The Matrix - Style and Substance (page 3)

The cinematography in THE MATRIX is superb. The lighting highlights the difference between the real world and the matrix. Reality has a cool, blue look, whereas the matrix has a more decadent green shade. The green hue of the matrix makes the audience feel a little bit sick, while the blue shade of reality leaves them feeling more at home, but still far from comfortable. Interesting camera shots helped create an atmosphere of fantasy. For example, when Morpheus offers Neo the red and blue pills, viewers witness his choice through the reflection in Morpheus's sunglasses. Here, the Wachowski brothers allow spectators to experience the story through the eyes of Morpheus.

Although the special effects in THE MATRIX are amazing, they do not upstage the human dimension of the story. Its success stems from the combination of visual effects with an equally amazing story.
The sound effects also help tell the story. Hyperrealism exemplifies the impossible odds facing Neo. In the scene where Neo and Trinity attempt to save Morpheus with a helicopter, Neo unloads thousands of bullets into the building, yet all we hear is the clanking of shells hundreds of stories below. The chaotic sound of the window shattering is muted in order to focus attention on Neo.

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