We wrap up our month-long Matrix arc with a discussion of the Animatrix and the tiny Matrix EU. Highlights: we explore the dark nature of the Animatrix, discuss humanity’s culpability in starting the war with AI, ponder the results of man “playing God,” question whether man learns primarily through pain and suffering, debate whether free will is dependent on reality or only perception, note the machine’s use of economic warfare (and recognize some real-world examples of this), enjoy Sean’s excellent commentary on the Animatrix’s various art styles, and note the similarities (and differences) between the Matrix and our next arc: the Terminator franchise.
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“In the beginning, there was man. And for a time, it was good. But humanity’s so-called civil societies soon fell victim to vanity and corruption. Then man made the machine in his own likeness. Thus did man become the architect of his own demise”
We’ve finally reached the end of the Matrix road, and what an interesting journey it’s been. Animatrix helps fill in some of the gaps and expands the story. No matter what your feelings are about the second and third films, Animatrix is an excellent group of varied animation styles and stories that you’ll enjoy.
Don’t forget to join us here in the forum for the Animatrix discussion thread!
Up this week: Matrix Revolutions. Highlights: we get down on the concept of man and machine living together, considering Neo as Christ figure (complete with choir), talk religion vs. spirituality, discuss programmatic “limitations” (like Lionel Ritchie in the coat room) and what makes them important, note the tremendous bravery of soldiers who volunteer to enter harm’s way when they can’t shoot back, ponder the importance of the dock defense, question (with the help of a caller) how children are born in the Matrix. Next week we wrap up the Matrix arc with a discussion of the Animatrix and the rest of the Matrix EU.
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“Why, Mr. Anderson? Why do you do it? Why get up? Why keep fighting? Do you believe you’re fighting for something? For more than your survival? Can you tell me what it is? Do you even know? Is it freedom? Or truth? Perhaps peace? Yes? No? Could it be for love? Illusions, Mr. Anderson. Vagaries of perception.”
Friends, Romans, Watercooleans…lend me your earbuds. It is time to wrap up the Matrix re-watch with Revolutions. If you have not seen this in a few years be sure to give it a watch prior to the podcast as Chuck, Sean and Audra are sure to open your eyes to aspects and layers you may have missed the first time around.
The Revolutions discussion thread is here
The Reloaded discussion is here. (my bad, no individual blog post for Reloaded…sorry all)
The GWC crew spends some time this week with Matrix Reloaded. Highlights: we discuss Matrix diversity and the struggle against conformity, marvel at how love, spirituality, and sexuality blend into one amazing life-affirming rave (and why, therefore, humanity is worth more than a good steak), ponder the architect’s very important speech, enjoy seeing the “humanity” of the machines (and the necessity of human/machine interdependence), and note that Monica Bellucci wears a rubber dress like no other.
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Time to dive into the Matrix with the GWC crew! Highlights: we take a few last-minute Star Wars calls, discuss the “reality” of the Matrix, learn that Chuck (and a caller) would totally throw humanity under the bus for a good steak, marvel at Matrix cookies that crisp instantly without turning into hockey pucks, recognize that PVC can indeed be sexier than nudity, debate whether Neo is specifically the one (or just the one who took the job), enjoy the film’s techno soundtrack goodness, and compare the marble lobby security guards to the Death Star’s independent contractors.
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“You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.”
Time to dust off your DVD and get ready for the Watercooler crüe to tackle, The Matrix Trilogy. If you would like to join the discussion in the forum you can find the thread here
ps: If you want to earn a gold star and earn some extra credit be sure to download the bonus “Very Jerry” Galactica Watercooler podcast #22.
After we stopped recording podcast #23, our guest, the Very Rev. Dr. Jerome B. Wichelns mentioned in passing that he was a big fan of the Matrix movies. Thankfully, we fired up the gear and recorded the ensuing (very fun) discussion, which we’re realeasing here as a bonus ‘cast. Note: This ‘cast contains no Battlestar Galactica content whatsoever, so if you’re not a fan of the Matrix you can give this one a pass — though you’d be missing out. And, if this is your first visit to Galactica Watercooler, you might want to start with any of the earlier ‘casts which are all Galactica, all the time. Enjoy!
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