Reflections in The Matrix

The Matrix has become a famous example of subtextual transgender representation. With the directors of the films coming out as trans and a closer reading of the film, it has become blatantly obvious. The best way to figure this out is by looking at how reflections are used and knowing some facts about trans culture in the nineties. Mirrors and reflections are heavy thematic devices in trans storytelling. The reflection of a person is meant to represent a person as they are, but for transpeople, pre-transition, it is a force of alienation from the self. The use of reflections in The Matrix is used just for this. The cinematography is constantly playing with the reflection in the film to make obvious the choices of the characters and how they are leading themselves. Then there are the background details that, if one doesn’t know, won’t stick out like a sour thumb. The most famous example you’ll find is that estradiol, the pill used for hormone replacement therapy, was read at the time. The choice for neo to awaken to their true self is a red pill. In the nineties, the trans community had a strong standing amongst hackers and online spaces just like neo. During the creation of the film, the Wachowskis sisters often suggested that a character be one gender in the matrix and the other in the real world. This, unfortunately, was not done in the film. Cipher the turncoat could be compared to toxic detransitioners being used today by far-right political groups. He feels as though his life has been ruined by having his mind opened to reality so he betrays his community for material gains and brainwashing of the enemy. I am not saying that all detransitioners are like this or even a significant number, but there is a minuscule group of detransitioners being used as spokespeople for groups such as PragerU to attack the trans community. This is a great film to watch to see the roots of trans filmography and the common symbols and themes in them. There has been an unfortunate side effect of the film not being explicit with its examples. The ‘red pill’ movement online. The Matrix is a film about fighting fascism and capitalism, but it does not explicitly say fascism or capitalism and wants the watchers to be able to see its deeper meaning underneath the surface. Unfortunately, we do not live in a world where the common person understands how to critically consume what they observe. This makes all the facts I say about the film and its deeper meaning mute to most of the audience since it requires critical observation of the film, and the implication of fighting against fascism and capitalism is lost. That means in recent years, the term ‘red pill’ has ironically been used by the alt-right to attack leftist ideology and promote patriarchy, capitalism, and the status quo.

               The film is a masterpiece and a great stepping stone for transmedia, but it has some pitfalls when it comes to being explicit about its messaging. Next week, I will be talking more about the complex nature of subtextual representation in the film Across the Spiderverse.