How does Mise-en-scene and cinematography construct meaning and provoke reason in a sequence from the matrix? (The Wachowski Brothers 1999)
I have decided to focus on the particular analysis of Mise-en-scene, cinematography and performance within the film “the Matrix”. In this scene, Morpheus offers Neo the chance to see what he calls “the real world”. Morpheus indicates that the world as Neo knows it is a lie and he should know the truth, in which he offers Neo one of two pills, this, in the audience’s eyes will let Neo see what Morpheus is talking about the matrix. The matrix is a science fiction, action film, written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, which has many references, particularly in this scene to Alice in wonderland. The film depicts a future in which reality as perceived by most humans is actually a simulated reality or cyberspace created by sentient machines to subdue the human population, while their bodies' heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Upon learning this, computer programmer "Neo" is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, involving other people who have been freed from the "dream world" and into reality.
The surface elements at the very start of the scene immediately identify to us that the audience does not know who Morpheus is because he has his back to us. Furthermore the audience do not understand why he has been waiting a long time to meet Neo, which is shown by the mannerisms of the way he is greeted, and the performance and facial expression shown by the actor Lawrence Fishburn. At this point we can also see that Morpheus holds himself upright, he doesn’t slouch at all, which gives the idea that he might be some kind of soldier, or at least a figure of command. The audience realise that Neo is out of his place, as he is wearing everyday clothes, but Morpheus and Trinity are wearing long black coats. Even though this may look strange at a first glance, these clothes are essential, and one of the key signifiers in the matrix. The audience are being revealed essential information on the characterisation and how they slot into the narrative. We then see that Morpheus is wearing extraordinary glasses, they appear to be mirrored, which depicts the idea of mystery within the film and also begs the question of who is this person and what are they thinking, as in what’s behind those glasses? They also represent a state of the future, maybe the post-modern world where we are dressed with significant meaning and overlook the deeper sense of place. They are also circular, a common connotation towards wisdom, which helps us to get to know the character of Morpheus more, as he is shown to us as a wise, high status, superior being within the scene. This superiority is defined through the performance of Fishburn, the pace in which he speaks and the range of vocabulary he uses as well as the sophisticated content, also it gives a rise to the idea that he is intellectual or academic with wisdom needed to enrich the narrative. Morpheus then offers Neo the chair behind him, as Neo sits we see a glass of water on a small side table in the middle of the two chairs. This is a significant prop as it points towards purity and cleansing, which is what Morpheus is trying to do to Neo, as he clearly states later in the narrative that he wants to “free his mind”.
There is then a low angle shot of Morpheus as he closes the door, the shot is low but Morpheus stands tall, this helps the viewer understand that he is superior and a higher being. Morpheus then asks Neo if he feels a bit like Alice, tumbling down the rabbit hole, this to the audience is clearly an intertexual reference of the classic story, Alice in wonderland, this reference raises numerous pictures in the viewer’s mind if they are familiar with Alice in wonderland, such as magic, a distorted world in which anything can happen. We then see, as he walks around the room, that the place has a green aura about it. This is significant as the colour green is an essential reference point of the film, as it links to computer binary code which is used commonly throughout the film to decode the matrix, in addition it contextualises where the audience are at in time that is a technological future. The lighting in the room is dim, which has been enhanced by the green aura to add drama to the scene and also to help indicate that the real world is a very dark and dingy place once you have been as Morpheus puts it “freed”. At this point Lawrence Fishburn’s performance is seen as beguiling yet calm, but also tense, when he mentions the matrix, this is to portray the complexity of the matrix but also to convince Neo that he is as Morpheus puts it “a slave”. Whilst Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Neo’s speech is quiet and nervous, and he only seems to speak when he deems it necessary, this shows us that he is intrigued in what Morpheus is telling him but also is a bit worried in what it can lead to. We also see, as Morpheus walks towards the chair, that the walls are dirty and cracked, with shabby wallpaper and moth-eaten curtains. This signifies to us that these are not the nicest of people, as it looks like, from the audiences point of view that they have broken into this building because of the state of the room; it looks like the building has been abandoned for a long time and the characters are some kind of techno-squatters.
As Morpheus sits down we suddenly are aware of Morpheus’ decrease in superiority as he comes down to Neo’s level, they now share the same status. In addition to this we are then given the repeated cross cutting shot, which creates a path for dialogue, but also depicts what is being said, and is used in this case for the audience to see Neo’s reactions to Morpheus’ speech. We are then given a close up shot of Morpheus leaning in closer, which shows us that what Morpheus is about to say will change Neo’s perception on real life for ever and therefore creates the beginning of tension in the scene, building drama which audiences need to enhance their engagement with the movie. Neo’s blank expression then shows us that he can’t believe what he is hearing but also wants to hear more. Our eyes, as the audience, have also noticed a small box that Morpheus appears to be turning in his hand, as if Neo must earn what is inside it before he is given it. This is a common example of a teacher and a student, a situation which is globally recognised. Morpheus then tells Neo what the matrix is, he indicates that it is everywhere, all around us, even there in the room with them, this is significant as it portrays the vision of god; all knowing, superior. The audience need this clarification of role for the narrative to work; they need to feel that Neo is the underdog in this ‘new world’ in order for the narrative to progress, in order for us to keep on viewing with trepidation.
After Morpheus says that the matrix is “In this very room”, we are given a wide shot of Morpheus on one side of the screen, relaxed, and superior, Neo on the other side, poised on the edge of his chair, intently listening to Morpheus and the glass of water in the middle, symbolising the difference between them, this is also one of the key moments in the film as it questions reality, for the first time, and more of this happens throughout the film. Morpheus then leans back, and says that no one can be told what the matrix is that “you have to see it for yourself”. This is important, as we as the audience are finally going to find what is in this box. However, we are still stuck, at this point with the question of “how can Neo be shown the matrix?” we are then given this perfect symmetrical shot of the two of them with the glass of water in between, Neo is leant in closer as if he is beginning to understand why he was brought here. As Morpheus opens the box and puts it on the table he leans forward, in doing this Neo leans back, and as Morpheus starts to speak we have a short shot between his dialogue, of Neo gulping, this indicates that he is very nervous because Morpheus says that it is Neo’s last chance, this makes the audience feel awkward with the growing tension between the two characters, like a classic Kubrick scene, that clarifies order, yet turmoil is close. Finally, we are given a close up of Morpheus offering the blue pill, in doing this, the shot changes to a close up of his glasses with the reflection of Neo in the lenses with a hand, with a blue pill in the right hand lense, reflecting to the viewer that Neo is at the heart of Morpheus’ plans. Secondly, we are given a duplicate shot of Morpheus’ hand with the red pill with a second intertexual reference to Alice in wonderland, as his dialogue states “you stay in wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit whole goes”, this then gives the audience a flashback to the mystery of a world where everything is possible, and therefore helps the audience to realise the parallel words of the matrix and Alice in wonderland, as they both involve the main character’s journey into the unknown. This then adds mystery and drama to the scene as only Neo can make the choice. However, as viewers we have already presumed, from what we know about the genre’s conventions, what Neo is going to do, so it is seen as rhetoric in the eyes of Neo and the audience. We are then given an extreme close up shot of Neo in both of the lenses with his hand outstretched to the red pill in one lense and just his body and the blue pill in the other, the effect of this shot is to further ingage the audience. Finally as Neo drinks the water, there is a clap of thunder outside the room. This indicates to us that after tonight, Neo’s life will change forever and as an audience we will accompany him through his revelations of the journey into the matrix.
Overall I think that the micro-elements of the Mise-en-scene and cinematography work well and there doesn’t need to be the elements of film, such as the use of fast panning shots, dolly shots, it’s just a simple conversation with simple cinematography, and nothing needed to make it look amazing, as the Mise-en-scene generates the feeling of dark, gloomy and unknown which helps to captivate the audience in a way. Lawrence Fishburn’s performance captures the character of Morpheus perfectly, as he stands and talks like someone in control, which then fascinates the audience and therefore make them want to see more of him. However, in my opinion, Keanu reeves’ performance as Neo in this scene is rather distant and condescending, as he hardly talks and when he does, it seems as if he is just filling the gaps. Which, I suppose therefore generates the truth that the character of Neo is meant to be a man who has learned a great truth and will never forget it, this helps the audience to understand why his performance is so turbulent.
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