The Matrix Resurrection Brings Lunarpunk to the Big Screen
The Matrix Resurrection Brings Lunarpunk to the Big Screen
The Matrix Resurrections creates what is—at least in my estimation—a decidedly lunarpunk world and brings the budding aesthetic and subgenre to the big screen, if not for the first time, then at least in the most high profile example.
"Yes, The Matrix Resurrections creates what is—at least in my estimation—a decidedly lunarpunk world and brings the budding aesthetic and subgenre to the big screen, if not for the first time, then at least in the most high profile example to date."
Tangential and slightly off-topic, but I found it surprisingly fun and entertaining to watch. I haven't read how it was received by the "general public" so I don't know whether my opinion is common or controversial (although the article seems to suggest it was well received). I think it handled a lot of issues smoothly, and even the meta-references (which I typically don't appreciate - the fourth wall is sacred to me) were very well executed and the humour weirdly worked for me.
I mostly only retain some residual impressions from when I saw it and this reminds me I need to rewatch it.
(I just saw the IMDB score and it surprised me how low it is atm (5.7). I guess that happens when writers take a stance instead of pandering to the average viewer. IMDB ratings aren't usually very aligned with my preferences anyway.)
Not necessarily off-topic, thanks for your comment. I admit I didn't love it when it first came out but I just re-watched after this post / your comment and I liked it better the second time around. I think it may have been a bit jarring for the average viewer as you're seeing things like characters you know suddenly looking different and the visual style was a big departure from the initial trilogy. I think I remember hearing that Lana Wachowski even used completely different lenses to shoot it. On second watch, I found these elements were the film's strengths and allowed it stand its own.
I really do have to hand it to the Wachowskis for constantly trying to subvert their own films and audience expectations just they did with the 2nd / 3rd installments of the original trilogy. On Letterboxd it has an averge of 2.8 which isn't great but ratings from intelligent critics and users seem to be from 3.5 ( good ) to 4.5 / 5 ( great ). It's definitely a bit polarizing but that seems to be a sign of great art that isn't pandering as you mentioned.