How Does The Matrix Use Film Language to convey its meaning?

The music throughout the film is very techno and rocky which creates the idea of the world we live in being digital and not real. The soundtrack includes tracks from modern techno/rock groups such as The Deftones and ironically, Rage against the machines. When the characters are in the Matrix, the music is electronic but in the real world the music is more mechanical, and this helps the audience differentiate the two worlds. The electronic soundtrack also is used to make the audience realise that the matrix is not real and is all digital.

The music changes, however, when the scene changes. For the Kung-fu part of the film, the music changes to loud drums and Asian instruments and this creates an oriental atmosphere for the kung fu fighting. With the romantic and more emotional scenes during the film, the music changes to harps and soft classical music, which creates more emotion into the scene. When Neo rescues Trinity from the helicopter and Morpheus fr

The sunglasses are never worn within the real world, but are worn in the matrix as if it shields them from it. Sunglasses also represent authority and when Neo is fighting Agent Smith and damages his glasses, it is a destruction of authority and Neo gain strength from this. The real world is meant to awaken your senses, as Neo’s eyes hurt the first time he comes in, as he has, ‘never used his eyes before.’ This again shows that the matrix is a digital world and the machines are controlling human’s senses.

The agents wear black suits, black sunglasses and ear pierces. They all look like clones and never show any emotion in what they are doing as they are not real. The first time the agents are introduced, they are wearing sunglasses, although it is at nighttime, which makes them look very mysterious.

The camera is generally very smooth throughout the film, which creates a digital and computerized feel. The camera does change however, in different situations during the film. Near the start of the film, when the agents are chasing Neo, the camera is used to show the audience what Neo sees. When he looks over the edge of the building, the camera becomes shaky but it is more realistic for the audience. Making the camera shaky makes the audience feel that they are in Neo’s position and creates a suspense atmosphere.

At the start of the film, the Warner Brothers symbol is in an electric green colour with static digital music to accompany it. As the symbol has changed from its usual golden colour, to a green, it gives the audience a clue as to what the genre of the film is going to be.

The use of bullet time is also used in the film. The first use is three minutes into the film, and this shows the audience that it is going to have a lot more action moments. The camera angles at the start of the film are important for the audience, as it is very ambiguous as to what it is about. The use of bullet time from an early stage in the film, gives indications to the genre and the general storyline.

The real world doesn’t have this green tint, which makes it seem more realistic. The colours in this world are blues and grays and there is quite a lot of white light, which makes it look less

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