The Ultimate Matrix Collection will be released tomorrow (December 7, 2004), finally completing the Wachowskis' entire sci-fi franchise. For some, the series represents a disappointing conclusion to what promised to be a very good trilogy. For me, the new DVD release at least warrants a second look.
Even for those who detest the latter two films of the Matrix trilogy, the first movie stands as an overwhelming triumph of filmmaking. Though it was not initially successful (due to mild promotion), it soon became a surprise hit that stunned audiences with its winning combination of smooth storytelling, philosophical quandaries, and revolutionary special effects. It was so overwhelmingly popular, in fact, that a sequel was almost doomed to failure. Not only did it have to live up to the hype surrounding the first film, but it also faced the fate that befalls the middle film in any trilogy: the problem of making a movie that contains neither the beginning nor the end of a story, yet satisfactorily progresses the plot.
Given these obstacles, it is no wonder that The Matrix Reloaded fared so poorly with critics. The film introduced the audience to a new setting, new conflicts, and a host of new characters, with no resolution and little clear direction. The heroes of the movie became engaged in long, drawn-out battles that led seemingly nowhere. As a result, audiences became restless with the movie, and understandably so. Without the third film, there was no way of knowing how the endless fighting would eventually pay off.
Richard Slotkin, the author of Gunfighter Nation, proposes that the operant myth of American culture is the Western film. He argues that this myth, which typically involves a rogue cowboy enforcing order behind the barrel of a gun, teaches us that violence solves problems. I submit that this principle not only in Westerns, but in most action films in general (the only thing Bruce Willis is missing in Die Hard is a cowboy hat).
Article comments
1 - Matt Paprocki
You know, I loved all three movies. There's a reason for it though. I didn't undersdtand them. I was lost by the second film. That just let me sit back and have fun with them. People seem to think these are supposed to life changing films, when all they are is a mix of various action genres.
The first movie set up the world, the sequels have fun with it and let us see things we haven't seen before. Are you telling me that the fight with the twins wasn't spectacular? Just don't think of these movies are being so philosophical (sp?). Just have fun with them.
By the way, the other limited edition box set is awesome. Neo bust, 80-page book, and insanely cool disc holder. It's expensive, but worth it.
2 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Kyle, very interesting concept and review - like Matt, I liked the second one almost as much as the first and have the third but haven't gotten around to watching it yet (busy busy busy). The idea of subverting the genre is interesting but from your telling it sounds very much like it becomes a story of martyrdom, which is a powerful genre all its own