The Matrix: An In Depth Christian Analysis

3140 Words13 Pages
Mandeep Brar Dr. Doerksen Biblical Studies 41G April 21st, 2011 The Matrix: An In Depth Christian Analysis In 1999 movie fanatics, and even casual audience were astonished by the hit movie The Matrix. New York times called The Matrix “a furious special-effects tornado”, and “one of the greatest movies of this generation”. However, there is more to this movie than just action, special effects, astounding visuals, and sex. The Matrix is one of the most philosophically and religiously complex films of all time, and this is one of the reasons that it continues to be discussed today. Many books have been published discussing the philosophical and religious aspects of The Matrix such as: The Gospel Reloaded, The Matrix and Philosophy, Taking the Red Pill, etc, and there are even philosophy courses that are based on the film! So what makes The Matrix this engaging? The answer to this question lies within the ambiguity of the subjects in question. It is safe to say that the film definitely embodies philosophical and religious aspects, however, pinpointing specific philosophical and religious beliefs (and undermining the others) is being completely oblivious of the films complexity. Rather, we must comprehend what the film is communicating as a whole, and then apply those understandings to one’s own beliefs (such as Christianity). First, it is crucial that one understands the basic plot and ideas expressed in the film. In The Matrix, Keanu Reeves plays Thomas Anderson (or Neo), a late 20th century computer programmer for MetaCortex. Apart from his professional career, Anderson also sells contraband programming under his secret identity Neo (this name becomes more prominent as the film progresses and Anderson realizes the truth about his existence). Anderson’s life is turned upside down when he starts to receive random messages from his computer, and even phone calls
Open Document