“Follow the white rabbit”: The Matrix and the Hero Journey

Abstract

Films have always been one of the creative forms of entertainment for centuries. Since the very humble beginnings, films have tried to fascinate and challenge their viewers in any way possible by adding more sounds, more colours and more characters into their stories in both subtle and exaggerated ways. While not all films tried to be as creative and groundbreaking as others, some really stood out in the test of time and are viewed as classics even to this very day. There comes a time when a great film has such a huge impact not only on the audience but also on the very way the world is perceived that the film becomes a true masterpiece of cinema. These films are considered masterpieces for many reasons, be it for their special effects, ideas, immersive stories and even their relatable and believable characters. The film “The Matrix” checks all these boxes and even adds some new ideas to the audience and because every great story needs a decent cast of characters, this film really delivers in that aspect. The characters of the film are relatable, charismatic, charming and overall, just a joy to be seen in action. This paper aims to delve into the analysis of several key characters in the 1999 film “The Matrix” and into the journey of the main character of the story, Neo. It examines the symbolism of the main characters, encompassing their names, actions, underlying purposes, individual ideals and morals, evolution throughout the narrative, pivotal elements influencing their decisions, and their significant impact on the storyline. The paper examines the stages of the hero’s journey that Neo must undergo and the characters that help or trouble him throughout this journey. Structured in four chapters, this paper presents the main characters of the film “The Matrix” and illustrates the main elements that made this film a masterpiece. The first chapter focuses on the life of Joseph Campbell and his works, continuing with one of his greatest achievements in the field of myth theory – “The Hero’s Journey”. Chapter two focuses on the film “The Matrix” from 1999, explaining its birth and impact on the medium of cinema. The latter parts delve into the main colours of the film and the symbols associated with them, the internet and its immersing power, the role of the White Rabbit, the purpose of the Matrix itself as an entity and the importance of phones in the film. Chapter three presents the main characters of the film: Neo, Morpheus and Trinty, and delves into their importance, symbolism, evolution throughout the story, impact on the plot and fate at the end of the film. The characters are vital to the plot and the film “The Matrix” will never be able to achieve its grand success without them. The fourth and last chapter illustrates the hero’s journey, in other words the journey of Neo in the world of the machines where he will have to learn to accept his destiny and help those around him. The journey is separated into three parts: Departure, Initiation and Return, with each parts representing a viral moment in Neo’s evolution as a character.