MovieChat Forums > The Matrix (1999) Discussion > Apparently a trans-allegory...

Apparently a trans-allegory...

posted 5 years ago by [deleted]
27 replies | jump to latest

... according to this article:

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/08/the-matrix-trans-allegory-lilly-wachowski

A quote:
"Twenty-one years after her breakthrough film’s release, Lilly Wachowski has finally confirmed theories about the trans allegory at the heart of The Matrix, the blockbuster film franchise she codirected with her sister Lana."

I have never read or heard that the Matrix series was an allegory for the trans experience. I'm calling bulls**t... it's a form of retconning to generate interest in the next movie, no doubt suggested by PR people. For me, the series was really done after the first one... the next two didn't add anything to the concept.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

You nailed it. They had one good movie, and multiple failures since then. They are desperate for any attention they can get for their next movie.

[–] Gd5150 (11965) 5 years ago

Agreed.

The first is a masterpiece. And should’ve ended there.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

I think it’s funny, the “red-pillers” are going to have a heart attack when they find out it’s true meaning!

[–] scorp-945-748744 (153) 5 years ago

LOL. That's what I thought.

[–] Iffy762 (1334) 5 years ago

It doesn't surprise me to learn that it was meant as an allegory for the trans experience. When the whole idea of transitioning came into cultural conversation, the ideas seemed very similar to what was described in The Matrix. "There IS no spoon" and so on. At the same time, I don't think the logic holds up, any more than any fantasy logic. It almost seems like the movie reverses logic. Neo leaves the fantasy world of The Matrix and enters the real world where he experiences his actual physical body rather than the digitised image of "body" that The Matrix pipes into his brain. Within the matrix he can do anything he wants, but he can only control the matrix because it's not real. "There IS no spoon," just as there is no body. It's all an illusion.

It's interesting to think about, though.

[–] LeWildPlatypus (772) 5 years ago

I wonder if they'll walk it back just in time for The Matrix 4 if there's any doubt of it negatively effecting the box office.

I saw the first Matrix film years after it was released and also did research into the film for an essay and I can confidently say that any trans narrative was 100% not a thing back then. There's a lot of people making out like the film is an allegory for trans people oppressed by a hierarchical system, when in fact anyone can be oppressed by it. Yes, even the contemptible 'cis' with all their privileges.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

"I saw the first Matrix film years after it was released and also did research into the film for an essay and I can confidently say that any trans narrative was 100% not a thing back then."

Yes, to this. I agree.

I think they are setting up a narrative in the event that the movie tanks. If it dies at the box office, the Wachowskis can point the finger at 'trans' backlash.

[–] Rorikon (18390) 5 years ago

Well, since they're making a 4th (still a Matrix fan), I am hoping for its success either way. The Reloaded and Revolution weren't up to par but they had some good parts nonetheless.

[–] Iffy762 (1334) 5 years ago

Yeah I'm also curious to see what they do. The ending of the third movie didn't exactly resolve the issue of the machines being in control and the wasteland earth problem. The interminable dance/orgy was a big weakness, I hope the next one has better control of the plot.

[–] Ace_Spade (9658) 5 years ago

It's applicable, but not allegorical, as I understand it. I think you can read that into it, and maybe that's valuable for some people to analyse it that way, but for me the philosophical and religious overtones will always be more interesting and deeper than any trans stuff that was in there.

[–] davodikum (6212) 5 years ago

The character Switch was supposed to be a girl in the real world then a dude in the Matrix (or the other way round can't remember).

[–] actionkamen (23176) 4 years ago

Aah.. makes sense. Hence the name "Switch!" They should've done that. That's pretty cool!