didn’t include the need for such feelings?
Side note: As this is the first time I’ve seen this movie, it is nice to catch all the pieces of pop culture and art I know well that is inspired or directly references this movie.
Very valid points here. And funny enough one of the best stories to convey some of those ideas in simple terms might actually be, for me personally, Inside Out lol. Seems obvious but sometimes even as an adult I have to be reminded about why “negative” emotions aren’t always a bad thing. Although if machines ever use that against me to keep me in a simulation I’m gonna be mad
I love that take that humans need negative emotions. Especially when consuming any kind of art, I definitely most remember those that made me emotional!
Well, that was very helpful. I didn’t k ow what I didn’t know. This is very cool. Thanks!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Upon rewatch, I caught a previously overlooked detail. So the machines had apparently been run on solar power, and as they gained power the human population darkened the sky to block out the sunlight. But it was already too late - the machines had evolved too much already and were able to harness human power instead of solar, thus leading to the world of The Matrix. To me, this brings up some good questions about when it would be time to rein in the progression of AI and a cautionary tale to do so before it's too late.
If you are interested in exploring the philosophy of The Matrix, there are many resources out there; books, podcasts, etc.
Yeah definitely an interesting idea for humanity to consider - at what point would we collectively think the development of AI has crossed a line and needs to be stopped? And is that line in a place of no return? For some people we’re already past it if it’s taking people’s jobs, and others would probably take it much much further.
Some notes I took down during the movie based on the suggested questions:
Why do you think the story heavily features elements of faith and spiritualism?
Every religion claims to cut through this world as we perceive it and reveal the true nature of existence. Other realms, heavens, hells, a creator, etc… even nontheistic religions like Buddhism claim that the existence of self and much of our waking experience is in fact an illusion.
All of these ideas are so closely tied to what Neo is going through that it would be hard to imagine that the characters would not find it easy to have “faith” in higher or invisible powers and prophecies.
What do you think of the choice Cypher makes?
It’s an interesting topic. Ignoring the betrayal of the crew, I think the interesting part of Cypher’s choice is all about choosing what’s “real” vs. the more comforting illusions of the Matrix.
It’s hard for me to judge Cypher for choosing the Matrix over a bleak reality. As he said, “ignorance is bliss”. It’s interesting that humans place value on the basis of how “real” something is. Where does that attachment come from?
Can you see any connection between his philosophy and our current relationship with AI?
This attachment to what’s “real” is what causes us to track our screen time, put down the video games, and “touch grass”.
We degrade AI art and relationships (see “Her”) because they aren’t “real”. Meaning what?
I’m not saying human art and relationships are the same as AI. Something about the effort and time and organic messiness of human existence makes these things more beautiful to me and most people. But maybe this is a silly, shallow outlook.
Great observations! Made me think of how when people try to describe what makes something feel real or more human they often will say something to the effect of “it has a soul” - even if it’s a piece of art. And most of us understand what that means. It may not be a literal soul in that sense, but some metaphysical, undefined, but recognizable element that we can all sense that something feels more real, or perhaps, earnest if we can sense the shared human experience in it. But what if we really couldn’t tell the difference? Pretty interesting discussion!
Kaden are you on letterboxd? I plugged your substack in my review but couldn’t find you on there! Might be cool to get a list(s) going for each month! Really excited I found your TikTok to find out about this!
I am on Letterboxd but I don’t really use it for reviews, more of just a personal log of what I’ve seen in theaters. I should be under the username Meridius though. What’s the list function you mentioned? And thanks so much! Really glad to have you here!
Kind of thought of something similar to what Cinemonster does for Hooptober every year: https://letterboxd.com/cinemonster/list/hooptober-11-the-return-to-texas-because/. Acts kind of like a hub! Connects all the people doing your club, people can see each other's reviews/thoughts, etc. This is your baby so not trying to tell you what to do in the slightest, but I'm on letterboxd daily, so might be a cool way to get the word out in that community :) pumped to be here, looking forward to the rest of the month & beyond!!
Oh interesting! I’ll have to look more into it. Definitely cool for club members to follow each other! Thanks for the info and for being here!