Amazing. The Matrix is probably my favourite film. The plot. The visuals. The action. The philosophy. The tech. The everything. I love it entirely.
There's something magical about watching The Matrix exactly as it was meant to be seen – through the whirring mechanics of a 35mm projector, in a theater that feels like it's been waiting decades to tell this story. (And has its original, ancient carpet) One night in December, Adelaide's Piccadilly Cinema, that art deco jewel in, transformed into a mecca of both nostalgia and rebellion.
Walking into the lobby felt like stepping through a glitch. Other cinema goers were decked out in sweeping black coats and mirrored sunglasses mingled beneath the cinema's ornate ceiling, more than a few Neos and Trinitys walked among us, and I'm sure there was more than one Agent Smith among the audience, but you couldn't tell by looking, because, of course, he is everywhere, all at once.
The real star of the show, however, was the film itself. Projected from original stock, every frame felt alive in a way that digital simply can't replicate. The iconic green tint of the Matrix code pulsed film grain, and those rain-soaked streets of the city felt tangibly wet and gritty.
What struck me most was the collective energy of the crowd. These weren't just casual moviegoers – these were people who knew every line, anticipated every beat, yet still gasped and laughed at all the points you'd expect; as if experiencing it for the first time.
As the credits rolled and the lights slowly rose, no one rushed to leave. We all sat there, suspended between worlds, letting the film's questions echo through that historic space. In an age of streaming and digital convenience, this screening was a powerful reminder that some experiences can't be downloaded. Sometimes you have to be there, in the flesh, as the celluloid spins and reality bends.
While 35mm grain isn't as sleek as the digital remasters, scaned from the film, it created a grittier, more engaging experience for a film that has themes just as relevant today as when it was released in '99.
It was an unforgettable experience and yes, the digital I don't know what happens but it's like it lacks soul, something that 35m has plenty of hand in hand with a film that does not age, in my case I have details with resurrection but this matrix is long-lived, it is eternal especially in the technological-philosophical aspects.
I would happily be one of the Smith's in the audience ajjaja ME.... ME ME ME ME ME ME 😎
In my country they are replaying classics in theaters, that pleases for those of us who did not have the opportunity to see it to the fullest and that one of the additions is to be together with an audience that also sees the film, that's something that streaming does not match. It is remarkable your admiration for this film, notice that one of the things I highlight the most is the villain, many films now basically have no villains ... they are very light, there is no evil, Smith's actor is one of the souls of the success of this film and franchise along with everything you mentioned because this film has everything 😃
I can't see Hugo Weaving as anyone BUT Smith. Its the only role that man ever played as far as I'm concerned.
Undoubtedly Smith's performance will be forever in the Olympus of villains, Smith has a lot of personality and aesthetics.... only the amount of gifs of him speak for themselves what he has left as a legacy for the cinema.... as I would like to see him in 35mm.
"only human"
The atmosphere, the energy of the audience and those visual details that only celluloid can offer make reliving that story even more special. And of course, dressing up as the characters gives it an extra touch - I definitely understand why it's your favorite!
It was great. Not quite as surreal as seeing Pantera live, but close.
Dude what an immense throwback!!
If only they made sequels. So much opportunity. :)
In my mind The Matrix IS gritty, in the same way as Blade Runner. It would be amazing on 35mm - what a cool experience.
Blade Runner is another one I'd love to see in the theatre, on film; but I LOVE "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep". Every single time I've picked it up, I've read it in one 8-9 hour sitting. Its a dangerous book. :D
I love it too!!! I love all the old school proper sci fi. My mum has a special shelf of it. When I came off teen fiction that's what I started with. Dick, Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov.
Amazing! I've been thoroughly enjoying Clarke's Rama series. I should be finished with the 2nd one in a couple of days.
Getting lost in it all is so nice.