The Matrix: Movie Activities
Before you watch the film: look at the movie posters. Can you guess what the movie will be
about and its genre?
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with one word:
The Matrix is a 1999 American science fiction action film written 1.____________ directed by
brothers Larry and Andy Wachowski. The film stars Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne.
It 2.____________ first released in the United States 3.____________ March 31, 1999. The
enormous success of the film led 4.____________ the release of two sequels. The Matrix
franchise was further expanded through the production 5.____________ comic books, video
games, and animated short films. The film contains many references to cyberpunk and
hacker subcultures. It is influenced 6.____________ Lewis Carol's Alice's Adventures in
Wonderland, Hong Kong action cinema, spaghetti westerns, and Japanese animation. It is
widely regarded as one of 7.____________ greatest science fiction films of all time.
Exercise 2: Answer these questions as you watch:
a. How would you describe Trinity? What is your first impression of her and the clothes
she wears?
b. Who is Thomas Anderson? Describe his daily routine:
c. What do the red and blue pills represent?
d. Who is “The One”? What is his role within The Matrix? Why is it so hard for Neo to
believe that he’s “The One”?
e. What have humans been reduced to? Why are humans important to machines?
f. What does Neo’s training include? Why do you think he’s being trained like this?
g. What are the “agents”? What is their role in The Matrix?
Cinematography Analysis: The Oracle
Exercise 3: Read the passage about the Greek Oracle and then complete the chart
comparing the Greek Oracle to the Oracle in the film.
For over a thousand years people traveled to the hill
Delphi to consult the Oracle, a role filled by women, who
would use cryptic and ambiguous messages to foretell the
future to guide mortals. Delphi is considered one of the
most sacred spots in ancient Greece. It was believed to be
the center of the universe, a place where heaven and
earth met. People believed that this was the place on
earth where man was closest to God. Although there were many oracles, the most famous was the
internationally known Delphic Oracle who sat on a sacred tripod on the ground that emitted vapors.
The Delphic Oracle is associated with the color green because of the vegetation on the island,
red/orange because of the clay, and blue because of the beautiful blue sky and water. The temple walls
used to be inscribed with words of wisdom such as "Know Thyself,” "Nothing in Excess," and "Don't
take any Wooden Drachma (coins)."
Greek Oracle Oracle in Movie
Purpose
Colour
Seat
Words of wisdom
Vapors
Exercise 3: Imagine you’re in Neo’s position of saving humanity from a future controlled
by the machines. Write a short message you could send via computers or cellphones to
spread the word about The Matrix.
