What Is The Matrix Chord?

Summary

This video explores the unique musical theme of *The Matrix* and how it enhances the storytelling. It focuses on the unsettling, dual-reality feel created by alternating chords that mirror the conflict between the real and virtual worlds. The video explains how these chords evolve throughout the film, reflecting Neo's journey from doubt to self-realization. The analysis covers both the emotional and subconscious impact of the score, highlighting moments where the music subtly alters our perception of the story. It provides an insightful look into how sound shapes cinematic experience.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The user reminisces about seeing *The Matrix* on opening night in 1999 and feeling it was going to be a special film from the start, influenced by both visuals and music.
• 🎶 The music in *The Matrix* opening scene gave the viewer an unsettling feeling, which was different from any other film score.
• 🎹 The Matrix's musical signature consists of two simple alternating chords, which play a key role in storytelling throughout the movie.
• 🎺 These two chords are closely related and share notes, but the effect comes when they are played with some distance, creating tension.
• 🌀 The musical technique of using 'polychords' conveys the idea of crossing between two worlds, which mirrors the film’s theme of dual reality.
• 🌌 A similar use of polychords is seen in John Williams' *Star Wars: A New Hope*, signifying a crossing into the world of adventure.
• 🎼 Composer Don Davis used the idea of two clashing chords to reflect the duality of *The Matrix*—the fantasy of the machine world vs. the reality of the human world.
• 🤔 In the film’s opening, music reflects Neo’s uncertainty and the audience’s sense that something is 'off' in his world before the truth of the Matrix is revealed.
• ❤️ The musical relationship between the two chords changes as Neo’s story progresses, with tension and dissonance resolving when he embraces his role as 'The One.'
• 🧠 The score subtly influences viewers' perceptions, reinforcing themes of self-doubt, duality, and resolution, often without them being consciously aware of it.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first impression of *The Matrix* on opening night?

The speaker felt a special connection to *The Matrix* right from the start, particularly due to the cyberpunk treatment of the Warner Brothers logo and the unsettling feeling evoked by the music.

What aspect of the music in *The Matrix* stood out to the speaker?

The music gave the speaker an unsettled feeling, unlike anything they had experienced from a film score before. This musical theme, though simple, was distinctly recognizable and played a significant role in shaping the film's atmosphere.

What is the core musical concept behind *The Matrix* score, according to the speaker?

The core musical concept is the use of two simple, alternating chords that are closely related. These chords, when played with some distance between them, create a sense of tension and unease, a technique called a poly chord.

How does the concept of poly chords contribute to the storytelling in *The Matrix*?

Poly chords in the score help communicate the sense of crossing from one world into another. They reflect the dual reality of the Matrix—the fantasy world created by machines and the real world, adding tension and dissonance.

Why did Don Davis use two clashing chords in the score?

Don Davis used two somewhat clashing chords to reflect the dual reality of the Matrix: the false world controlled by machines and the real world of human struggle. This musical contrast mirrors the duality of the narrative.

How does the music evolve throughout Neo's journey in *The Matrix*?

The relationship between the two chords changes as Neo’s story progresses. Early in the film, the dissonance between chords reflects his confusion and uncertainty. As Neo accepts his role as 'The One,' the dissonance resolves into a single chord, symbolizing his clarity and confidence.

What inspired Don Davis's poly chord idea for the film's score?

The shot of Trinity jumping across buildings in the film's introduction inspired Davis to use poly chords, reflecting the tension and dissonance between the two realities of the Matrix.

How does the music signal Neo's transformation into 'The One'?

When Neo kills Agent Smith and realizes he is 'The One,' the music shifts from dissonant poly chords to a single resolved chord, symbolizing the resolution of Neo's internal conflict and his acceptance of his true identity.

How does the music help convey the noir mystery aspect of the early parts of *The Matrix*?

The subtle dissonance in the music during the early parts of the film adds to the feeling that something is off in Thomas Anderson’s world. It complements the film's noir elements by suggesting he is being watched and that events are predetermined.

What broader role does music play in storytelling according to the speaker?

Music in storytelling not only provides emotional context but also conveys ideas and themes on a subconscious level. It can communicate deeper narrative elements, such as character development and the crossing of existential thresholds, as seen in *The Matrix*.