By Erin Rosenthal
Staff Writer

The Wachowski brothers are geniuses. In roughly 10 years they have created 3 staggering films (6 years devoted to the Matrix alone), 9 intriguing and thought-provoking short animations, a complex computer game, numerous related comics and an entire pop culture following.

In their story of the Matrix they have touched upon questions of faith, societal influence and rebellion from society, the humanity in machines, free will vs. fate, the nature of reality, perception, enlightenment and existence. They have pioneered new technology in visual effects and digital art and have set the standard for special effects.

They have left entire nations gaping in awe at the incredible heart-wrenching, pulse-pounding, and breathtaking scenes in their three Matrix films and have invited close examination of the films’ many messages and metaphors.

When considered as an entire package, the Matrix world created by the brothers is quite astounding.

What the brothers have done in essence, is capture every element of humanity into their world-renowned Matrix. If one takes a step back and looks at the entire Matrix series as a whole, one can compare each main character in the story to elements found in every human. The humans in the story represent the heart and the blind passion within us. The machines symbolize the mind, cold and precise. Neo, the main character played by Keanu Reeves, is the force calling for unity between the two feuding sides. Agent Smith, played by Hugo Weaving, is the ego, bent solely on personal welfare and dominance.

This is just one interpretation of what these elements represent. Across the world, people are creating their own interpretations and opinions on the meanings underlying the Matrix series.

Therein lies the true genius of the work of the Wachowski brothers. They leave people wondering, questioning and coming to their own conclusions. Too many films today present simple stories with little room or need for interpretation. Most film-goers seem to prefer this, which is why the series has been met with such harsh criticism. The Matrix movies challenge viewers in ways very different from other films.

“We think movies are fairly boring and predictable. We want to screw with audience’s expectations,” Andy Wachowski once said.

And this is precisely what he and his brother, Larry Wachowski, did. Fifteen minutes to the end of “ The Matrix: Revolutions,” the final film in the Matrix series, viewers still do not know how the film will conclude. One can even argue that the movie didn’t really end the series and instead opened it up to further possible endings.

In this way, the brothers make available new paths of thought just waiting to be further explored. They leave questions hanging for people to weave into their own version of the story. They don’t attempt the impossible by trying to create an ending that will appeal to every audience. Instead they leave you with and open end and a sunrise, perhaps predicting the start of a new beginning and the hope of a brighter future.

But we will never know, will we?