The Matrix: The Material Body Of A Film

The material body of a film is the combination of cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing and soundtrack. These elements are what construct the images we see and sounds we hear. Balancing them is key and excluding any leaves disjoint and confusing narratives. This essay will examine the material body of The Matrix and how key elements shape narrative and character. Often confused with cinematography, mise-en-scene is what we see, not how it is shown to us. Editing is how these images are strung together to create a sequence or scene and the soundtrack is simply what we hear (Lacey, 2008). Characterisation and narrative development occur through this absolute image. In the pivotal scene Unlocking Minds, the elements show Neo and Morpheus’ relationship
Editing allows the conveyance of essential forms of communication such as conflict, reaction and feelings. (Piatti-Farnell, 2015). ‘Unlocking Minds’ has a steady edit rhythm, with slight variances of pace at the climactic moments of the scene. The shots cut between Neo and Morpheus as they walk along a busy street, they are quick and linger on each face for only seconds before cutting away to the other. Eisenstien’s theory of ‘metric montage’ refers to the deliberate shortening of shots and how doing so reduces the time audiences have to take in and understand what is being seen, consequently building tension. He also states that the use of close-ups in such montages increases this tension further (Dancyger, 2013 p.17). As the woman in the red dress enters shot the frame rate has been decreased so she appears to walk past in slight slow motion. This variation in pace “guides viewers in their emotional response to the film” (Dancyger, 2013 p.381). This juxtaposition of the intensity of previous quicker cuts mean she appears to be even more unnatural. The shot is from Neo’s point of view and we can feel his gaze lingering on her as she walks past. This emphasises that she is what we are meant to be focusing on and highlights her as an important narrative
The most used shot in this sequence are close-ups of either Morpheus’ or Neo’s face as they walk along the street. There isn’t an obvious reveal of information through the mise-en-scene, instead audiences gather meaning from the facial expressions of the actors and the soundtrack. Close-ups often “place the audience in an intimate position” and signify “an emotional moment” (Lacey, 1998 p.23) therefore Neo’s characterisation in this scene is driven by our intimacy with him through the close-up shots, he is being portrayed as vulnerable. More meaning is added through the movements and angles used to create the shot for example Morpheus’ is often shot from a slight low angle, positioning the audience below him. His dominance above us shows he has the power in the situation and we view him as the clear leader (Lacey, 1998 p.16). Contrasting this Neo is often shot from a slight high-angle, forcing us to look down on him creating the idea he is ‘subservient’ (Lacey, 1998 p.16). The difference between the two characters is furthered by the addition of camera movement to the shots. Morpheus’ is shown through a steadicam, the smoothness of this movement in the chaotic environment shows his ease in the situation. Whereas, Neo is shot with a handheld camera, making the shot shaky and less fluid. As a result he is shown as