Here's my interpretation of the scene between Neo and the Architect.
Summary: I believe the core philosophy of this series is based upon
one of the oldest theological concepts: Freewill vs. Determinism.
The goal of the Matrix is to create a deterministic Universe.
Neo's goal is to provide Freewill and determine his own destiny.
Background:
In physics, if we know the velocity and location of every particle in
the Universe, we would have the information to predict the future. The
problem lies in the uncertainty principle. The more accurately we
measure the position of a particle, the less accurately we are able to
determine the velocity, and vice versa. It would also take massive
computational power to work those equations, but they are equations
that we do know. We have shown to a limited degree that determinism is
possible, but the laws of the Universe are set up so that we cannot
predict with absolute certainty.
In the Matrix, a computer program is responsible for the world we live
in. It undoubtably knows both the speed and location of every
particle, because it created it. This would explain the Oracle's
pre-cognitive powers; she has all the data. However, they are still
dealing with an uncertainty: the human psyche. She can very accurately
measure most, but there is still a small percentage that is left to
chance. Remeber from the first movie, she said that Neo wasn't the
One.
Scene Analysis:
In this scene, Neo is given an audience with God, or what passes for
God in the world of the Matrix. That he was represented by an elderly
man with white hair and beard was probably no coincidence. I am sure
that the Architect has the ability to appear as anything or anyone he
chooses.
Neo's second question, "Why am I here?" is a rather open ended
question, and typical of the type of questions that inspired
philosophy from the beginning of civilization. Mankind has always
struggled to find a purpose in life. Given the chance to speak with
our Creator, these are the answers we seek.
The Architect's answer, while technically correct, was not the
interpretation that Neo was seeking. As a nearly omnipotent being, he
can calculate the most probable response. Very much like a good
gambler, he plays the odds. His response was calculated to elicit a
specific response from Neo. (All of the TVs in the background
represent possible responses) When Neo called him on it, he was
surprised.
The discussion about the history of the Matrix is more pertinent to a
theological or mythological discussion that philisophical. The
Architect reveals that the Matrix is very much older than Neo is aware
of. In the first Matrix, Morpheus tells of the machines gaining
conciousness as though it were recent history. This is more plausible
to Neo than what the Architect is telling him.
Now we learn that there were five "The One's" prior to Neo. The One's
have the power to perform miracles, and can probably be corresponded
to historical figures. Perhaps Jesus and Moses were two previous
"One's". Others may have a mythological basis like Hercules or
Gilgamesh, part god, part human. The actual figures are entirely
speculation as there isn't enough information given by the Architect
to accurately identify them.
Neo's purpose of having freewill is summed up by his line, "Choice.
The problem is choice."
The next discussion reinforces the Architect's goal of control. His
admission of the first Matrix being 'perfect' and 'flawless' speaks of
a paradise or utopia. Perhaps the Garden of Eden or Atlantis were the
Architect's first creations. Both were supposedly utopian, and yet
both failed or were destroyed. It also tells of the cold, calculating
indifference of the Architect and the Matrix. Especially when Neo
comes to the understanding that it is all about Zion.
Again, we see that the Architect is counting on his ability to read
human responses, specifically denial. He is counting on Neo to make
the emotional decision to sacrifice Trinity and the inhabitants of
Zion in order to save the rest of the human race.
Again, the problem is choice. If he chooses freewill and risks the
consequence of the destruction of all humans connected to the Matrix
as well as the destruction of Zion, we have the opportunity to live in
a world free from oppression, free from control. If we allow our
decisions to be made for us, or influenced by those in control, we
perpetuate our existence as slaves to the Matrix.
Of course Neo makes the choice to save Trinity. Doing otherwise would
be bad film-making. It's like letting the bad guys win. Not a popular
theme in the movies.
There are a number of other philisophical and theological themes
running rampant in the Matrix series.
Agent Smith, previously a program who had to follow the rules, is now
set free. And also has the ability to 'possess' others, even outside
the Matrix. Before, he was an "Angel" of the Matrix. He held favor and
did the bidding of the Architect. Now he has been 'cast out' of the
Matrix and fallen out of favor. Sounds very much like the biography of
Lucifer, does it not? I will be very interested in to see what his
role becomes in the 3rd installation.
Overall, the Matrix is a compilation of several philosophies,
theologies, and myths. I doubt that we will ever know the whole truth
behind the Wachowski brother's ideas. Very similar to the ending of
'2001', I believe it was delierately set up for everyone to draw their
own conclusions. In that respect, they have achieved unparalleled
success. |
