Decoding the Matrix : a semiotic analysis of the metaphysics and epistemology underlying the Wachowski brothers' Matrix trilogy

Abstract

Film texts can be used in the application of existing philosophical theories and in the creation of innovative ones. This dissertation shows that the semiotic analysis of relevant film texts can open the space for philosophical investigation. One must keep in mind that the area of semiotics emerged from philosophy. Hence both philosophy and semiology can work, mutually influencing each other, to reach important conclusions. My aim is to show that the branch of communications known as semiology can be utilized to further clarify other educational subjects. After analysing the background philosophical theories of the Matrix texts in the Literature Review, I used Daniel Chandler's semiotic method in the in-depth analysis of each individual film text. This semiotic analysis was carried out both on the individual texts, separately in the first hand (refer to appendices), and later collectively to highlight differences and similarities linking the trilogy together (refer to chapter 4 of dissertation). I discovered a number of signs from this in depth analysis that will give the reader a thorough understanding of the covert and overt philosophical implications of the texts. Through the semiotic analysis of the three film texts, certain philosophical insights were revealed and the outline of an existential approach to life was acknowledged. In addition, a new hypothesis was extracted in the conclusion consisting of how to attain meaning in one's own life. This dissertation demonstrates how two significantly different but related areas of study can be used in correlation to achieve a common goal.