There is no spoon

It was back in the good old days. When we were in college. My good friend Neil came to me and spoke to me 'about this movie which is causing many ripples, and not many are getting it, man'. This epochal event took place more than half my life ago and I do not remember the first viewing, shamefully. Maybe it is like how you do not remember when and how you met your best friends, even if you think hard. But I do know the profundity and influence this has had on me over the years. This day marks 15 years since the release of this movie. In an age bereft of substance I choose to pay tribute to this gem that changed everything.

The beginning

There was a time when I fed and lived only off chunks of trivia from the movie. A very generous portion of my computer's hard drive was devoted to 'the matrix philosophy' and pictures from the movie. Things had crossed the point of obsession, when everything I said/wrote/thought had tributes and references to it. It is another matter that my close friends did not harm me for this :) Morpheus' timeless words and prophecies manifested themselves at various situations and places, at work and in personal life. Im still learning new stuff about the movie.

There is no spoon

The most beautiful thing is the tributes and references to a million things in this movie. Right from names, room numbers and the time in the clock, nothing is 'random'. Everything has its own significance and existence, for a reason. And then there are the references to philosophies, religions and religious texts which shower us with a wealth of information branching out from each scene and dialogue. So, total trivia fest there.

The casting, could not have been more perfect, in my opinion. It is as if Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne ,Carrie - Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving have been their respective characters forever and everything is so convincing, there is no moment when you doubt otherwise. Neo, as the person who is 'awakening, realising the truth and beginning to believe' is top class, I cannot imagine anyone else for this role.

Believing.

 Morpheus as captain is devastatingly convincing, the true leader and visionary. His words and authority are the guiding light. We hinge around all words by the great man.

Do you know? 

 And trinity is by far one of the best female characters for me. Most kickass and badass! Her 'no nonsense', 'I'll kick your ass' look underlie the gravity of the plot and the seriousness of their objective.

Dodge this.

 And there is no character more finely enacted as Agent Smith's menacing, measured poise thrills us.The dialogue delivery, voice modulation and synchronous movement with the other agents are chillingly precise. These things elevate the already sky - high style factor by a few thousand notches. He is the epitome of 'cool'

Crafted perfection

The entire portion of the movie in the matrix has a green tint, in line with the theme and mood of the movie. The detailing is mind blowing, everything has been thought out and nothing is left to chance or overlooked.

The movie was also groundbreaking in its use of bullet time and in spite of the time and evolution, it is still the coolest thing to see.

Gravity-defying. 

I must have seen it so many times that I've lost count. And the movie looks just as spectacular and spine chilling as it did, during the first viewing. With each viewing there is something more to savour and some detail that you have missed. The voice in your head precedes the happenings on screen but still the anticipation is too intense.

Here's to great cinema and many more viewings!

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

An Island

Home is where the heart is, but there are some places which may make you feel like home. I may be writing from the viewpoint of someone away from his home country, but I expect similar situations and places exist even otherwise? These are the places of solace, of familiarity and comfort in a faraway land, and you are content that you are among your people. It was the first time that I saw so many people in such a small area, in the last 50 odd days. And it felt really awesome.

Not being much of a religious person is never an excuse to pass a moment like a festival, when you are elsewhere. Being straight jacketed due to the lack of a transport option, any way to head out is a luxury. And I am glad that I went to the Temple this Shivaratri.

There were people, young and old, the religious and the agnostics, .There was a mingling of language and cultures and there was camaraderie. There were anxious looks for 'someone you know', then you realise that the chances of that happening were one in a million. There were distinct exchanges of greetings with everyone.  Grandparents looking after grandkids while the kids prayed. The sights, sounds and smells were familiar but if you looked hard, something would be amiss.

There were kids running around, bumping into everyone. And hey, we do not have to be apologetic, as we are in the island. These are things, as you know it and you unlearn. For the first time in my life I saw a board which said 'DIY Darshan'. And hey, I did.

Although the Bhajans were sung in a slight accent, and although many of the folks have been away forever,  every detail was taken care of, to replicate the atmosphere of a temple back home. Kudos to the organisers and volunteers for this wonderful event.

Where's your island?