Click here for a
May 20, 2003 Uncategorized
Click here for a larger view of each of these images:
Emma | Jesse | Ethan
Alright, folks, I finally saw Matrix: Reloaded. People have been asking for my opinions on this, so I am going to hit you with them now. If you are one of those people who hate to have a movie ruined by someone else, please don’t read on. Go see the movie and read my thoughts later. Oh, and BTW, I found this interesting site you may be interested in. It is a compilation of Matrix Essays. Also, make sure you read my friend Pavi’s thoughts.
OK, here we go. Most of this will be random, but I will do my best to consolidate it into bullet points for you psycho Modernists and left brained weirdos.
- The Sex Scene We were planning on hosting a Matrix party at Riverview but didn’t because of some “intense sensuality.” People told us of some partial nudity and an “orgy” scene. In fact, several people used the word “orgy.” That almost ruined a great scene for me. The scene, which incorporates Neo & Trinity’s sex and the dancing of the citizens of Zion, was amazing. Here is what struck me so much. What separates us from machines? Our humanity, of course. Our humanity was displayed so clearly in several elements in this scene (Where Morpheus wanted the machines “to hear that we are still here” or something like that). First, the music was a beautiful fusion of tribal and techno music (a nice allusion to humanity vs. machines). Second, the set itself seemed to be transformed (with the lava and the red / orange / flesh tones) in a way that caused you to forget that they were in a man made city deep under ground; it seemed so “organic.” Third, the sensual dancing / sex scene displayed something that is uniquely human. Sure, machines can think. But can they experience the passion of sex or dance? Can they experience the blend of all 5 senses that comes together in an experience like that? Then there was the close of the scene, when Neo & Trinity were embracing each other and they looked as if they were one (it was really hard to tell where one person ended and the other began. And in the middle of that sculpture of flesh was the row of stark metal discs along Neo’s back reminding us of the machines that loomed outside of Zion. Brilliant.
- Metaphor People have been commenting on whether Matrix: Reloaded is a good Christian metaphor or not. Here’s my position on that. It is. Now, yes, there are sprinklings (or huge heaping spoonfuls) of Buddhism and other eastern mysticisms thrown into the mix, but that is to be expected. Can we expect something created by the world to be anything other than a flawed metaphor? Even the best of metaphors created by Jesus Himself (good and bad soils, a dishonest manager) are not perfect. But they carry the point in a wonderful package. In addition, I believe a lot of art is a reflection of God, merely because the artist is an “image bearer.” For instance, I have found a lot of music by unbelievers draws me into the presence of God. Did they intend that? Certainly not. But a great many people would be surprised at the songs I worship my creator with.
- Effects Amazing. I was surprised that even after seeing the trailers, I found a lot to say “wow” to. Bravo.
I suppose I could write a lot more, but I won’t.
