Matrix Opening Scene

In the opening scene and first two minutes of the film, we in the establishing shot the vertical number computer code accompany by a voice over between two characters whose identities are to be yet revealed. This adds to the mysterious feel and kind of gives the audience a feeling like woah. This establishing shot is important because the overall movie is based on codes and computers, so it sets up the theme and setting for the movie. In addition the scene then zooms in on the codes/numbers and turns into a graphic match cut from the 0 to a flashlight. This shot demonstrates the travel from the matrix portal to the simulated reality of the world. By having this shot, we see that the matrix revolves around technology and the technology “reality” is what gets you in trouble in the simulation. So, the cut is significant because it shows that transition and switches to the action that is going to occur in this scene. Next, we see a dark edgy hallway lit up by police officer’s flashlights and them moving in on a target. This shot creates tension, by having a dark monochromatic palette to create the atmosphere and by using props such as guns. The guns, flashlights, imply that this target is serious and something is about to occur in the plot. Then, we see a pan of an officer to the door they are crowded around. When the officer kicks down the door, we are introduced to main character Trinity, who is caught in the action of hacking into a line of connection. Her costuming distinguishes her from the rest of the world and shows she comes from a different world, “reality” and she is currently in the simulation. Overall the scene has the science fiction conventions which are technology versus humanity, it has the computer codes in the beginning showing that this takes place in the future, and that this is nor ordinary film.