The Matrix was beginning to shape the ending of its saga, a grateful conclusion that could also turn into something less pleasant. It began unfolding in such a poetic way that it suggested a new era between machines and humans, where both might finally find balance. For the virus, Smith had become unsustainable to anyone, andhe desireds to rule the Matrix and then the machines themselves—a scheme that simply spiraled out of control, becoming such a burden that even the machines could not withstand it, as truth proved to be both fleeting and painfully vivid.
-We'll use a green screen from here on out, for the rest of the shots, as much as possible, - replied Andy Wachowski.
-I like the action shot; that violent scene is almost like watching Superman fight his own battle, - replied Larry.
-I think it's a little overdone, but darling, if we edit carefully with the commands we've replicated in our experiments, it could turn out better or worse. Nothing too difficult or indecisive. Maybe if we make some calls, we could improve how we arrange our cuts, - answered Andy.
Watching the new summaries, the first series seemed to dissolve dramatically, layered upon itself. It was more than clear that the first film had been handled with care and precision, with special effects from Lucasfilm, Weta, and virtual cinematography giving the film a unique brilliance, crafted in such a way that it was unforgettable.
-This first film shines through other themes—it may be difficult for anyone to see it this way, but I'm afraid we'll have to leave the first movie as an experiment and hope that the software series will help us amplify the distinctiveness of our franchise, - replied Andy.
-You'll be part of the movies—we've got ten to twenty days to complete the bullet time shots and refine a few other scenes, - sighed Larry, who watched the movie's scenes one by one. They always cast such shadows, taking note of each film. Billy's word on failure or defeat mattered little for two simple reasons: for Billy, what mattered was investing in the project, in the people, and in the potential success that made each movie worthwhile.
-I'd like to see that animated series I've been waiting to take advantage of, - sighed Andy, now focused on The Matrix series, an animated prequel of eight to ten episodes under his command. A story of machines and the truth about Earth's exploitation. A gory animated film, filled with terror. Yes, The Matrix could have been one of the greatest horror films, one he longed to test within science fiction. Nearly one hundred staggered animated projects, flooding the genre and its libraries, each evaluated at their preference, one blessed by all.
-In fact, that's completely true, - replied Larry, eager to test animated films and see how challenging they could be for others. Still, Billy had done bold work that pushed the Wachowskis' efforts into the ephemeral. They had created a marvelous work that would be remembered for years. They couldn't make a second installment with the same power, for that alone was the merit of a great success.
…
The entire atmosphere stood out in its own way, and all that was needed was a space to work. Taking a step back to compose himself, he did the best he could, always grounding himself in the study of fragments. He breathed as deeply as he could, gave as much as he could, stepping into the skin of Neo, a man considered The One, a man willing to die for the common good. How difficult, how unexpected it is to look into the mirror and confront the void of which you are a part.
His eyes froze, his spirit spread like a virus, just in time to fold back into another's flesh, pouring the contents of his mind into a vessel shaped and made for others.
Taking Trinity's hand, offering her a smile. Everyone was in position, holding the silence so not a single muscle would move. Thankfully, focus was shifted elsewhere.
-Scene 76, take 1.-
Neo: Hello. I know time is always against us, and I'm sorry it took me so long. But I had to be sure.
Trinity: Sure of what?
Neo: I know what I have to do.
Morpheus: What?
Neo: There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just say it. I have to take one of the ships.
Roland: What?
Morpheus: Go where?
Neo: To the Machine City.
Roland: laughs
Neo: I know it's hard to understand…
Roland: No, it's not—you're insane.
Neo: I still have to go.
Roland: You'll never make it. For a hundred years, no ship has come within a hundred kilometers of it. You'll never make it.
Neo: I have to try.
Morpheus: Did the Oracle tell you this?
Neo: No.
Roland: This is stupid! If you want to kill yourself, fine, but don't waste one of our ships doing it.
Neo: You have to believe me, I have to go.
Roland: Damn it! As long as I'm captain of this ship, I say where it goes. Trust me, this ship will go to hell long before I let you take it anywhere.
Niobe: He can take mine.
Roland: You can't do that.
Niobe: Don't even think of telling me what I can or can't do with my ship after that little speech.
Roland: For God's sake, Niobe…
Niobe: I'll pilot this vessel. He can take mine. If we leave within an hour, we should reach Zion just as the machines do. That's as good a plan as any.
Roland: It's a waste. A damn waste.
Niobe: Two ships, two directions. Sounds like providence, doesn't it, Morpheus?
Morpheus: You never believed in The One.
Niobe: I still don't.
Morpheus: Then why are you doing this?
Niobe: I believe in him.
Neo: Thank you.
(The Hammer: infirmary)
Bane: What's that for?
Maggie: To help you relax. To make it easier for you to remember.
Bane: And what if I don't want to remember?
Maggie: Why wouldn't you?
Bane: What if I sabotaged that EMP? What if I destroyed those ships,s and I'm responsible for all those men's deaths? If I did that, I wouldn't be very safe here, would I?
(Maggie tries to inject Bane with the sedative, but he stabs her, and she falls dead.)
Bane: Of course, you might not be very safe either.
(The Hammer: somewhere else)
Trinity: I'm ready.
Neo: Trinity… there's something I need to say. Something you need to understand. I know I'm supposed to go. But beyond that, I don't know…
Trinity: I know. You don't think you're coming back. I knew it the moment you said you had to leave. I saw it on your face. Just like you knew the moment you looked at me that I was coming with you.
Neo: I'm scared, Trin.
Trinity: Me too. It took me ten minutes to lace up one boot. But I'll tell you something. Six hours ago, I told the Merovingian I was willing to give anything for you. Do you know what's changed in the last six hours?
Neo: No.
Trinity: Nothing.
(The Hammer: weapons bay/cockpit)
Roland (v.o.): Have you finished loading that ammo?
Mauser: Almost, sir!
Roland: Move it, we're out of time.
Niobe: You're not leaving them anything?
Roland: He said he didn't need it.
-Cut.-
Breathing in, breathing out.
Whoever wishes, whoever does not.
-Almost there, this is the end, - sighed Billy, knowing full well his shots were about to reach their conclusion, the letter he had sent.
-Great work, great films—I'm getting tired of the characters, - replied Laurence Fishburne, taking command of the set. His qualities as Morpheus seemed tailor-made for the role: the man in control, the serious gaze. Even though his image was not that of a warrior, he delivered it flawlessly. Every scene carried such weight.
-Got any plans after this? - asked Billy.
The gangster films hadn't yet been released when that kind of violence began, the kind he was known for. Almost overwhelming, but now more than just a good role—it was a congregation. The Matrix was the leap into fame for many, especially those who truly deserved it.
-Vacation, kid. I'll worry about the next years later—you pay quite well, - replied Laurence.
-It wasn't me who paid, - Billy said quietly, fixing his eyes on Laurence, who still hoped other films would grant him better roles.
...