Melissa Escobar

4/27/16
Pd: 6
The Pill Scene-The Matrix (1999)
The pill scene is very important for the movie The Matrix directed by the Wachowski siblings.
It is the first time we meet Morpheus and find out reality is not what it seems. Neo is offered a choice
between two pills a blue or red one and Morpheus mentions the rabbit hole, referencing the childrens
story Alice in Wonderland.
Right at the start of the scene Neo is walking up a long staircase representing his difficult journey
to come. The lighting sets off a mysterious mood, everything is dark and old. The Wachowski siblings are
known for their perfection on set (mise en scene), they set up every visual object precisely to tell a story.
They also enjoy using different angles like high angles or low shots instead of close ups to emphasize the
importance of a character, that way the audience fully comprehends.
The way Trinity opens the doors establishes Morpheus importance because usually two doors
openings are for royalty, not a regular person. The fact that Lawrence Fishburn is facing away establishes
the mystery/unknown of this character and the lightning reinforces that eerie feeling. Morpheus is
standing up straight and does not sit right away showing his authority because Neo does sit. Morpheus
glasses are very mysterious; they are mirrored and reflect Neos decision. They give a look of wisdom,
and all knowing. In addition to the glasses, Neo is out of place; Trinity and Morpheus are dressed in slick
black long coats asserting importance and knowledge, unlike Neo who is clueless wearing everyday non
expensive appearing clothes. Morpheus is depicted as a very sophisticated individual, the way he walks,
talks, moves his hands (such as the silver rectangle with the pills inside) and his facial expression all
demonstrate his intelligence of the world they live in. the glimpses the audience gets of the lonely glass of
water sitting on the table represents the fresh start/purification of Neo because Morpheus will cleanse him
of his ignorance in order to give him a fresh start.
Morpheus is superior; the audience knows that because of the low angle used on him making him
seem bigger/more powerful. The lighting remains dim throughout the scene although, there is a greenish

feeling about it which is relevant because computer binary code is that color and that helps in interrupting
the Matrix, which is what theyre doing. Throughout the scene there are shots of Neo and Morpheus back
in fourth showing Neos reaction to what Morpheus tells him. Neo seems nervous, worried and hesitant at
times to be freed from the Matrix. At the same time Neo is intrigued because hes sitting on the edge of
his chair like an eager child ready to learn, with Morpheus as his teacher leaning back relaxed. While
sitting, Morpheus gets a close up creating tension because this is what everyone has been waiting for, it is
life changing information. There is also a reference to god, the all-knowing supernatural being because
Morpheus says the Matrix is everywhere, even there at that moment making it seem like god.
When Neo is shown in Morpheus reflection and not Morpheus point of view that builds
excitement and tension for the audience because the observers realize its time for Neo to choose. The
pause between the decision of the red and blue pill adds anxiety until Neo chooses to take the red pill and
dive into an unknown journey. The thunder once Neo swallows the pill indicated he will never be the
same.
The set and angles work together to captivate the audience in this scene of the unknown and
mystery. The authoritarian figure was portrayed great by Fishburn; the close ups, and angles worked
perfectly to give him that feeling. Overall, the Wachowski siblings did a great job directing not only this
scene, but the film entirely, their message came across.