Waking up from what?

The main claims brought up in this essay are quite compelling; Danahay and Reider talk about the similarities shared in Karl Marx’s theories and the Matrix. One of the main arguments they discussed was how even though the Matrix is an unforgettable film it lacks that last bit to actually “wake” anybody up. Sure it was a great film with timeless themes, and awesome special effects, but some of the topics brought up in this essay concerning Karl Marx’s theories can really raise some eye brows. One example in particular is how they said that the Matrix would have made a deeper impact if that in the movie the “Matrix” were to be shot in black and white and the real world be only shot in color. To emphasize the difference in what is wrong, what we are missing.
Another really interesting topic discussed is the bliss of ignorance. The character of Cypher, sure he was a jerk, but he played a very important role in the Matrix. The idea of how some people don’t want to accept the truth/reality, they are content in their ignorance. I know it sounds absurd, but when you think of it. To be free in the real world; with the knowledge of the machines ruling, humans being “copper tops” living underground. … Or would you rather live in ignorance in service to the machines but with all the luxuries of the Matrix, its fake society, false senses. Pretty much comes down to a juicy stake with a side of bullshit, or a plate of sloppy goop with reality?
Even though there were many interesting points made in this essay, it would take weeks to fully analyze all of it. The most interesting concept posed in this essay to me was the idea of dialectical thinking, and Neo’s battle with his two half’s. An example of Neo’s dialectical journey can be seen in the scene with Morpheus, when he offers Neo the red and blue pill and his reflections are separated into two, the red, and blue reflection. The idea of dialectical thinking is relevant to everyday life, like photography is to film. Neo’s journey is expressed through various shots, in the oracles doorknob, to his reflection in the spoon, many examples can be drawn. I agree with many of the statements made by both authors, their way of thinking and interpreting has opened this film up in many different ways for me. To even be able to analyze and intelligently think about the Martix has raised many questions and eyebrows, and is to a journey I have not completed.

eXistenZ - Matrix Meaningful questions

Both movies “ The Matrix “, and “ eXistenZ ” are films that question our sense of reality. Both made roughly around the same time, yet one far more popular then the other, I think that both directors did a fantastic job, in their attempt to translate such complicated themes and concepts. One thing these films both have in common, “what it means to be seduced or deceived by artificial versions of reality.” –Cynthia Freeland (PATM) Pg. 213 In retrospect the idea of being seduced or deceived is seen in a negative light, they both explore the “bad” and “good” of an artificial reality. In “The Matrix” it can be said that the differences between both the real and fake world or obvious, once you’ve been released, but those still in the matrix, which have never been unplugged will never know the difference/truth. In “eXistenZ” you can never really tell what’s real, and what’s fake, sort of keeping the viewers and the characters in limbo. By the end of “The Matrix” the characters and the viewers both know the difference between reality, and the matrix. Where at the end of “ eXistenZ” the last line is “ are we still in the game? “
The question is which movie questions the nature of reality in a more meaningful way. Its not a question of which movie was better, or which had better special effects and explosions, because if that were the case the matrix would win hands down. But from a philosophical standpoint both movies can almost bee seen as identical. Personally if I had to choose which presented a more meaningful question I would have to choose the matrix
The matrix presented the false hood of humans being enslaved and obvious. To referrer to “ Allegory of the cave” the fact that humans are blissfully unaware, and when faced with the truth, cannot cope. Where eXistenZ explores the opposite idea of that, where people are the ones putting themselves in this false reality. The reason think the matrix question is more meaningful is because if you think about how far the human race has come, we are still so ignorant. The matrix for me questions reality as a whole. How from waking up to going to work, living and dying is all for nothing, as your real body lies in a tube of pink goo working as a battery for the machines. The matrix was something made to dispose the human race, where in eXistenZ the false reality is a game, created by people. I feel that the matrix is only more meaningful because of its “liberatory” aspect, the idea of freeing the world, not just physically from the machines, but mentally from themselves.
After viewing both films and reading Cynthia Freelands essay, to me the movies explore similar ideas but in a different way completely. To me the matrix is a more communal. The falseness of reality is widespread and almost impossible to liberate from. Where in eXistenZ the falseness is more personal, even though you are plugged in with others the experience is far more personal. The matrix being a external conflict of reality, where your body is physically somewhere else you are helpless to release yourself without help of others, though in eXistenZ your body is also somewhere else, at one point your conscience put yourself in that game, then from there who knows, which makes it an internal conflict. Where in the matrix you remain unaware from birth, once in the game you can never be sure when you’re back in the real world.

eXistenZ - Matrix Meaningful questions

Both movies “ The Matrix “, and “ eXistenZ ” are films that question our sense of reality. Both made roughly around the same time, yet one far more popular then the other, I think that both directors did a fantastic job, in their attempt to translate such complicated themes and concepts. One thing these films both have in common, “what it means to be seduced or deceived by artificial versions of reality.” –Cynthia Freeland (PATM) Pg. 213 In retrospect the idea of being seduced or deceived is seen in a negative light, they both explore the “bad” and “good” of an artificial reality. In “The Matrix” it can be said that the differences between both the real and fake world or obvious, once you’ve been released, but those still in the matrix, which have never been unplugged will never know the difference/truth. In “eXistenZ” you can never really tell what’s real, and what’s fake, sort of keeping the viewers and the characters in limbo. By the end of “The Matrix” the characters and the viewers both know the difference between reality, and the matrix. Where at the end of “ eXistenZ” the last line is “ are we still in the game? “
The question is which movie questions the nature of reality in a more meaningful way. Its not a question of which movie was better, or which had better special effects and explosions, because if that were the case the matrix would win hands down. But from a philosophical standpoint both movies can almost bee seen as identical. Personally if I had to choose which presented a more meaningful question I would have to choose the matrix
The matrix presented the false hood of humans being enslaved and obvious. To referrer to “ Allegory of the cave” the fact that humans are blissfully unaware, and when faced with the truth, cannot cope. Where eXistenZ explores the opposite idea of that, where people are the ones putting themselves in this false reality. The reason think the matrix question is more meaningful is because if you think about how far the human race has come, we are still so ignorant. The matrix for me questions reality as a whole. How from waking up to going to work, living and dying is all for nothing, as your real body lies in a tube of pink goo working as a battery for the machines. The matrix was something made to dispose the human race, where in eXistenZ the false reality is a game, created by people. I feel that the matrix is only more meaningful because of its “liberatory” aspect, the idea of freeing the world, not just physically from the machines, but mentally from themselves.
After viewing both films and reading Cynthia Freelands essay, to me the movies explore similar ideas but in a different way completely. To me the matrix is a more communal. The falseness of reality is widespread and almost impossible to liberate from. Where in eXistenZ the falseness is more personal, even though you are plugged in with others the experience is far more personal. The matrix being a external conflict of reality, where your body is physically somewhere else you are helpless to release yourself without help of others, though in eXistenZ your body is also somewhere else, at one point your conscience put yourself in that game, then from there who knows, which makes it an internal conflict. Where in the matrix you remain unaware from birth, once in the game you can never be sure when you’re back in the real world.

Todays To do list

Today i will be finalizing my Final idea. Its come down to 2 ideas. I am either going to do a music video and have a slide show, with some text and a presentation, Or my other idea is to possibly team up with another classmate and do a sort of NYC version of "Where the Hell is Matt". Try to give people a better sense of New York, In the format of a video, travel around city and try to capture some Landmarks, people and over all society, as a living entity.



End of class, have narrowed it down to doing a video where possibly we will be playing a game of chesss all over new york. becasue i dont see us dancing , lol

Inside the matrix "penetrating Keanu" ... Not really

What reasons does she give for this claim?
In Cynthia's essay she discusses the idea of “penetration” in the matrix. She gives multiple examples including ones that involve Neo, Trinity, and other characters. One example of penetration is the obvious matrix “plug”. That hole in the back of their heads and all over their bodies is how they connect to the matrix. She goes on to describe the types of penetration; there is good penetration, like that of being connected to the matrix, and bad penetration, like getting shot and the bug planted by agents that they had to remove through his navel.
What evidence does she supply?
Her evidence includes direct references to the film, and goes into great detail describing what happens. Like how they remove the Scorpion like bug from Neo, and how at the end of the film he gets shot multiple times, survives and quite literally dives “penetrates” Mr. Smith.
Do you agree with her or not?
I do agree I feel that the idea of Penetration in the matrix is a valid concept which shed light onto some of the more difficult ideas used in the film.
Why or why not?
If you have seen the movie and read the essay it’s hard to see the correlations. It’s not as if she is discussing a topic that is completely thought up, or suggestive. Everything she talks about actually happens in the film. And she does a great job relating and explaining the ideas in her head.

Game idea for library

My educational game concept wasn't all that original but i think it's a good way of discovering and learning more about the library.
A monopoly - Hear me out ! Instead of the sides of the boards being companies and railroads, i think it would be smart to substitute those with with sections of the library. One side of the board would be performing arts, film/ dance/ music. . . And instead of putting houses and hotels, you place examples of artists. So Where board walk would be there would be the Jazz exhibit, and once you collect all its sources you can begin to add musicians . . . And where film would be you can add names of directors, producers /writers etc. . . the game would look very similar to the original layout with some moderation, like pictures and colors. and instead of the car, boot, and tack, you can have a saxophone, a ballet dancers, a Film camera. Most aspects of my idea are interchangeable with the actual game but with a slight educational spin on it involing all the information in the library.

Plans for final

For today's blog entry, you should set research goals for the Media Final and post them. Then, at the nend of class, post what you accomplished and what you plan to do for the media final between today and next Tuesaday.


I'm having difficulty choosing a topic for my final, but my first idea was to make a short video/ documentary and ask people/interveiw them about sertain things in the media, ask them questing like what their favorite forms of media were, what they think is coming in the future. etc... have a list of questions. But im still not sure if thats going to be my final concept. There are many topics from me to choose from so at this point im going to be researching, and seeing what can come of that, perhapds after some research an idea mite arise.

New idea has arisen, project possibilty - discuss and research how media has changed, been chaning and will keep changing - death of the printing press/ books -
possible video/ comedy depicted new generations relationships with older forms of media.

Plans for the week, are to continue creating/expanding on idea's get a final idea, and begin planning - rounding up resources - continue internet research.