The Matrix: How to Begin a Movie

[@maximeteppe7627]

Small caveat about dark city: the monologue was a demand of the producers that were affraid that the audience would be lost. The director's cut removes it and is all the better for being a thicker mistery all along. So if you haven't seen it yet, watch the director's cut. Interestingly, this opening scene was done on one of the sets of Dark city.

[@patrickhwillems]

I'm well aware (big Dark City fan). But since the theatrical cut is the most common version, I don't think it's inaccurate to include here.

[@ziiofswe]

I think the movie is better without it, BUT the intro is a classic in itself, so I'm a bit torn..... "First, there was, darkness. Then, came, the strangers..." :P

[@maximeteppe7627]

true, that opening monologue us better than most, and the theatrical cut didn't prevent me from falling in love with the movie's atmosphere.

[@Omni315]

2:35 Trinity's door number is 303, Neo's door number is 101. Years on I'm still noticing little gems from this movie.

[@elreydelvideo]

Omni315 Neo is the "ONE", as being the real leader of the resistence and most powerful than everybody, 2nd it will *MORPHEUS* and 3rd *Trinity* as the order of power goes, they 3 are the trinity of Good in the movie until the end, 3 inportant parts and character having more meaning to each other, that everybody things

[@RichBellamy]

Assuming that you noticed room 303 is the location of the final scene as well?

[@yunase]

it's a specific trait which comes from the designer ozwald boateng who does gimmick like these on this suits. Not certain it has an impact on the story.

[@yunase]

this trait disappears in the next movies (which means they either changed the designer or simply let the costume chief decide all the works) or the matrix made adjustments to fight Neo. But yes, the only plausible explanation would be the "special" treatment they possess as they are perceived as quite standard and low-key on the outside (men in black uniform) but retain a colorful (yellow) subtle signs to distinguish themselves (the yellow symbolism is either loyalty or cowardice).

[@dot.O]

The terminator is the prequel to the Matrix. They're based on the Bible. John Conor = JC = Jesus Christ = The One = Neo...just another little Gem. Look up Sophia Stewart, you'll learn the truth about the movie.

[@opensprit]

The Matrix hooked me the moment Trinity pulled her guns on the landing. She was running from the agents. She was hidden on the roof, but she knew they'd find her. And THERE is the window, but it's too far, too small. Even for superpower woman, it's nearly impossible. But she has no choice, she has to try for it. Using all her skill she barely makes it and crashes on the stairs. But instead of the groaning slow recovery limping away scene I was expecting, as soon as she came to an abrupt stop she instantly pulls her guns and aims them at the window. She's afraid the agents will follow her! She made a desperate leap that she barely pulled off and she's afraid they'll keep coming. It's like if Butch and Sundance were afraid the posse would follow them over the cliff.

[@2adamast]

I see an anorexic actress who has problem stabilizing one gun but wields two. Now she trained for months her chinese movie kung fu, so probably I see it wrong.

[@copaceticetal]

With so many movies, in order to establish to the audience that a villain is a physical threat, they kill or defeat a character the audience knows is badass. Its called The Worf Effect on TV tropes, since Worf was the victim of this in pretty much every single episode of TNG. The Wachowskis, I feel like, establish (or codified) something new here. You see Trinity handily murder a room full of armed police officers, but the moment when she finds out Agents are after her she's freaked out. If this superpowered one woman army is this terrified of these guys in black suits just HOW powerful are they compared to her? The movie doesn't have to kill her off to establish this and if Trinity fought one of these guys and lost, but still somehow escaped it would weaken them. The fact that she doesn't want to be anywhere near them makes them scary.

[@Spudcore]

@Adamast - Anorexic? Seriously? You must be into SSBBWs, or maybe just an asshole.

[@trollope3370]

The Matrix essay: reloaded

[@itsiwhatitsi]

Matrix is a real masterpiece

[@tylerdurden788]

And matrix 4 was a huge letdown

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

This was a super analysis. "Growing list of questions" perfectly describes the hook. To add, The Matrix is one of the few films that is either iconic or memorable in every scene.

[@ChocolateAsian9000]

I love how in the opening number trace call, you can actually hear a slight beep right before Trinity asks "What was that? Are you sure this line is secure?"

[@thepickles8833]

1:15 - Dark City actually did that first. The theatrical version treated the audience like they weren’t smart enough to understand the mystery. The Director’s Cut keeps its mouth shut, let’s it’s characters have more dialogue to contextualize the world, and the big reveal about the city hits harder.

[@BUMP0H]

I respect The Matrix for what it accomplished and some of the groundbreaking effects we use today. I love video essays, because as an aspiring filmmaker, I take these ideas and mold them to suit my style. You are one of the few channels that do this that I really enjoy. So when people say, "I clicked this video so fast when I saw it!" I really mean that. I hope that one day, I can collaberate with you in the future. God Speed, Defeat all seven evil Ex's, Rescue the princess and thank you for the video! ☺️☺️

[@BlakeTedKord]

Michael Anton What movies have you done?

[@BUMP0H]

All of them!!! Nah, JK. A few videos on my channel, I am trying to improve. Soon, I begin production on an actual short film. Which I am excited for!

[@matteofurlotti6211]

Could you do a video for every scene? Please?

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Lol.

[@jonathanjoestar1938]

Those bloody Aunty Donna boys just got me good 😂 little did I know that I was the one being PRANK’D 😂

[@thetramp123]

"weirdly dressed pale woman" was probably part of the casting call.

[@brunograndis7]

Had to pause it to re-listen to that Man in black song.

[@rolanddeschain6089]

I had to pause, to recover from a few seconds of this terrible song.

[@aspensmonster]

Roland Deschain Roland clearly did not git jiggy wit it.

[@dylan594]

Roland Deschain No one cares.

[@dylan594]

*****​ LOL okay I didn't realise I upset the fan club.

[@_yellow]

Had to pause when I saw the woman in the latex suit to take a quick one.

[@LincolnPower27]

I'll never forget being 10 years old and going to see this movie with my Mom in the theaters. I knew absolutely nothing about it going in. The movie blew my little-boy-mind. I honestly left the theater so mesmerized by the spectacle of it all I could not even answer the question, "what is the matrix?" and its something my friends and I discussed and debated for months before the DVD came out.

[@joescott]

Great breakdown!

[@deathscreton]

It's Joe! I love your channel boss. Keep those opening skits coming!

[@laurenbi]

"For most of us, it's hard to imagine a time when we weren't intimately familiar with the matrix." %100 feel this statement. I've been watching this movie since I was like 6. Watching this video was a really cool thought experiment. And I showed the matrix to my friend for her first time EVER and yes she was so confused and intrigued by the first scene 😂

[@86thfloor]

More awesome work - thank you so much for making the follow up to last weeks video. I'd never thought of the James Bond comparison before but it makes so much sense.

[@dj2neo]

You didn't disappoint! Please more Matrix (you might've mentioned at least 5 in your previous video, so now for some reason, I'm expecting that number). Thank you so much sir!

[@solidsnake58]

Fantastic analysis. I'll never forget the first time I saw this movie. I don't think people can appreciate how monumental it was for movie geeks. Maybe you can help me something I have never understood. Why does Cypher say "we're gonna kill him" when clearly they have no intention of killing Neo. Keep up the good work.

[@jeremybabila5814]

I think that has to do with Morpheus's apology to Neo when he says usually they don't take people out of the matrix after a certain age. Cypher probably thinks Neo is too old and will die from the process.

[@solidsnake58]

Still feels a little flimsy but probably the best explanation I've heard. Thanks!

[@GreenPlymProduction]

Later in the movie, we learn that Cypher considers reality as a form of hell, and that he thinks real life resides in the comfortable world of the Matrix. From his cynical point of view, bringing Neo out of the Matrix is murder. Another simpler explanation is that by finding Neo, Morpheus has brought the agents to Neo, leading him to a probable death in the Matrix.

[@solidsnake58]

@Elie I think your simpler explanation just made something click. Cypher doesn't believe in The One. Being a member of Morpheus's crew is already dangerous business without filling a random guys head full of stories that he's an invisible messiah. So, from Cypher's perspective they are going to kill Neo by making him believe something Cypher thinks is B.S. In fact, Cypher is right! After Neo begins to "believe" what happens? He gets killed! The only difference is that Trinity never told Cypher what the Oracle told her. It all makes sense. I thought it was just sloppy writing. Hot damn.

[@jeremybabila5814]

I like what you said there, because ya Cypher does turn out to be right technically. I think "we're going to get him killed" might have been better than "we're going to kill him", but then you lose some mystery in the opening scene so I don't know.

[@TheSwayzeTrain]

I went into an early screening of the Matrix, I didnt know anything about the film, I hadnt seen any reviews, I hadnt even seen a trailer. This opening blew me away, I wasnt expecting anything this good.

[@McMurchie]

Still one of my favourite movies of all time...for SURE!

[@Zezinizzle]

WHOA

[@martinlagman]

....WHOA

[@ziiofswe]

SCREEEAM FOR ME KZbin!!!!

[@JoseRS1186]

Huh.. Mission Statement... I always thought that was En Media Res.. That actually makes a lot more sense now. I just learned a new thing 1 minute in!

[@patrickhwillems]

Some of these would be in media res, but not all of them. The kind of opening I'm talking about is more about tone and pace than where it falls in the narrative.

[@primacyfilms6706]

One of my favorite movies ever. Excellent essay on the opening!!

[@freeofavia]

Lots of people make these kinds of videos. But I think yours are some of the very best.

[@blacxthornE]

you say you can talk about this movies forever... could you, please? this is my favorite movie; I went into it blind (no trailers, nothing) when it came out and have since watched it about a zillion times. I still rewatch it and always get blown away by how well it's made, and unfortunately it still hasn't been matched.

[@ATylerHarrahFilm]

i will seriously never forget the first time i saw this opening scene, nor this movie. i was glad to see you had a video on it because i've ALWAYS loved this opening and thought it was brilliant. thanks for giving voice to all the reasons why it's brilliant

[@MrMutenRoshi]

Great content. You too got me hooked in this essay wanting more!

[@nils5471]

wow, sweet reflections. I had totally forgotten the brilliance of the intro of the matrix. so effective, and adding so much to the experience.

[@neurokid1]

The Matrix is my favorite movie of all time. Thank you for this. Absolutely amazing. Subbed.

Great, now I wanna watch the Matrix ! One of my favourite movies of all times.

[@Stureuh]

Wonderful, youtube recommandations is finally starting to get it

[@jedrzejku]

this is awesome! thanks for getting me to think about the first time i watched the matrix. i remember my mind being bent when trinity runs on the wall in the first scene. i was like, who is that and how did she do that. been in love ever since.

[@PramitChatterjee1993]

You keep saying people yell mean things at you on the Internet. Just point, and I'll take care of em for you.

[@patrickhwillems]

I was just kidding. People are actually very nice to me. But I'll keep the offer in mind should things change.

[@bigboss370]

more Matrix videos, please!

[@BurgundyandBlue1111]

That opening hooked me right in. It's brilliant.

[@KimStephanieHabiger]

This video is brilliantly narrated, your observations and attention to detail are simply just done right though well informed knowledge combined with your obvious passion for the film making industry. Satisfying to watch.

[@DominicTessmer]

This was great! I really enjoyed it. Please keep talking about the Matrix! Haha.

[@EposVox]

Good stuff!!!

[@3RAN7ON]

not sure if this is true, because it's something I read online, but Warner Brothers gave the Wachowski Bros 15 million dollars to make the Matrix film and they spent it all on making this opening scene. When Warner Brothers saw this scene they gave them another 95 million to make the rest of the movie

[@Wildest_Wahoo]

I JUST realized that the Matrix is my all time favourite movie! Can still remember the very first time I watched it!

[@elizabethcrespo7225]

My favorite movie since I was 8! I couldn't understand most of it, but hell I loved it.

[@varunemani]

Made my day!.. And thank you, this was probably the next best thing to the movie atleast for me.

[@jobsmine]

This first scene in 1999 made me a big fan of Warner Bros. Who could’ve forget that green WB logo and the amazing action sequence.

[@calebcorlett6010]

I love your video essays - almost more than your narrative stuff tbh. So good. so good.

[@keeleon]

I've been officially prank'd by Aunty Donna.

[@MysteriousMiddleEast]

Seeing this scene at 6:08 for the first time in a cinema in 1999, was one of the rare times in my childhood that something on screen really blew me away. You knew after that shot that what you were going to be in for would be incredibly different and new, well new-ish. New-ish Coz I had already see Dark City a short time before, and both films already have the same noir look, and apparently the same film sets.

[@vietnamd0820]

Thank you for pointing out the Vertigo homage...there's parallels between both movies...both main characters overcome their fear of heights by the end of the movies...also in both movies, things aren't what they first appear to be

[@saywhatagainidareyouidoubl7698]

My favorite movie of all time, when I watched it for the first time I was a kid and I thought it was a great action film but I grew up and I literally woke up and now I considered a masterpiece

[@JonathanEBoyd]

Man I got to watch Matrix again after watching this really well put together video essay

[@seen921]

Great example of how to create a new way of introducing audiences. As it is there's too much exposition these days, and this is a great example of questions for hooks all through the story.

[@paulk314]

Great video! I've always really loved The Matrix and I think it's because they did so many aspects so well. The sci-fi premise blew my 10-year-old mind when I first saw it, but I think I have continued to enjoy it in the years since because of how many other things they really nailed, such as the cinematography, the music, the character development and so on.

[@superunknown2812]

The matrix is one of those.movies that always pulls you in instantly and doesnt let.you go no matter.how many.times you see it....and here we are still talking about the mystery and epicness of The Matrix!!!!!

[@VenusHeadTrap2]

That was wonderful Patrick! Time to make popcorn and binge your movie essays

[@ddiaz28]

Another great video essay. Your descriptions really brought me back to the feelings I had when I first saw the film.

[@andrewincavo3893]

PLEASE REVIEW NOE'S - ENTER THE VOID. I'd love to hear an informed opinion on it as it explores tons of 'out of body' themes as well as some epic shooting

[@andrewincavo3893]

Love your vids btw your analysis is brilliant

[@DubstepDinosaurs]

I know what you mean when you criticize film student mindset. I experienced it on my first day at CalArts. I regrettably told another student that I liked Titanic (it was 1998). He scolded me calling the movie "a disgrace to filmmaking". When I followed up by asking what he thought of another of my favorites, Good Will Hunting, he said "Robin Williams should stick to comedy". At that point I was befuddled so I mentioned a Spielberg movie like ET or Close Encounters, and he instantly scoffed "Spielberg is just a popcorn movie director", and with that, I distanced myself from all these Elitist film students and hung out with the ones actually passionate about creating rather than criticizing.

[@fragmentsshow8178]

E.T. has to bo one of the most beautiful representations of childhood. It´s probably my favourite movie of all time. 98% of the reviewrs from Rotten Tomatoes must be wrong, and that beloved student of yours is clearly right. Oh, dear, those critics, all corrupt and miserable, since E.T. really has no magic or quality in terms of storytelling, sentiment, metaphor, soundtrack... ... I can like Persona, from Ingmar Bergman, but that doesn´t mean there´s plenty of quality in "popcorn" movies. By the way, I bet that this student had no idea about the fact that this "popcorn" movies fill the gap of what one day was called mythology in the past. And mythology helps people find meaning in their lives, not only purely intellectual cinema for a selected ones.

[@fragmentsshow8178]

Oh! Just forgotten: the design for the E.T. is astonishing. There are scenes in which transmits more emotion than some CGI characters today. Sad to know that Spielberg fucked up the movie in 2002, and now all we have left if, precisely, an abomination 2002 not-that-high-on-budget remake for the scenes that he considered that he could "improve". Shame on you, oh Lord of Popcorn movies, Steven Spielberg.

[@InformationRequired]

Man, seeing Patrick look like this and talk about "one video essay a month" is a trip.

[@poloMpolo]

I love for making this.. Im learning so much.. Matrix is so incredibly complex, infinite thanks to you

[@peterpanopoulos6241]

Love the Matrix trilogy. I would watch all videos about it. Please make more! Just "discovered" you. Can't wait to view more of your work.

[@klab2021]

I think Edgar Wright is the best example of this. The opening of The World's End lays out the entire movie.

[@markdjolly]

Hi Patrick - I’m the other half of “How does it grow?” and a life-long film student… really loved this video (and I’m not even a Matrix fan). I’ve been super impressed with your channel since Nicole put it on my radar. Have you considered doing an episode on film endings? Astonishingly few filmmakers - even A-listers - have a consistent record in ending their movies properly. But then I think of some of the great endings like The Apartment - they’re truly transformative.

[@patrickhwillems]

Hi Mark, thanks for the kind words! I love what you guys do. To answer your question, yes, it's something I've thought about. It's tough to talk about endings generally, since they're so reliant on the rest of the film (while openings are easy to discuss as separate entities). Also there's the obvious spoiler issue. I feel similarly, and this is definitely something I want to do a video on, I just haven't figured out a good angle yet.

[@markdjolly]

D'oh (followed by requisite face plant)! Somehow I totally overlooked the spoiler issue! You'd have to turn it into a sort of spoiler alert fest or something...though if anyone can figure out a way to do it, it's you. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@seanfeehly6206]

i subscribed to your channel after watching 1 video essay so i must tell you, now that i've seen them all i really hope you continue to make more, i really enjoyed them, thanks.

[@angelodepaolo]

"Point-of-You character". I like that term

[@brendan6774]

Uh, I'm pretty sure it's "point-of-view character".

[@angelodepaolo]

Brendan Oconnell 5:45 Uh, you're totally right. My bad

[@Antiganos]

Angelo DePaolo doesn't make the term any less cool and you should keep it just because. Like saying a common word slightly weirdly for fun, I know I'll say it from time to time thanks to you, Cheers!

[@BlueGamerCast]

The intro for Logan was badass

[@beestplayer4444]

Anthony Rivera It set the tone perfectly. I remember sitting the theater and everyone in it jumped when Logan first stabbed the one Hispanic guy in the throat.

[@BlakeTedKord]

beestplayer44 Damn, lol.

[@jamesivan24]

Wow! That was a really useful video essay! That gave me great ideas about how to introduce my movie better! I'd love to see whatever else you have!

[@DJTimSandford]

I love The Matrix and I love me some critical analysis! Thank you for making such engaging videos

[@aenguscunningham138]

Make more of them! I want to see more Matrix videos!

[@AxelRock]

Awesome video. The Matrix has been my favorite from as far as I can remember, but I couldn't tell why. But you clearly explain it here. You even summarise it on sentence : We are more interested in his story because he has the same questions, and they answer them ALL.

[@elliebee6537]

Nice Will Smith reference :)

[@deranged1313]

Great content agree, wholeheartedly. I also like the opening scene of Drive (2011)...

[@morbid1.]

not only she destroys those cops but does it in jaw dropping style... srsly that slo-mo... I saw that movie in cinema as 14 yo and I was mind blown.

[@chrisgill4134]

Smart, learned analysis of a truly great movie. Thank you!

[@ziiofswe]

I think the best part with the entire intro is, that even if you don't know it's a sci-fi movie, the whole thing is somewhat plausible up to the moment when she does the big jump to the next roof.

[@tinphan89]

Great video essay as usual! Keep up the good work Patrick!

[@wheelerwhls]

This is awesome!

[@SergiMedina]

I think _The Matrix_ is one of the best films ever. Certainly, one of my top favorites. I always hoped they would make more movies like these. I hope they don't screw it now they've decided to make more of them, but the odds are all against us... No Wachowskis, no Neo, no 2000s, no nothing... I can't imagine how a good _Matrix_ movie could be achieved today. I think the most similar movie is still _Dark City_ and some few others, at least in terms of atmosphere. The world certainly needs more movies like _The Matrix_...

[@LeadershipAlliance]

Simply brilliant analysis Patrick. THANK YOU and keep up the GREAT work.

[@sandwich2cool]

I promise you I'm gonna watch every video u do about matrix

[@StillOnTrack]

Awesome. Great breakdown. Loved both of your Matrix vids.

[@dbrokensoul]

Hmm, a really good point and could help me in writing the first parts of my story. I'm glad I subscribed to you.

[@buhdahwee]

Great video, however the biggest "clue" for me in that opening sequence was when she spoke to herself after diving through the window "get up Trinity".

[@denvercarlstrom8874]

Whoa, this is solid essay content.

[@kellyperkins4139]

excellent analysis

[@gp714]

I really like what you've put together here.

[@registrado54]

thank you for more the matrix videos

[@MetricZero]

Please continue to talk about this movie forever. I want to know its secrets.

[@nicksketch7122]

Patrick (H) Willems Thank you for videos like these. You really know what you are talking about. This information about either scene transitions, or what kind of scene you would want to begin a movie with that would get your audience engaged is really helping me out. I wish to become a GREAT Filmaker one day, like the Best out there such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood, & The Coen Brothers. Curently, I write once or twice in a few weeks, & I'm working on writing even more. I love writing dark, depressing, yet hopeful scenes of diolague between two characters, one trying to understand what the other character who is going through alot emotional, being depression, feeling like he is unnoticed no matter what he does for others around him, or he is just treated like crap. I LOVE Movies/Film & I admire your video essay on characters, movies, scenes, scene transitions, etc,

[@irishman6414]

While I agree, this is a great sequence, you can also see how it ultimately would signal the Wachowski's undoing as filmmakers: They fell so in love with forcing the audience to ask questions that they started doing it regardless of whether it worked or not, and most of the time it doesn't in their later movies.

[@bujin5455]

I'd really like for you to make as many video essays on the Matrix as you can!!!

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

Great series of videos. P.S. Beard is looking killer. 10/10

[@chrisanderson687]

Great analysis, really enjoyed this.

[@stefanalexander7402]

another excellent and super educated analysis. thank you. please continue.

[@secretscarlet8249]

That ending was a great hook itself. :P

[@rahulmathew25]

Matrix movie opening building jumping scene of trinity is the beat realistic cgi i ever scene till date. Its the films that prompted my interest in computer science and what real ai can can do in future

[@drakenfist]

I'm reminded of other sci fi films like predestination, which is a very good movie..but the first five minutes almost ruin it. They not only give away the premise but the twist and prepare the viewer for the twist, by the time it hits most viewers would have figured out the entire film based mostly on that first five minutes. The matrix on the other hand is the perfect example of restraint, you can interest viewers without giving away the plot. Great video and yes, I also don't mind if you want to keep making more matrix videos.

[@speirsylad8556]

Hit the nail right on the head. When I first saw this at the flix I was like what the fuck and had pretty much those questions u listed. Fantastic opening scene to a movie!

[@thereelremedy7295]

I love these video essays Patrick! I might start making some of my own. I couldn't agree with you more on the opening sequence getting us hooked for the awesome movie that follows!

[@danielwareking]

The older I get, the more I am convinced that The Matrix is one of the great cinematic masterpieces of the last few decades. Of course there are movies that are more meaningful, that have better performances, or explore human nature more deeply, but in terms of ROCK SOLID screenwriting and direction on a grand scale, it is very, VERY hard to beat The Matrix.

[@hepzibah4573]

list me some movies better or on par with the matrix.

[@TheUnintentionalWildCard]

The Matrix is by far my MOST favorite film!!!!!