A detailed analysis of the 1st scene in The Matrix - "Neo Wakes up"

Neo's world, at first impression, seems dark, scruffy and somewhat depressing. This is partly conveyed by the dim lighting and the digenic sound of Neo's walkman, which also adds authenticity. A close up on Neo's face establishes him as the main subject and a panning shot reveals part of his environment. A long high angle shot of Neo sitting at his computer establishes the size and cluttered state of his living space. The set is made to look dark and shabby to set the mood of Neo's life; a mysterious computer hacker. A dutch tilt gives his world an unreal and dreamlike feeling, conveying the way that Neo himself feels in this scene. An extreme close up shot on his computer screen brings our attention to the recurring technological theme, but more importantly highlights the strangeness of what is happening. Non-digenic music adds tension to the scene. Close ups on Neo's face as he reads the computer further emphasis his confusion and consternation.

Neo

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Boy from above

Neo and the computer are shown in reverse shots, which make him seem "as one" with computers. The digenic sound of knocking on the door brings us back to the main scene, but the non-digenic music at this point increases in volume and adds more tension. The music also corresponds with Neo's mingled annoyance at being interrupted, and his curiosity of who could be at his door. The people at the door are dresses in tight black clothing, which conveys to us that they are 'dark' or even 'evil', but ironically they symbolise good. The clothing re-establishes the dark world Neo inhabits. The people are filmed from a mid, slight low angle shot which makes them seem threatening. Neo is also filmed from this angle, to convey his dominance - it's his flat, but as the reverse...