| | Matrix, The | Occasionally a film comes along that sets new standards for cinematography (Citizen Kane). Sometimes a new technology starts a revolution in what the customer expects the film to deliver and this is one of those films.
The film's credentials don't sound to good with no A-List actors and a pair of unknowns (the now godlike Wachowski brothers) making the film but somehow they managed to pull of a startling film (maybe even a phenomenon (but not in the Vauxhall Vectra type of way)). The effects, namely the 'bullet-time', is such a dramatic effect that it has been copied in virtually every martial arts film since it was made (Although maybe the finest copy was in 'Shrek' ).
Keanu Reeve's, the eternal blank slate of the acting world, fits in perfectly as the slightly confused hero of the film. The supporting cast are excellent in their roles, with Laurence Fishburne reviving his career, now officially the baddest man in Hollywood, and excellent introductions to the previously unknown (well to me anyway) Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith).
<*dv_0*> The style is breathtaking and there is only one real moment in the film where you will burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it (You know the bit where he decides to fight Smith in the Underground and flexes his muscles in that, erm, interesting way). Although the film has undoubtedly been ripped off of numerous sources, 'Neuromancer' and the comic 'The Invisibles', it somehow manages to remain fresh and dynamic.
Maybe I'm biased (Carrie-Anne Moss in PVC...... Mmmmmmmmm) but this film seems set to be the Star Wars of our generation. Already I can see the Matrix religion starting to take over our world and I feel its time to admit that I'm nothing more than a very clever/stupid computer program designed to waste time and space.
I love this film, its a virus. Pass it on. Review by Russell Pottinger | | | | |
