Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Keanu Reeves starred in one of the most important films of the 21st CenturyThe Matrix. The sci-fi film redefined pop culture and brought in several elements of philosophy into the mainstream. Reeves’ role as Neo became a staple in pop culture and remains one of his most popular characters to date.
Other elements from the film have also far outlived the franchise itself. Terms such as ‘red pill’, ‘the matrix’, and ‘free the mind’ have entered the general conversation as well as in political agendas. Reeves was reportedly not too happy with the way they were used in the present day.
Keanu Reeves Expresses Discomfort InThe MatrixBeing Used In Politics
The Wachowskis’The Matrixfilms have long been analyzed and broken down due to the insane depth of storytelling and hints they left in the films. The film explores multiple philosophies, from Jean Baudrillard to the Gita through the lens of an apocalypse and a simulated reality.
Keanu Reeves Would Forget His $159 Million Box Office Failure and Return For The Matrix 5 in a Heartbreat Under One Simple Request
Every fan remembers the popular scene of Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne, offering the red pill and the blue pill toKeanu Reeves’Neo in the film. The legendary character offers him the chance to either remain in his simulated reality and continue an ignored existence or to wake up from forced slumber and join the revolution.
The red pill has often been used in general conversation as a representation of truth and has recently been increasingly used in the ‘manosphere’ and in conversations regarding men’s rights (viaThe Week). When asked about his opinion on the increasing usage of the term in politics, Keanu Reeves appeared to be pained and said (viaThe Guardian),
It doesn’t sound that great to me. But I don’t know. It’s art, right? So I don’t know. I mean, it’s like … yeah. I guess people … yeah. Take it and run with it.
The actor, who is currently collaborating with writer China Miéville who is known for his political activism, also mentioned that he avoided political conversations.
How HasThe MatrixTerminology Entered Politics And General Conversations?
The Keanu Reeves starrerThe Matrixwas released in 1999, a year before the infamous Y2K conspiracy theory, and opened in a new millennium where technological fears were far more apparent due to their increased usage. The notion of the world being put in a simulated reality to be used as a power source was an interesting way of thinking.
“It ended up being months and months of training”: The Matrix Made Hugo Weaving Train in Martial Arts for Such a Stupendous Amount of Time Even He Found it “Exhausting”
However, Morpheus’ popular analogy of the red pill has since changed meaning and has been reportedly adopted by several groups The red pill metaphor has reportedly been used increasingly in the manosphere (viaMedium). It has also had various iterations, witha prominent incel groupreportedly using terms like black pill, red pill, and white pill.
The term ‘red-pilled’ has gained the connotation of being exposed to the truth (just like in the movies). The term in this context was also reportedly used by Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump (viaThe Guardian). People involved inThe Matrixhave expressed their disregard, including director Lily Wachowksi and actor Hugo Weaving (viaThe Daily Beast).
The Matrixis available to stream on Apple TV.
Nishanth A
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2417
Nishanth A is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 2,000 articles published. He has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a scriptwriter at various corporations before that, working on educational content. With a Communications, English Literature, and Psychology triple major, Nishanth usually covers news and analyses on Star Trek, particularly Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation; Doctor Who, the DCU, and more.A Nolan fan, Nishanth spends his time exploring the filmographies of various directors with an auteurial style or can be found making short movies of his own. He has also contributed as a feature writer for Film Companion, focusing on the South division.
More from Nishanth A
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – How the 2008 Comic Arc Could Shape Tom Holland’s Next Movie
Transformers Star Is Absolutely Right on Why He Rejected ‘The Penguin’
5 Bella Ramsey Performances So Good, You’ll Forget ‘The Last of Us’ Controversy
Recommended
‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice’: How Dean Corll Was Murdered by His Own “Friend”
Is Apple TV+’s Carême Renewed for Season 2? Details Inside
Chris Pratt Thriller Dominates Global Streaming Amid Pro-RFK Jr Stance
“Oh I f**king love her”: Margaret Qualley’s Dad Made an Aubrey Plaza Confession That Stunned Her
Gen V Season 2: Total Episodes and Finale Date Revealed
We Were Liars Season 1 Ending Explained: Who Does Cadence Accidentally Kill?
Keanu Reeves
