The Matrix analysis

The film The Matrix was filmed in 1999 and was directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski; they were also the writers of the film. This production stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie- Anne Moss, the film is also an action and sci-fi genre.

           The target audience of The Martix are teenagers and adults because the film is rated a 15 also most males would be the target audience because the main character is male which stereotypically attracts males. In addition females may be in the target audience too because there is also a dominant female in the film which attracts females because it goes against the typical action movie which allows the film to have a unique characteristic which is attractive.

           The first part of the opening scene there is green code which shows on the screen which connotes that technology is a main feature of the film. This special effect is effective because the camera slowly zooms into the code which suggests that the audience are going into the computer and therefore the film is about to begin. A voice is also used to highlight a conversation between two of the main characters, the sound of a ringing telephone at the start suggests that their conversation is over the phone which also implies that technology is going to be used. Within the conversation they discuss someone who might be a main character which leaves many unanswered questions and therefore entices the audience and keeps them curious. The code is used throughout most of the first scene; the camera is constantly zooming into the code. In addition the conversation explores the questionable security of the line which could suggest to the audience that the film might be about breaking the law or doing things you aren’t supposed to do. This attracts the eyes of the audience because this situation will create action and suspense. When the camera is zooming into the code it creates the idea of that the audience is going somewhere, this also could create the idea of adventure and action. At one point in the opening sequence the camera moves through a tunnel made of code that has features that make it look like a hall; this furthermore creates mystery because you do know where the tunnel leads to.

A blank screen has also been used to create mystery and suspense because you aren’t sure what is going to happen next. A circle of bright light is then situated in the centre of the frame, this could

represent the light at the end of the tunnel or the light within the dark. The use of this could imply that the film is about finding things or navigation. The camera is zooming into the light which makes the audience feel like they are in the scene moving at a fast speed this would increase tension and the pace of the scene. There is also the use of sounds in the background which are electrical and mechanical they add to the whole idea about computers.

          There is a use of a fade in transition into a close up of a man’s face, a close up shot is effective because it allows the audience to see what the persons expressions are. There is then a change in depth of field which creates a dirty shot/over the shoulder shot, this shot allows the audience to see what is happening from

the characters point of view. In addition the fact that his face is the first one you see could highlight his importance in the scene. The scenery that surrounds him is dark which portrays a mysterious atmosphere for the audience. The use of mise-en-scene suggests to the audience that the men in this scene are part of a service for example the police, you can tell this by the uniform they are wearing because it is commonly used to represent men of the law. They also wear old fashioned police hat which may suggest that the film is set in a different era or time z
one. The use of props suggest that they are looking for something or someone because they use torches which create an ere atmosphere for the audience as well as creating suspense and hinting at the fact something big may happen.

          The next shot is a mid-shot which follows a guy with a gun. The use of the gun emphasises the fact that something bad is going to happen because guns represent danger and death. The fact that the camera is following him could suggest that he is the leader. The setting that is being used in this scene has features of an abandoned building with over grown plants which emphasises the lac

k of care. There is a low angled shot that is being used which suggests that the men are the people with all the power in this scene.
           The next shot is an over the shoulder shot which is

taken from behind the men this gives the audience
an idea of what they are seeing and gives them a chance to actually be there with them. The door which the camera is focused on is highlighted with the light from the torches, this highlights the importance of the door in the scene and creates a lot of questions for the audience. The audience start to question what id behind the door and why they are so interested/ obsessed with it. There is also a use of a pan at eye level towards the door. By the use of this the audience gets a view from the other side almost in place of the door which suggests that someone is behind it.
            There is then a low angle shot of the men just before they are about to break down the door which suggests to the audience that they have the most power at the moment which is a common convention of an action film. There is also a low angle shot of them walking into the room almost walking over the camera this furthermore highlights their masculinity and power to the audience because it is almost like they are walking all over them.

            A wide angled shot is used to introduce one of the main characters, Trinity who is sat slightly off centre which makes the audience uneasy because they are used to seeing things in the centre of the shot. She is in an empty room with a phone. The fact that the only thing she has in there with her is a phone suggests that it has great importance and that it may have significance in the story line. There is a use of a spot light made by the torches that is making Trinity stand out which suggests to the audience that she is important. She is wearing all black leather which is a common convention on a hero for example cat woman who wears a leather cat suit, this emphasises that she is a hero in the film. On the other hand she could be seen as a villain because black denotes death and violence. She also has her back to the audience which creates mystery and makes the audience ask questions like, who is she?
            A pan is then used to show the expression on each of the officer's faces, using a mid close up shot within the same shot you are able to see the guns pointing in the same direction as the light showing that Trinity is the threat and maybe is seen as dangerous to the audience. The use of guns suggest that the film is an action film because they are a common convention of the genre.
           This is then when there is a pan when the camera is on Trinity. When using a pan the audience is limited to what they can see at any one time meaning suspense is created because the audience what the camera to move quicker so they are able to see what is happening faster. for the audience this is the first time they see trinity and she is being portrayed as someone who goes against the law, the bad guy. there is the use of a dirty shot because the pan starts from behind the table which creates the idea of mystery for the audience. There is light coming from behind her which refers to her being an angel and someone who is good. There is a mid close up used which allows the audience to see her face and her facial expressions. Her hands are up which suggests that she has done something wrong and that she is guilty. The aspects of mise-en-scene which is used are lighting, and camera angles. There is low key lighting being used and there also looks as if the is a dim spot light on Trinity which highlights her importance in the scene.