ipl-logo

Wachowski's Three-Act Structure Of The Film The Matrix

748 Words3 Pages

The high acclaimed film, The Matrix, directed by the Wachowski siblings, follows programmer Neo as he learns of a future with within a simulated reality, and joins to defeat this control. In order to effectively flow and present the plot and characters, the film is arranged with Three Act Structure, where the work is divided into three parts: Setup, Confrontation and Resolution. The opening scene hooks the audience with a dramatic run-in between Trinity and the Agents. The exposition follows, giving us our first glimpse of Neo living his “status quo” life. Events like seeing the white rabbit help lead up to the inciting incident, which occurs within Neo’s vivid dream. Morpheus calls Neo and attempts to help him escape, but he ends up being captured by the Agents anyways. Neo wakes up panic-stricken, as this is the first …show more content…

Morpheus trains him to fight, believing he is “The One.” Many disagree with this, being the first obstacle, causing tension between the characters. This dichotomy of beliefs leaves the audience in suspense and engagement, as they wonder what the truth is. The Oracle tells Neo that he is not “The One.” This proves to be the ultimate plot “twist,” afs all hope seems lost. This point, identifying as the midpoint, allows for further development within the plot so the story will not drag, and shifts the course of the plot. Everything is going wrong for Neo. The stakes are heightened. The audience wonders if this can work out. Since Neo knows he is not the One, he feels this obstacle cannot be overcome, this is an “all is lost” moment. The Climax of Act II occurs just as Neo and the others are about to kill Morpheus. In this moment, Neo knows that he wants to rescue him, and decides to do everything for this to be possible, again portraying that he is in control and taking

Open Document