The Wachowskis as both the writers and directors of The Matrix had a major influence on the aesthetic and overall tone of the film. The directors’ interest in serialized fiction in terms of multi-part narratives as their means of making film less boring is a huge part of the plot. Hence, the film is the first part of a trilogy was a conscious decision from the initial stages in its development.
Their inclination towards complex philosophical concepts especially in terms of technology and free will is explored in their script. They introduced the subjects of simulation, machinery, determinism, and human psychology borrowing from different sources to explore the film’s chief themes. Through this, the film expresses the enigmatic aspect of the universe in regards to conscious and subconscious thought, transcendence, and the elements of humanity. The Wachowskis also instill in the film literary, philosophical, and mythical references in the context of technology and machine. Furthermore, interlacing the elements of technophobia that was building at the turn of the millennium by emphasizing on the war between man versus machine in their script.
Regarded as a revolutionary sci-fi film in modern cinema, the film is lauded for the incorporation of visual effects led by the directors. Particularly the “bullet time” of which the film popularized there onwards. The Wachowskis had visualized an action sequence in which time is slowed down while the camera pans around the characters in normal speed. The effect aims to give the impression of the character’s influence over time and space in their setting.
Furthermore, as enthusiasts of martial arts in Hong Kong action films, they introduced the wire Fu techniques into the action sequences. Hiring martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping to introduce the Eastern fight strategies to the actors by working with the fortes of each. On Keanu Reeves, he built on his meticulousness and on Laurence Fishburne, his resilience, whereas precision on Weaving. Moreover, in Moss, Yuen emphasized on swiftness and weightlessness due to her feminine grace. Thus, the specific fighting techniques of each character in the action scenes throughout the film. The fighting techniques would be succeeded in the sequels and further into Hollywood action films that followed into the 21st century.
