The book begins with a close analysis of clues to the technology that was used to build the Matrix. It examines carefully the question of whether the world of the Matrix is possible. And it provides plausible explanations for the seemingly quirky features that the Wachowski brothers have put into the Matrix world. It then gives a tough and detailed rebuttal to the academic philosophers who have mocked the central theme of the Matrix filsm -- the notion of a pervasive, lifelong virtuality. After establishing that the Matrix films make technological and philosophical sense, the author lays out the main philosophical sources that the Wachowskis have drawn upon. Here we find clear introductions to the philosophies of Plato, Descartes, Berkeley, Schopenhauer, and Kant. Lloyd then goes on to analyse the religious themes of the films, and the complex web of allusions to all the major religions. The book closes with a critique of the political messages of the film: jazz politics, and the dangers of slipping into terrorism and fascism.

Synopsis
The Matrix films are pervaded with a rich tapestry of allusions to ideas and motifs that the Wachowski brothers have taken from science, science-fiction, philosophy, religion, and politics. Although there is no heavyweight message or unifying meaning in the films, there are a lot of interesting threads of thought. Teasing out these threads and seeing where they lead can take you down some deep rabbit-holes. This books is a guide to some of the threads that have been disentangled from this cinematic tapestry, and to the rabbit holes they lead down. Peter Lloyd is one of the contributors to Taking the Red Pill, edited by Glenn Yeffeth and published by Benbella Books in the USA and Summersdale in the UK.

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