Thematic, Moral and Ethical Connections Between the Matrix and Inception

Thematic, Moral and Ethical Connections Between the Matrix and Inception. Modern Day science and technology has been crucial in the development of the modern film industry. In the past, directors have been confined by unwieldy, primitive cameras and the most basic of special effects. The contemporary possibilities now available has enabled modern film to become more dynamic and versatile, whilst also being able to better capture the performance of actors, and better display scenes and settings using special effects. As the prevalence of technology in society increases, film makers have used their medium to express thematic, moral and ethical concerns of technology in human life. The films I will be looking at: The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, and Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, both explore strong themes of technology. The theme of technology is expanded upon as the directors of both films explore the use of augmented reality and its effects on the human condition. Through the use of camera angles, costuming and lighting, the Witkowski brothers represent the idea that technology is dangerous. During the sequence where neo is unplugged from the Matrix, the directors have cleverly combines lighting, visual and special effects to craft an ominous and unpleasant setting in which the technology is present. Upon Neo’s confrontation with the spider drone, the use of camera angles to establishes the dominance of technology. The low-angle shot of the drone places the viewer in a subordinate position, making the drone appear powerful. The dingy lighting and poor mis-en-scene in the set further reinforces the idea that technology is dangerous. Despite the seemingly advanced technology, the setting develops a feeling of primitivism that is off putting to the audience. Neo’s appearance further develops the theme of the dangers of technology. His costuming gives connotations of serious illness and his baldness is reminiscent of a cancer patient. The ridged black pipes piercing Neo’s skin not only creates a sense of technology’s intrusion but also contrasts with his pale skin, appearing threatening in their dominance over him. In summary, the use of dark lighting, strategic camera angles and well-crafted costuming combine to strongly represent the idea that technology is dangerous. Using technology to extract thoughts and manipulate ideas, technology in inception is portrayed and powerful, important and dangerous. The repeated use of closeups on the PASIV device (Portable Automated somalin intravenous device), other wise known as the dream machine, creates a sense of importance and subsequent power. During the scene where Arthur and Arachne are dream sharing, the dream machine is positioned above the dreamers. This positioning leads the audience to view the technology as powerful. Furthermore, in this scene, the light is focused upon the dream machine. This lighting draws the audience’s focus to the technology, further emphasising its importance. The idea that technology is dangerous is portrayed using pathetic fallacy when Cob’s team first enters the dream. The use of heavy rain and dark lighting in this scene create a feeling of discomfort. This unpleasant undertone is amplified through the sound and events in the following scenes. Random events such as the entrance of a freight train and heavy fire fights combined with unpleasant sounds create such as the screeching of tires and the train horn. As the feeling of discomfort morphs in to distress and then danger, the audience associates being artificially endured in to dreams using technology as something dangerous. The augmented reality of the matrix is depicted as more pleasant than the real world through the combination of lighting, costuming and shot size. The dishevelled appearance of the characters in the real-world contrasts with their polished, clean and some what stylish apparel while in the matrix. This costuming emphasises the difficulty of life in the real world and the more pleasant nature of lige in the matrix. The grim lighting of the real-world contrasts with the bright natural light in Neo’s office. This creates an impression of poverty, reinforcing the idea that the real word is less pleasant that the augmented reality. The scraping of the windows being cleaned during the scene when Neo is summoned to his supervisor’s office creates a humorous undertone. This subverts the boss’ lecture by distraction from it. Instead, attention is drawn to the view outside the window of the horizon, with its positive associations with progress and the future. In the scene where Neo is “plugged in” a close-up of his face emphasises the extreme pain faced in the real world. A quick cut indicates that the pain ends as he enters the augmented reality. In summary a combination of cinematic techniques helps develop the idea that augmented reality is more pleasant than the real world. In the Matrix, the Wachawskis show that augmented reality is more pleasant than the real world. Inception takes this one step further and shows that this can be dangerous. In the scenes displaying flashbacks to Cob and Mal’s time in their dream world, the is music melodic and harmonious, and the lighting is bright and natural. The combination of this sound and lighting creates a positive and attractive atmosphere. This contrasts with the darkened scenes of mal’s time in real life. These scenes feature grim lighting, no music and display a setting littered with broken items. This difference establishes the notion that the augmented reality is more pleasant that the real world. The danger of a more pleasant augmented reality is displayed through the characterisation and character development of Mal. Mal is shown to be confused and dangerous through her actions and interactions with other characters. The danger of here character is established early in the film during Saito’s recruitment test. During this test, Mal appears and begins to sabotage Cob and Arthur’s plan, proving that she is dangerous. Mal is characterised as confused during the dialogue between herself, Cobb and Ariadne. Whilst describing her situation, Cobb uses phrases such as “she wouldn’t accept it,” and “she couldn’t break free.”. The emphasis on the words “couldn’t” and “Wouldn’t” combined with the close up of Mal’s face strongly portray Mal’s confusion to the audience. The source of this confusion is later shown to be at the fault of technology. During the passage, “the reason I knew inception was possible was because I did it to her first,” (2:03) Cobb reveals that the demise of Mal was at that hands of the technology required to preform inception. Rather than blaming Cobb, the director encourage the audience to feel sympathy towards him through the use of close ups of his face displaying his emotion. In summary, Christopher Nolan explores the idea that augmented reality can be more pleasant than the real world, through the use of characterisation and strategic use of cinematic techniques, Christopher Nolan shows that this can be dangerous. In conclusion, the use of contemporary possibilities in films such as Inception and the Matrix has granted directors access to a wide array of cinematic techniques enabiling a greater level of storytelling. Complex modern themes such as augmented reality and technology can be better illustrated through thrilling special effects, however any captivating stories can be timeless. Wile modern technology has made cinema more accessible, a talented director(s) with a powerful vision still remains at the heart of all great movies, whether or not they are old or new. .

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