The Matrix Trailer

The Matrix. Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski. R. 1999

Neo (Keanu Reaves) discovers he lives in an alternate reality controlled by artificial intelligence and tries to break free and defeat the Agents.

The trailer for The Matrix clearly identifies the dystopian premise of technological control, and uses quick action shots, voiceover, and text to develop the protagonist who fights against the Agents. The trailer starts with a hook and then begins explaining the premise of the movie. This gives the audience a good idea of what to expect. Many scenes are played while an excerpt from one conversation in the movie is heard. There is a moment where "forget everything you know" flashes onto the screen. This reinforces the idea that the citizens of the society are being controlled and is also intriguing to the audience. The trailer also introduces the dystopian protagonist, Neo, and uses short clips to demonstrate that he questions The Matrix and feels that something is wrong. The quick editing and putting together of clips that are important to the movie is key because it gives the viewer a hint at what the movie is about, but leaves them wanting to continue to view it. In my trailer, I will make sure to include many different clips that would be from different parts of the movie. I could also have characters talking about what is happening while other scenes are playing to make it more interesting and concise.