Existentialism & The Matrix: Notes
Name ___________________________________
Directions: Read through the notes and questions in the left column. Then, as you watch scenes 8-13,
use the right column to record your answers, comments and responses. You may need to refer to the
underlying concepts of existentialism we have discussed and used in class. They are as follows:
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Mankind has freewill
Life is a series of choices, creating stress
Few decisions are without negative consequences
Some things are irrational or absurd, without explanation
If one makes a decision, s/he must follow through
Notes from Film
Neo comes knowing that something is not
quite right – like a “splinter in your
mind…driving you mad.” “Do you believe
in fate?” (Morpheus)
What is Neo’s response?
Your Answer, Comments, Response
Questioning – feeling that something is not right.
Challenge some of the ideas that others readily accept.
“No..I don’t like the idea of not being in control of your own life.”
(Neo)
Mankind has freewill
How is this an existential response? (refer
to underlying concepts listed above)
Morpheus gives Neo two options:
1) Blue Pill –
What does it represent?
2) Red Pill –
What does it represent?
Neo Takes the Red Pill –
What does he give up?
What does he experience?
How is this existential? (refer to underlying
Opting for the truth. Willing to look beyond what society has told
us. Search for what we know for sure to be true and real. No
guarantee that it’s going to be pleasant or easy.
back to the world (wool?) that’s been pulled over our eyes
The truth. “All I’m offering is the truth…nothing more….see how
deep the rabbit hole goes. No turning back.”
Willingness to let go of all that you have believed to be true
regardless of the pain.
Experiences the painful unplugging in a dark, depressing, scary,
unfamiliar environment.
Life is a series of choices, creating stress
Few decisions are without negative consequences
concepts listed above)
Morpheus shows Neo the Matrix.
1) Neo asks “Am I dead?” – Morpheus
responds “Far From it.”
Why do Neo’s eyes hurt?
2) Matrix = Control so you can turn a
human being into a battery.
What is the TRUTH?
How does the illusion CONTROL
people?
How does it give people MEANING
to their existence?
Pain and anxiety that results from looking at the truth
“Because you’ve never used them before.” (Morpheus)
The truth: All we have is our existence. There is no higher purpose
for our lives. We’re born. We live. Sometimes it’s really hard and
painful. And then we die. End of story.
Control – “Go To Church…Go to work….pay your taxes.” The
matrix gives people a reason to continue living so that the machine
can get its energy.
Anything to the contrary is only a way of controlling us so that we
think there is something to live for; otherwise people would not be
able to go on. This truth would be too painful!
Some higher reasons to give our existence meaning:
God (Church – Theism, Deism) –
Absurdity: The universe is irrational and
indifferent.
How is this “construct,” or the Matrix
absurd?
It simply makes people comfortable, keeps them ignorant: ignorant
of reality, falsely blissful
Morpheus refers to reality/the truth as wonderland
If the Matrix is Kansas then reality is the Land of OZ
Truth/Reality is absurd
Upon hearing and accepting this, Neo
vomits. Why?
Reality is more difficult to accept than the illusion
(Morpheus: Remember, all I offered you is
the truth..nothing more.)
Existential angst = the feeling of fear and
despair that come with the recognition of
the absurd, the “joke” that is being played
on you.
What options does Neo have?
Discuss each: Which are possible,
understandable, reasonable, meaningful,
etc…?
Retreat back to the illusion
Technically he could ask the machines to reinsert him. But, this is
unlikely
Become nihilistic: A nihilist believes in
nothing…feeling betrayed by all that they
thought gave existence meaning, they
become bitter and violent and retreat from
life. This may result in suicide.
Understandable, many do this. But, we wouldn’t have a hero and we
wouldn’t have a movie
Accept ideas of existentialism – all we
have is our existence and our free will to
make choices and decisions that are our
own – never retreating back to the illusion.
There is no morality or higher purpose.
Keep the truth (the absurd) right in front of
you at all times.
The only meaningful option, Neo must choose this option.