This week, we will be watching The Matrix in class. You should take notes while in class and then, after we’ve finished the film, write a response to any one of the following sets of questions:
• Do we live in a matrix? How so? Discuss ways our society enslaves us. How does the film represent current or contemporary issues?
• If you were faced with the choice of reality vs. the matrix, which would you choose and why? Would you fight for freedom, like Neo and the rest of Morpheus’s crew, or would you decide “ignorance is bliss,” like Cypher does, and get reinserted into the matrix? Explain your reasons and be sure to make frequent reference back to the film.
• Discuss symbolism in The Matrix. What kinds of symbolic themes are present throughtout the film? this is a purposefully vague and open-ended question, but you would want to focus on certain symbolic elements within the film (whether color, items, words or phrases, etc) and how those elements symbolize a greater set of issues, problems, concerns, or ideology.
Rather than respond here on the blog, please turn in a minimum two page response in class on Wedesday, December 3rd. Your response to this film will count as TWO blog responses, so be sure to approach your chosen set of questions thoughfully and logically.
