2. THE MATRIX In 1999, Larry and Andy Wachowski released a science-fiction film called The Matrix. The story involved a hacker, with the pseudonym Neo, discovering that this reality is virtually created by machines to control and utilize of the body heat of the human population. Neo is then drawn by a group of rebels to rebel against the machines, both in the real world and within the virtual Matrix.
3. INFLUENCES Literary Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Religious Philosphical Plato’s Allegory of the Cave Descartes’ Evil Demon Anime and other film Ghost in the Shell
4. REACTION 87% critical approval rating (RottenTomatoes.com) #39 on the 500 Greatest Movies of all Time (Empire Magazine) 8.7/10 viewer rating, #21 on Top 250 (IMDB.com) 4 Academy Awards: Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Visual Effects Considered a key figure in science fiction, cyberpunk work and
5. THE MATRIX RELOADED In 2003, the Wachowskis released the much anticipated sequel. Expanded the universes of both the Matrix and the Real World. Involved Neo attempting to carry out the prophecy before the human city of Zion was destroyed by machines. Also critically and financially successful.
6. ENTER THE MATRIX In conjunction with the release date of Reloaded, a multi-platform roleplaying-action-shooter game was released. Play as the secondary characters of Niobe and Ghost during the temporality of just before and during Reloaded. Revealed more about the universe to the players through gameplay and in-game films.
7. THE ANIMATRIX Before the release of the conclusion of the trilogy, the Wachowski Brothers produced nine independently made animated short films relating to the world of the Matrix. Some of the films expanded the knowledge of the Matrix universe, before, and during the temporality of the films.
8. THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS The conclusion to the Matrix Trilogy. Most of the film, unlike the first two, took place in the Real World. As the Agent Smith virus grows within the Matrix, Zion prepares for the machines’ attack, Neo and Trinity attempt the impossible. Mixed reviews critically, but financially successful.
9. THE MATRIX COMICS Several comics were released online and in print between 1999 and 2004. In 2003, a collection was made available. Extended the parameters of the world and the stories of several characters.
10. THE MATRIX ONLINE An MMORPG released in 2005 after the completion of the Trilogy. Takes place immediately after the last film, where people are given the option to live in the Real World or consciously in the Matrix, or “redpills”. Features characters from the films that players can interact with, along with several missions and opportunities for combat. Shut down in 2009.
11. THE MATRIX: PATH OF NEO Video game released in late 2005, where players can play as the film’s protagonist in several scenes from the trilogy. The only official release of the Matrix franchise that I do not own.
12. IN ADDITION... Soundtracks were released for each film release and Enter the Matrix. Several books on philosophy and the world of The Matrix have been written. Matrix fanfiction and forums have been populating the internet since the film’s inception.
13. QUESTIONS? Being a self proclaimed Matrix nerd, I’ll be able to answer any questions, comments, concerns about the transmedial world of the Matrix. Thank you for listening to my presentation; I hope it helped free your mind.