Whether Neo, Morpheus, Trinity or Agent Smith: The most important characters in the “Matrix” films all wear distinctive sunglasses. But why?
When The Matrix hit theaters in 1999, there was only one word to describe the characters’ style: cool. Black coats, bullet-time action scenes and sunglasses became the trademark of a new cult franchise. Behind the revolutionary action lies a story that offers so many possible interpretations that the films are still discussed today.
One of the questions you can ask about the film: Why do some characters in the Matrix wear sunglasses?
The fourth part of the series was published in 2021. You can find out exciting background information in our interviews.
Matrix Resurrections: Keanu Reeves and the other stars in an interview
The sunglasses help to distinguish
In “The Matrix,” most people live connected to a machine in a kind of dream world: the eponymous Matrix. Those who know that the Matrix is not real can switch to reality. They learn to jump back and forth between the worlds. As soon as they immerse themselves in the Matrix, they can determine their own look within the simulation. Most people choose to wear cool sunglasses and matching outfits.
For the audience, this decision makes it easier the distinction of where the plot is taking place. In the case of the agents who represent the villains in the films, however, the sunglasses help to dehumanize them, meaning it is easier for the audience to perceive them as non-human entities.
Sunglasses as a symbol of the sighted
When Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) meet for the first time, the latter is wearing sunglasses. And although it is Neo’s eyes that we can see, it is Morpheus who sees more than Neo. One of the themes in The Matrix is that things are not always as they seem. Reality does not always match perception.
Appropriately, it is the wearers of sunglasses who see the Matrix for what it is. It is a computer program and the apparent world is just a simulation. Although sunglasses make it seem as though the wearers see less, they are the ones who can actually see reality.
You can see some crude dream factory theories in the picture gallery:
Some sighted characters still do not wear sunglasses
Even within the Matrix there are characters who see the truth and yet don’t wear sunglasses. Characters like the Oracle or the Architect allow you to look into their eyes. These characters seem to possess an even deeper knowledge than other characters. While Morpheus, Smith and Co. know about the existence of the Matrix, they do not know the reason and history of the illusionary world. This knowledge seems to be withheld from very special characters who do not rely on aids such as sunglasses to see.
Persephone (Monica Belucci) also doesn’t wear sunglasses in the Matrix. (© IMAGO / Allstar)
Rimless sunglasses Morpheus
Price may be higher now. Price as of 09/09/2024 22:23
UINOFER Sunglasses Polarized
Price may be higher now. Price as of 10.09.2024 00:45
ASOS DESIGN – Rimless sunglasses
Price may be higher now. Price as of 10.09.2024 01:30
The sunglasses and the philosopher Plato
“Matrix” has often been used as an allegory for Plato’s Allegory of the Cave identified. In the image of the ancient Greek philosopher, people live in a cave and are chained up. Behind them, a fire burns, in front of which figures are held and cast shadows on the wall. In the parable, it is said that a person who is freed from his chains can first recognize the fire and finally leaves the cave to see reality in the sun.
In this parable, Neo, Morpheus and Co. would be the people who see the sun and therefore wear sunglasses to avoid being blinded. The oracle and the architect have been walking under the sun for so long that their eyes have become accustomed to the light.
Are you a science fiction fan? Then try our sci-fi picture puzzle:
Sci-Fi film quiz: Do you really know the film genre? Test your knowledge in 30 questions!
