The Matrix (Andy and Lana Wachowski, 1999) appeals to a Western ideology of freedom in its most general sense by depicting a fight against the enslavement of the human race in a post-apocalyptic world controlled by machines. The machines use the humans, whose minds are trapped in a computer program, as an energy source. In this world of machines, the Wachowskis expand upon the totalitarianism seen in other works of fiction, such as 1984 by George Orwell. The totalitarian state of 1984, Airstrip One, becomes the whole planet in The Matrix, and the oppressed citizens become nearly the entire human race. Only a group of rebels escape from the machines by creating a city below the surface of the earth. The main character, Neo (Keanu Reeves), joins these rebels at the call of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who explains the nature of the Matrix and its authoritarian qualities. Beyond expanding the totalitarian state, the Wachowskis broaden the idea of captivity. The humans in the Matrix have no idea that they are captive; nevertheless, they are still prisoners. Whereas, in 1984, the citizens know that they are being watched and Winston, the main character, finds the terrors of the regime when he is imprisoned and tortured. By expanding upon previous ideas of captivity and authoritarian government, the film makes the choice between freedom and captivity, whether the prisoner is aware or not, more difficult. Through the use of stereotyping Cypher (Joe Pantoliano) and the actions and dialogue of Morpheus, the film suggests that the more noble choice is freedom simply for the sake of being free.Before it can be argued that The Matrix supports freedom, the plot of the film and the word “freedom” must be examined. The journey ta…
…mes an enemy. This further distances Morpheus from the susceptibility to temptation and from the choice of captivity. It solidifies his position as the agent of freedom.5 By being the agent of freedom and by being portrayed as a wise, noble leader, Morpheus’ character supports the idea that freedom is the noble choice even if it means having to fight in a post-apocalyptic world.The film uses Cypher, Morpheus, and the fact that freedom is a core value of Western ideology to support the idea that when faced with a choice between freedom and captivity, the honorable choice is freedom. It portrays Cypher as the weak and evil character who chooses captivity while Morpheus, the respected leader, chooses freedom in spite of the hardships that come with living outside the Matrix. The film, therefore supports freedom at all costs when the choice is up to the captive.
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