Even now, the Wachowski cyberpunk blockbuster Matrix is ​​considered one of the best in the genre, despite the fact that the excellent picture was released in 1999. Successful and multifaceted cinema, combining the style of cyberpunk and Hong Kong fighters, gave the world the unforgettable heroes of Morpheus, Neo and Trinity. In virtual reality, they are endowed with many talents, from a brilliant mastery of martial arts to the ability to fly. Characters are like supermen when they act in the computer world. Until now, no one has been able to come up with a more effective visualization of hacking.
Neo
Now the media claim that the directors initially saw Thomas Anderson as the main role in the programmer, he is also a neo hacker, Keanu Reeves. In fact, it was not so. The issue of an actor suitable for the role of Neo was decided for a long time. Wachowski wanted to shoot Johnny Depp, but he went to Tim Burton in Sleepy Hollow, studio bosses could not choose between Brad Pitt and Val Kilmer. At the same time, the candidatures of Nicolas Cage and Will Smith were considered. By the way, the role of Trinity wanted to give Janet Jackson. It’s hard to imagine Neo and Trinity as African-Americans. But when it was not possible to reach an agreement with them, Keanu Reeves was approved for the role.
Wachowski believed that Neo should be an ordinary guy with the tendencies of a "loser," since in the process he should develop: from the weak and dumbfounded to confident and invincible. The studio advocated the traditional image of the courageous protagonist. And Reeves turned out to be a real compromise - textured, athletically built, with experience in playing leading heroic roles in Speed ​​and On the Crest of a Wave. At the same time, the actor did not look like a superman, and organically fit into the image of a humble programmer, albeit with high hidden ambitions.
Trinity
The Matrix cannot be called a romantic drama in any way, although according to genre canons it has a love sensual line connecting Neo and Trinity, an associate and the “right hand” of Morpheus. The name of the character “Trinity” is taken from Christian theology.
When the famous black pop star refused to participate in the project, the studio provided a chance at that time to the little-known Canadian actress Carrie-Anne Moss. Since the performer did not have star status, her audition turned into a three-hour physical test. So the creators checked whether the actress would cope with the fighting scenes of the film. By the way, Neo and Trinity shot a three-minute scene of a shootout in the lobby for 10 days. Trinity - the most important character, without which the whole philosophy of the tape will collapse.
Morpheus
Thomas Anderson learns that he lives in virtual reality from Morpheus - a leader living outside the computer world. The creators and studio bosses did not have a definite set of what kind of race this character should be. They were looking for an impressive performer who would look convincing in the image of a physically strong, powerful and assertive mentor Neo. Among the contenders for the role were Chow Yun-Fat, Gary Oldman and Samuel L. Jackson. As a result, the character embodied on the screen the Oscar nominee Lawrence Fishburne.
The name "Morpheus" (that is, "Morpheus") was taken by the authors from ancient mythology, which was modeled after borrowing the creator of the cult comic book Sandman N. Geiman.
Key character image details
Costumes Neo and Trinity from The Matrix inspired not only leading fashion designers, but also influenced street fashion in the early 2000s. True, unlike Trinity's leather decoration, Neo's cloak was sewn from cheap woolen fabric. Costume designer Kim Barrett bought her in New York for $ 3 per meter.
In the Wachowski script, disastrously little has been written about the appearance and clothes of Trinity in the script - "a woman in black leather." C. Barrett had to work out such a restrained characteristic. Later, Moss admitted in an interview with the media that she liked the decoration so much that when she put on a stage costume, she began to feel not the dreamy and modest Carrie Ann, but the cool Trinity. Until now, on fashion catwalks, the reincarnation of this character is constantly being encountered. Designers only do what they interpret and shuffle her images.
Unlike the functional clothes of Neo and Trinity, Morpheus’s wardrobe should certainly emphasize his status. The hero’s noble posture is favorably complemented by his official decoration. A key role in creating a charismatic look is played by purple shoes and a tie, a cloak and, of course, glasses.