IndexPart 1Set DesignLightingDecorCostumes and MakeupPart 2ConclusionThe Matrix Reloaded is a 2003 fictional futuristic film written and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. The film is set in the future, where artificial intelligence reigns over the rest of the world. As the second sequel to The Matrix, it builds its story in a post-apocalyptic era in which man faces the rebellion of machines that have become self-aware after the introduction of artificial intelligence. Machines overwhelm humanity and create a virtual network system where humans act as an energy source for them called the matrix. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Humanity serves as an alternative energy source to the sunlight which they have blocked to deny the machines their main source of energy (Cloud 330) . Much of the film was shot at Fox Studios in Australia. Filming for the film took place starting March 1, 2001 and finished a year and a half later. Other parts of the film were shot in the United States. Oakland and Alameda were the locations of the highway chase as well as other minor sections of the film. The film was released as a sequel to the original Matrix film which proved to be a huge success. The Matrix Reloaded falls into the science fiction category and forms a long list of imaginative films made in response to the rise of computer technology and fears that unchecked advances in the field could prove to be a catastrophe for humanity (Fielding, 15). Similar films at the time followed a similar pattern as Terminator. The Matrix is also a fusion of science fiction and action. This article delves into the stylistic analysis and interpretation of a five-minute scene from the film. The film's main thematic concern is the dangers that arise from uncontrolled development and technological improvements. The scene, from 1:50:00 to 1:55:00, provides the most in-depth understanding of the characters, summarizes the film, and explains each character's function/role within the matrix as intended by the architect who is been absent from the beginning of the film and yet central to the plot.Part 1The selected scene is the culmination of most sections of the film. To find an answer to his question, the Oracle tells Neo to access the computer's mainframe. However, to access the mainframe, they would need the Key maker and precise planning from their teams. Once Neo accesses the mainframe, he encounters a seated, elderly-looking man who introduces himself as the architect. The encounter is an eye-opener for both the audience and Neo as a character. Over the course of the film, plot and character development centers on Zion and Neo. For the first time in the film, the focus shifts to the bigger picture and reveals the role of Sion, Neo (that), and the Oracle. The architect speaks well and proceeds to explain Zion and Neo's roles within the entire matrix network. Instead of the messianic figure predicted by the prophecy that Morpheus strongly believes in, the One (Neo) reveals himself as a means to an end, a facilitator for the continued existence of the matrix. As revealed by the Architect, the One's function is to facilitate Zion's continued existence by selecting 23 individuals, 16 females and seven males to rebuild the next Zion. Simply put, act as a control system. Furthermore, Neo discovers that this is the sixth time that Zion is about to be destroyed by the machines. The scene is quite dramatic. As Neo opens the door to face the architect, a bright white light envelops him, placing him fully at the center of the image that forms. The cinematic illusion of bright white light creates an illusion ofmessianic and complex greatness. Neo is entering the room with the purpose of not only finding answers to his questions but also saving Zion from ultimate destruction according to the ancient prophecy. The drama of his entrance creates anticipation for the remainder of the scene. In the context of mise-en-scène, this article analyzes various aspects of the film in detail, as explained below. The Set Design As Neo opens the door, he enters a large room with screens on each wall and a single chair facing the opposite end of the space. The architect sits in the chair and makes a dramatic spin to face his nemesis. To further illustrate the contradictory nature of their relationship, the scene places the two at a distance from each other in different shots. While Neo stands, the architect sits on a swivel chair depicting the positions of the two gentlemen. The architect is in a position of power and exercises that power with a sense of invincibility. The exchange of knowledge between the two opponents is also represented by their physical positions. The room itself is set up neatly, with no noise and only a chair as the only furniture. A well-organized room portrays the architect as a tidy person. Furthermore, the empty white space is used by the directors to represent nothingness and the cold and mechanical attitude of the architect towards the inhabitants of Zion. Through his monologue, he portrays them as part of an unbalanced equation rather than a people with an identity. It is important to note that the changing colors of the room play with the viewer's sense of depth and create an illusion of infinity. To further enhance the sense of illusion of both depth and infinity, the walls are layered with many televisions that have the same image at any given time. As the architect sits in his chair, he appears to be checking out the mounted televisions that occasionally catch Neo's attention. The directors use the televisions to enhance the Architect's points and further enhance his personality. As the architect turns his chair to face Neo, he snaps out a pen he holds in his right hand. Wielding a pen further illustrates his status as the architect of the matrix. In academic settings, the tutor often carries with him a pen or other indicator of his position as a teacher or instructor (the provider of knowledge). In the scene, there are few transitions as most take place in the same room, with the exception of the reflections of the Trinity. Lighting As mentioned above, the scene consists of two parts; the interaction between the Architect and Neo and the fight scene between Agent Smith and Trinity. When Neo enters the room, a strong, crisp white light is used to illuminate him and shine a spotlight on him. Light works as an attention seeker as it emphasizes it. In the fight scene between Agent Smith and Trinity, the directors use soft (high contrast) lighting to show the dramatic nature of the scene. The soft lighting further enhances the do-or-die question that Trinity faces in her quest to aid Neo in his mission. It acts as a precursor to Trinity's eventual fatal shooting. In the architects' room, the theme continues with a focus on low-key lighting composed of a light pattern juxtaposed with darker tones. Low-key lighting is used in both cases to unsettle the audience and create a feeling of anxiety about the next set of actions. The same theme of soft lighting extends to the images of past human horrors portrayed on screen as the architect explains the grotesque nature of the human psyche. The image depicts events of wars andshows photos of old dictators like Adolf Hitler. Subdued lighting with shadows is useful whenever a director wants to further enhance an unnerving section of the film. Overlapping shadows and dark portraits create the illusion of imminent danger or an air of danger/threat. DécorColor in The Matrix is used to show the deeper meaning and contrast between different locations and sections of the film. The two events of Trinity facing Agent Smith and Neoconversing with the Architect occur simultaneously. To create a difference between the two sections/scenes, the directors used brighter colors in the conversation, while darker tones showed the other scene of Trinity fighting the Agent (O'Happelloran 1). Textures are also used in the scene whenever flashbacks are used. Neo's grainy portrayal on the TV set creates a difference in the film's changing sections and scenes. The different color schemes help the audience keep track of all the scenes at once and bring out the full range of emotions imagined by the directors. Costumes and Makeup Costumes are used to show an individual's rank or status within a society. Directors can use the same in films to create a distinction between characters or to further enhance their appearance for their roles. Because of her rebellious and combative background, Trinity wears tight pants that contribute to her agility and flexibility. On the other hand, Neo is dressed in a long dress which enhances his superpower status within the film's characterization. The architect assumes a formal gray executive suit to represent his position within the matrix and to differentiate him from the agents within the system. Agent Smith matches the normal outfit of official security personnel in black suit and headset. The earpiece, in particular, identifies Smith as a security personnel or agent within the matrix. The architect is impeccably dressed and therefore exudes a measure of sophistication in keeping with his persona. The tidy look is further enhanced by accessories such as the gold watch on the wrist. The architect is articulate, slow and confident with a deep voice in his speech. The depth of his voice creates a commanding atmosphere as well as enhancing the perception of the control he has over the One.Part 2The chosen scene is the culmination of several series of events that take part in the film. At the beginning of the film, Captain Niobe warns the rest of the ships of an impending attack by the machines. The situation is unlike anything they have ever faced before and worries most of the captains. However, an ancient prophecy foretells that the One will save Zion. Morpheus advises Neo to seek guidance from the Oracle (Cloud 330). The latter advises Neo to gain access to the mainframe using the key maker as a means to achieve this. All other intermediate events lead to the selected scene; Neo meets the architect. Furthermore, the film creates pertinent questions that only the architect can answer. For example, the role of the One in saving Zion and whether Zion will really be saved? The architect responds to the film's thematic concerns by explaining the very dormant position of machines relative to humans. The scene further develops the plot but in a conclusive manner compared to other sections of the film. In the chosen scene, the role of the film's main characters is revealed in one fell swoop. The film follows a typical Hollywood narrative of plot development, confrontation, and then resolution. In our particular case, Neo confronts the architect as the culmination of the plot's construction. The confrontation, although not physical, sees the protagonist trying to.
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