![]() The most fundamental parallel, however, between his work and the “Matrix” movies, West said, is found in the films’ multiracial casting. ![]() The second is a devastating critique of all salvation stories. “The first was all about Neo as a salvation figure, saving the globe. Themes in the sequel undercut those in the original, he said. West says the film has a “fascinating,” if subtle, critique of “salvation narratives.” In “The Matrix Reloaded,” the citizens of Zion pin their hopes on computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves), who struggles with his role as their savior. “They want the audience to wrestle with it,” West said. While the films repeatedly ask questions about the nature of truth and reality, the possibilities of choice and free will, the meaning of life and love, they offer no answers. West (who will turn 50 on June 2) became a kind of muse for the brothers, called “college dropout comic book artists” by William Irwin, editor of the book “The Matrix and Philosophy.” West offered a focal point for the film, in which various academics and others find bits of Buddhism and Christianity as well as feminism, Marxism and nihilism.Īt the core of the “Matrix” trilogy lies the disturbing notion that the world is nothing but perceptions controlled by malevolent forces. ![]() Not “The Matrix,” a film series that takes its philosophy very seriously (too seriously for the many critics who chided “Matrix Reloaded” for being ponderous). Most Hollywood action movies have little more on their minds than presenting high-testosterone mayhem in ways that will appeal to teenage boys. He was unsure life had a purpose at all.” They covered a range of thinkers including Lewis Mumford, Arthur Schopenhauer, William James, Homer and Nikos Kazantzakis (author of “Zorba the Greek.”) “We talked about James’ essay, ‘The Will to Believe’ in terms of Schopenhauer’s challenge. There, he met the Wachowskis and had “long philosophical discussions” between takes and in restaurants about the purpose of life and the role of technology in science and history. He flew to Sydney, Australia, for a 2 1/2-week shoot. West decided he was ready for his close-up. ![]() The role (an elder of the human community of Zion) is dignified, he decided, and participating would allow him to reach out beyond academia. I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ ”Īs it turned out, the two sentences the Wachowskis had written for West’s character (“Comprehension is not requisite for cooperation” is the one he remembers) run counter to West’s body of work, which champions progressive socialism and the power of diversity in society.īut “The Matrix Reloaded,” the second part of a trilogy about the last citizens on Earth threatened with extinction by machines, is a “sophisticated work of art” that, he said, captures the core themes of his social, religious and philosophical writings. He said he had written a role for me, Councillor West, and he wanted me to play it. He had read my first book, ‘Prophesy Deliverance!,’ and ‘Race Matters.’ I was flabbergasted. “He said my writings had been influential in his writing the movie. ![]() “I said, ‘Good God almighty,’ ” West recalled. Sharpton remains a candidate for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. Presidential candidate - An article in Tuesday’s Calendar about Cornel West said he had been criticized for leading a committee for New York activist Al Sharpton’s short-lived presidential campaign. Los Angeles Times Saturday Home Edition Main News Part A National Desk 1 inches 39 words Type of Material: Correction ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |