“The Matrix is Everywhere”

“The Matrix is everywhere; it is all around us” is literally the impact this epic action film has had, leaving a legacy behind it. The Wachowski brothers (writers of The Matrix) left their staple in each and every aspect of action cinematography. Four Academy Awards – film editing, sound mixing, sound editing, and visual effects – are living proof to their success.

Like Star Wars, The Matrix has become a legacy for the action films of modern day times. Aside from the enormous budget, The Wachowski brothers built their masterpiece by using tools either forgotten or never before seen in the industry. The first 360 degree shot was taken, using over 200 still cameras simultaneously and revolutionizing a way of thinking. The anime-style angles of filming provided an untouched, alternate view point for the audience. Bullet time was first introduced by the Wachowski brothers as well, which not only affected action film production, but also was incorporated into video games.

Another staple in the art of action film production that was reinstated after this movie was the use of martial arts scenes. Yes, there were other martial arts based films out there, but they were never again the same after the release of The Matrix. Proceeding The Matrix, famous martial arts choreographers were in high demand to stage fighting scenes. “Wire Fu”  has now become common fold, not only among Hong Kong film (where it originated), but among Hollywood features as well (X-Men (2000), Daredevil (2003)).

The Matrix, among other things, has become an icon for plot metaphor. I want to give you, the reader, an assignment: search the web for metaphoric meaning of The Matrix. Just try it; you’ll understand when you see for yourself.