Whoa. The A-Z of Matrix Reloaded

Neo and Again

8 Days, April 2003, No. 652

Paul Calder, direct from Sydney

Ahead of its release next month, we go behind the scenes of The Matrix Reloaded to reveal the secrets of this year's hottest sequel.

It seemed like a straightforward question. What is The Matrix Reloaded all about? For the answer we figured it best to ask the film's star, Keanu Reeves, who plays hacker-turned-superhero, Neo. "I guess it's all about Neo trying to save the world," he begins cautiously. "In the first one he wanted to find out where he was. Now he knows. Or he thinks he does. And that's when he doesn't." Er, right, Keanu. Can you please be more specific? "It's all about the development of the hero's journey and new challenges and choices."

Sorry, but you're going to do better than that. Having waited four years for the next chapter in The Matrix saga, fans want details.

When last we saw Neo, he learned that his world was an illusion controlled by evil computers. In the film's finale, it was revealed that our leather-clad hero was The One, a saviour who's destined to destroy the cyber-menace known as The Matrix and free humanity from their virtual reality. Helping him overcome the machines were rebel warriors Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss).

Speaking of Trinty, maybe Moss can shed some light on The Matrix Reloaded's plot. Or maybe not.

"I can't go into too much detail," she informs. "I want you guys to have the experience when you're watching the film." Uh-huh. Thanks.

Trying to get information on this much-anticipated sequel is as tough as trying to crack the Matrix code. Blindfolded. Why all the mystery? Laurence Fishburne jokes, "We were told that if we released any information we'd be put to death."

By upholding the code of silence, the stars aren't playing coy. They're following orders. Producer Joel Silver swore his cast to secrecy to build buzz for The Matrix Reloaded's release. "We've all agreed," advises Joel Silver, "to not really say what it's all about because we really want people to experience the picture." Given that the teaser trailer was downloaded over 2 million times within the first 72 hours it was released on The Matrix website, Joel Silver knows there's no shortage of fans anxious for the further adventures of Neo & Co.

Thankfully, the stars can't dodge questions with the same dexterity that they dodge bullets. This much we know: The Matrix Reloaded focuses on Neo coming to terms with his superpowers within the Matrix and putting these powers to use. Seems the machines have discovered the location of Zion, the underground city that's inhabited by the few thousand humans who've escaped cyber enslavement. When the machines begin digging toward Zion with the aim of blowing it away, Neo and his cohorts work to stop them. But that's only half the story. To find out who wins the battle, fans will have to wait till November when The Matrix Revolutions, the final instalment of the trilogy, hits cinemas.

Fortunately, you don't have to wait for the inside scoop on The Matrix Reloaded. During a two-day visit to the film's Sydney set last May, we met the cast and key production personnel and compiled and A-Z guide to this long awaited sequel. So log in, boot up and download everything you need to know about The Matrix Reloaded.   Next>>

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