In the film “Matrix” reality is divided into two worlds: real and simulated. The main character, an excellent hacker named Neo (played by Keanu Reeves), makes contact with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who promises to reveal to him the truth about the world around him.
Joining Morpheus' group, Neo discovers that the world he lives in is just an illusion created by machines that control his thoughts and sensations. Together with Morpheus and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), they take action to free humanity.
Movie “Matrix” in 1999 won four Oscars. The series has had several sequels, including the last one “Matrix of Resurrection” from 2021.
To best immerse himself in the role of Neo, Keanu Reeves received from the filmmakers “Matrix” book list. These readings were intended to help him understand the deeper meaning of the film and the world in which his character would operate.
The recommended works include titles such as: “Simulacra and simulation” Jean Baudrillard, analyzing contemporary society, “Out of Control” Kevin Kelly and “Introducing Evolutionary Psychology” by Dylan Evans, which introduces the issues of evolutionary psychology.
According to Slash Film, “Matrix” bears numerous similarities to “Ghost in the shell”, a 1995 anime that depicts a future society. The main characters of this animation are trying to catch a hacker known under a pseudonym “puppet master”.
Creators “The Matrix” they openly admitted that they drew inspiration from “Ghost in the shell”. The film contains many visual elements taken from Japanese animation, as well as similar themes, such as the characters discovering the true nature of their existence.
For many fans “The Matrix” It's hard to imagine anyone else in the role Neo than Keanu Reeves. However, according to Koimoi, it was originally this Johnny Depp was the first choice for this character.
Other stars who were considered included Brad Pitt, Val Kilmer and Will Smithwho ultimately turned down the offer because he didn't fully understand the film's concept.
Likewise for the role of Trinity, even though Carrie-Anne Moss, who ultimately played her, had no previous significant roles in her filmography. Looper reports that actresses such as Salma Hayek, Sandra Bullock and even Madonna were considered. Jada Pinkett Smith she even participated in test recordings, but the creators decided on Moss.
Making the decision to make the film “Matrix” in Sydney, Australia allowed the creators to save significant funds. According to Showbiz CheatSheet, Warner Bros. estimated that the film would cost approximately $95 million to produce in the United States, but the film's actual budget was $60 million.
These savings brought significant benefits because “Matrix” achieved global revenues of $463 million.
IN “Matrix” there are fight scenes inspired by Hong Kong action cinema. The directors decided to cooperate with Chinese martial arts choreographer, Yuen Woo-ping. To prepare for the so-called “wire fu”, the actors underwent intensive training lasting several months. After the first training Yuen Woo-ping he noticed that the cast members were not prepared to perform complex stunt scenes.
This process was especially tiring for Keanu Reeves, who concealed information about his health during preparations. The actor struggled with problems with the cervical vertebrae, which resulted from compression of the spinal cord. Ultimately, Reeves underwent surgery, which excluded him from training for two months.
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