Movie Description
With THE MATRIX, the Wachowskis have established themselves as innovative filmmakers who push the boundaries of live-action films. Like the groundbreaking STAR WARS, THE MATRIX (also the first film of a trilogy) showcases a unique visual style, one the Wachowskis achieved through an array of techniques and digital effects, some never before seen in mainstream Hollywood films. Although computer morphing technology had been used before in films such as THE ABYSS and TERMINATOR 2, the Wachowskis were the first to use "bullet time," a time-bending digital effect that utilizes both computer-generated imagery and still photography.
The film itself is a complex story that aspires to mythology, focusing on a computer hacker named Neo (Keanu Reeves) who searches for the truth behind the mysterious force known as the Matrix. He finds his answer with a group of strangers led by the charismatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). What they encounter in confronting that truth makes for a lightning-paced, eye-popping thrill ride of a movie. Packed with stunning fight scenes (choreographed by accomplished Hong Kong director Yuen Wo-Ping), astonishing visual effects, quotable lines, and a terrific supporting cast (led by Carrie-Anne Moss, in her first major Hollywood film), THE MATRIX is a bold triumph that raises the bar for all science fiction films.
| Credits | | Producer: | Joel Silver | | Cast: | Hugo Weaving, Julian Arahanga, Marcus Chong, Matt Doran |
Editorial Reviews
"...A feast of unexpected fidgets and perspectives, punctuated by trademark overhead shots and teasing detail and detour....THE MATRIX is a wonderland of tricks and stunts..."
Sight and Sound - p.47 - Philip Strick (07/01/1999)
"...THE MATRIX soars with its feet in the air..."
Rolling Stone - p.76 - Peter Travers (05/29/1999)
"...A breathtaking rollercoaster ride..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
Premiere - p.134 - Holly Gallo (11/01/1999)
"...Clever....This virtual-reality saga takes advantage of Reeves' sometimes endearingly boyish personality..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (03/31/1999)
"...A wildly cinematic futuristic thriller..."
Los Angeles Times - Kenneth Turan (03/31/1999)
"...THE MATRIX is a visually dazzling cyberadventure, full of kinetic excitement....It's great looking, both in its design and in the kinetic energy that powers it. It uses flawlessly integrated special effects and animation to visualize regions of cyberspace..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (03/31/1999)
Awards
1999Academy AwardsBest EditingZach Staenberg, 1999Academy AwardsBest Sound Effects EditingDane A. Davis, 1999Academy AwardsBest Sound, 1999Academy AwardsBest Visual Effects
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