Reality and Hyperreality in Cinema A Case Study of Matrix

Table of Contents 1) The Matrix as an Allegory 2) Simulation and Simulacra 3) Visual Images as Simulacra

The Matrix as an Allegory The Matrix (1999) Written and Directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski

The Matrix as an Allegory A short synopsis Computer hacker Thomas Anderson has lived a relatively ordinary life until he is contacted by the enigmatic person called Morpheus who leads him into the REAL world.

The Matrix as an Allegory Morpheus makes Anderson realise that the world around him is a computer simulation, a false version of twentieth- century life (exactly speaking 1999) named the “Matrix” and the REAL world (of 2199) has been laid waste and taken over by advanced artificial intelligence machines.

The Matrix as an Allegory The computers have created the “Matrix” to keep the human slaves satisfied, while the AI machines draw power from the humans.

The Matrix as an Allegory Morpheus and other rebel warriors are constantly pursued by the police or "Agents" (computers who take on human form and infiltrate the Matrix), while struggling to overthrow the Matrix.

The Matrix as an Allegory The Truman Show (1998) written by Andrew Niccol and directed by Peter Weir The hero’s home town and the surrounding area is the world’s largest soundstage (television stage).

The Matrix as Allegory Dark City (1998) written and directed by Alex Proyas The decrepit urban labyrinth is eventually revealed to have been built by aliens for observing human behaviour.

The Matrix as an Allegory The Thirteenth Floor (1999) written and directed by Josef Rusnak One of the scientists perfecting a sim-city realizes slowly that he himself, and everything he knows exists merely as part of another sim.

The Matrix as an Allegory Sim City is a city building simulation game, first released in 1989 and designed by Will Wright.

The Matrix as an Allegory Allegory The war between machine and man (The possibility that) Reality is a hoax and simulation. Our anxiety about what our relationship to the real should be, or what our relationship to the fake should be.

Simulation and Simulacra A key to understand the allegorical meanings of The Matrix A brief shot of a book, Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation

Simulation and Simulacra To dissimulate – to feign (or pretend) not to have what one has. To simulate – to feign (or pretend) to have what one doesn’t have (there is nothing) “To simulate is not simply to feign … feigning or dissimulation leaves the reality intact … whereas simulation threatens the difference between ‘true’ and ‘false’, between ‘real’ and ‘imaginary’” (Jean Baudrillard, p. 5)

Simulation and Simulacra Simulacrum = what is simulated; a copy of reality which has already lost its originality and meaning Simulacrum = an empty sign which refers to only itself and is devoid of meaning and value Our reality itself is made of simulacra There is nothing which is not simulated in our reality - postmodern reality.

Simulation and Simulacra Present-day simulators make the real coincide with their simulation models. Images - films, TV, games, holograms, computer graphics, etc. Copies, replicas, models

Simulation and Simulacra “Disneyland is presented as imaginary in order to make us believe that the rest is real, when in fact Los Angeles and the America surrounding it are no longer real, but of the order of the hyperreal and of simulation”(25).

Visual Images as Simulacra What The Matrix shows us is the reality like ours which consists entirely of simulated and mediated people and objects - hyperreal objects. The Matrix present a simulated reality which is more real than our reality. But how …

Visual Images as Simulacra Digital image surroundings Videogames: The Matrix deploys digital effects and images resonant for gamers Whether one played on a PC or a platform like PlayStation or X-box, videogame images are all digitally coded.

Visual Images as Simulacra We are surrounded by digitally created images: video game and computer game Wire fighting effects example

Visual Images as Simulacra Immersion effects (effects which make you completely absorbed in the film) You leave your reality for a moment and are absorbed in another reality. Made possible by digital effects: digital effects Wire-fighting choreographed by legendary Hong Kong choreographer/director Yuen Wo Ping (Yuen Cheun-Yan)Yuen Cheun-Yan

Visual Images as Simulacra Jackie Chen films The Matrix Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon (2000)Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon Kill Bill (2003)

Visual Images as Simulacra Bullet time = a computer enhanced, extreme slow-motion effects It is thrilling, and filled with visual pleasure, and designed to surround one’s consciousness utterly. Matrix, TrinityTrinity