Released in 1999, The Matrix has become a timeless sci-fi classic. Whether it’s the groundbreaking visual effects, the positively bonkers action sequences, or the disturbing looks at a world that has been consumed by AI and virtual experiences, there’s something that will resonate with just about any member of the audience, even a quarter century after its initial box office success. 

But there’s one moment in particular that perfectly illustrates the true horror at the heart of The Matrix. Since the titular concept of the film can only exist because humans have all been placed in a form of stasis, with their very bodies used to power the machines that now rule the world and create their shared reality, the big reveal of how that works needs to be suitably disturbing. And boy, does it deliver. When Neo (Keanu Reeves) chooses to wake up to actual reality, he’s revealed as a hairless body, covered in goo, with feeding and breathing tubes stuffed down his throat. While not quite the iconic moment that the bullet time fights and martial arts sequences are, it might very well be the most powerful moment in the film or its sequels.

It’s a moment that has stayed with us for over 25 years, which is why today we’re asking the question: does the human body really generate enough electrical power to essentially serve as a battery?

Take the red pill in the latest episode of Does it Fly? for the answers…

https://youtu.be/9e-CZiFpd6o

SUGGESTED VIEWING 

We based the majority of today’s discussion just on the first film in the franchise, which is, of course, 1999’s The Matrix. If you need a viewing order, it’s followed by The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions in 2003. But we’ve gotta say, you’re missing out if you don’t check out the bizarre and cool The Animatrix, which fills in a lot of backstory. And count us among the folks who think 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections is a much sharper movie than it gets credit for.

FURTHER READING 

Do you want to delve a little deeper into the facts, concepts, and stories Hakeem and Tamara referenced in today’s episode? Of course you do! 

The Simulation Argument

Ever wonder if you’re living in a computer simulation? The roots of that argument come from Nick Bostrum and the details on it can be found here.

How Much Power Output From Humans?

Believe it or not, there have been respectable studies about the potential for the human body to generate power for small devices from everyday activities. A summary can be found here with some more in depth information here. Somewhat related, it’s worth considering the difference between the efficiency of solar energy power and the use of power from biofuels.

The Matrix Starter Pack

There are three books that are key to understanding the themes of The Matrix, and it seems they were required reading on set of the film. They are: Jean Baudrillard’s 1981 philosophical treatise Simulacra and Simulation, William Gibson’s seminal work of cyberpunk fiction Neuromancer (which has yet to get the screen adaptation it deserves), and 1995’s Out of Control by Kevin Kelly.

WANT MORE FROM DOES IT FLY?

For a more recent take on a sci-fi dystopia, allow us to recommend our Squid Game episode!

The disturbing practical effects of the Neo awakening scene does recall some of the more unsettling cyberpunk aspects of RoboCop, which we covered here.

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