2 of 2

Pop culture analysis works best when attempting only to extend the discussion. In his introduction to The Matrix and Philosophy, editor William Irwin says he believes The Matrix's inkblot isn't random. It has a certain meaning.

The book's essays, however, do not attempt to prove what that meaning is. Instead, the authors explore the universal language of pop culture as a means of bringing viewers to the works of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Sartre. The Matrix asks the questions, and essayists rely on works of philosophy to explore them.

Taking the Red Pill takes a similar approach. Essays debate and critique the movie's metaphysical merits, its depiction of postmodernism, and its premise.

These two essay books are heady and at times almost indecipherable to nonscholars, but they typically work. The Gospel Reloaded, on the other hand, is an exegesis that stumbles when listing comparisons and references to show how the film gives Christians "instructions about faith." Some comparisons amount to very little: one chapter can almost be boiled down to "The Bible and Matrix both have a lot about dreams."

Most Christians will have a hard time buying the argument that the movie is a Christian film because characters are named "Nebuchadnezzar" and "Trinity." (After all, the movie's savior massacres about a dozen people for little more than use of an elevator.) Parallels only go so far.

Nonetheless, the movie does religiously intrigue viewers. And this is where Seay and Garrett excel. The Gospel Reloaded, especially in later chapters, works well when it uses the film to dive into issues like humanity's pain, choosing how to "free our minds," and walking the path of faith.

In general, Christian analysts of pop culture would do well to acknowledge the stickiness of trying to prove meaning by poring over connection points. Otherwise, cultural studies turn into a game of "Where's Waldo?"—or more specifically, "Where's Jesus?"

Todd Hertz is an associate editor of Campus Life.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also today, Film Forum discussesMatrix Revolutions.

Film Forum also discussedMatrix Reloaded.

Other Matrix discussions include:

Desert of the Real? | The world of The Matrix is wrong: Creation really is beautiful.(May 12, 2003)

Looking for God in The Matrix | Neo's return reminds us that a fallen world full of people is a world worth saving. (May 16, 2003)

The Dick Staub Interview: Why We Are Drawn to The Matrix | Chris Seay, coauthor of The Gospel Reloaded, says the first movie was about finding belief and the second looks at walking that path. (May 27, 2003)

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

December 2003, Vol. 47, No. 12