{"id":66,"date":"2017-11-21T08:25:45","date_gmt":"2017-11-21T08:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digitalpatmos.com\/vol1issue6\/?p=66"},"modified":"2017-11-24T08:21:09","modified_gmt":"2017-11-24T08:21:09","slug":"the-reversal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitalpatmos.com\/vol1issue6\/2017\/11\/21\/the-reversal\/","title":{"rendered":"The Reversal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Matrix<\/em> (1999) is a dystopian film in which humans are enslaved by sentient machines in a simulated reality called \u201cthe Matrix\u201d. We are introduced to the protagonist Neo, who is revealed to be the promised Messiah who emancipates humankind. Simultaneously, a nemesis which tries to stop Neo arises in the form of Agent Smith \u2013 an ostensibly pitiless, single-minded computer program in the Matrix. The dialectical opposition between Neo and Agent Smith drives the whole film, perhaps meant as a parallel to the larger battle between humans and AI. The Matrix<\/em> hinges on the premise that they are antithetical, with their strong enmity being reinforced by Smith himself \u2013 \u201cI\u2019m going to enjoy watching you die, Mr. Anderson.\u201d In fact, the Matrix\u2019s creator, the Architect, reveals later on that Smith is Neo\u2019s opposite and negative.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The antagonistic relationship between Neo and Smith.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, a surprising turn of events arises with Agent Smith gradually demonstrating emotional percipience through his unpredictable emotional outbursts. One particularly striking moment is when Smith confesses \u2013 with human-like abhorrence \u2013 that he \u201chates this zoo, this prison,\u201d and is unable to tolerate his incarnation in the Matrix further. His explicit distaste for humans and the Matrix is an unprecedented emotional development for a computer program.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Simultaneously, we observe a process of dehumanization developing for the protagonist, Neo. We see Neo losing his human characteristics over the course of the film \u2013 starting with him downloading programs into his brain to learn Kung Fu, just like a computational entity. We recognize a form of mechanistic dehumanization as he begins to assimilate into his role within the Matrix \u2013 his emotional weaknesses, personal doubts, physical limits and agency all begin to fade. Neo is originally shown as a quiet, nervous computer programmer; we compare this with the final scene of Neo exuding a robotic calm as he talks to the machine overlords and subsequently ascending to the skies, representing a complete manipulation of the coded reality.<\/p>\n

From these observations of Smith and Neo, we see that they are not as hermetic as what prevailing thought suggests. Ironically at the end, Smith the program becomes like a human, while Neo as a human resembles a machine. I argue that there is an underlying convergence and overlap in the distinctive features of Neo and Smith through a role reversal mechanism, making the lines between them blurred instead of what conventional literature proposes. Throughout the film, we can see Agent Smith going through a process of humanization, while Neo goes through a contrasting process of dehumanization \u2013 culminating in an eventual convergence of their characteristics.<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s Humanization<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Agent Smith is initially portrayed as a loyal AI, meant to maintain order of the Matrix by eliminating all potential threats. He approaches problems like how a machine would \u2013 pragmatic and logical, focused on finality. All the AI in the Matrix have the sole goal of maintaining its stability \u2013 they are created for this purpose and nothing else; Smith is no different. In fact, the lack of his individuality is emphasized in the film\u2019s opening \u2013 \u00a0as Morpheus says to Smith, \u201cYou all look the same to me.\u201d, referring to Smith\u2019s indistinguishability from the Agent next to him. Smith shares a consciousness with all other programs and simulated human bodies, and is able to mutate into any of them. The ability of Smith to replicate himself in the Matrix as multiple instances \u2013 a realized variation of an object \u2013 is a feature commonly seen in computer programming. In programming terms, Smith is simply a programming class meant to be replicated within the parameters of the computer memory.<\/p>\n

\"The
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The stoic Agent Smith.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"However, as The Matrix<\/em> unfolds, there is a gradual humanization of Agent Smith as he begins to show a more erratic, human side, and he slowly becomes more familiar to viewers. (Lavery, 2001, p. 231). \u00a0He begins to display hints of uncontrolled rage when provoked by Neo; his raw hatred for the human race and even his own masters in the Matrix begins to unravel. It culminates in him removing the symbol of his shared identity \u2013 \u00a0his earphone from which he receives the Matrix\u2019s commands from \u2013 \u00a0during his interrogation of Morpheus. This iconic scene portrays Smith revealing his undisguised disgust for humans \u2013 \u201cHuman beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet.\u201d He compares humans to a virus, and expresses his strong distaste for their weaknesses. Smith is revolted by his exposure to even the digitized equivalent of human embodiment, possessed by the overpowering call of some higher world. (Lavery, 2001, p. 155). At the same time, he states his clandestine condescension for the Matrix itself, confessing to Morpheus that he \u201ccan\u2019t stand it any longer.\u201d Tbis is not without irony, given that he was created for the Matrix. At the end of the scene, Agent Smith the sharp-suited enforcer torturing Morpheus is immediately juxtaposed with a tortured AI as he removes his glasses and earpieces, revealing his desperation and intolerable distress. \u201cI must get free\u2026and you have to tell me how.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Smith interrogates Morpheus.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Agent Smith\u2019s humanization is an unexpected development in The Matrix<\/em>. It is especially ironic given that he hates humankind, but has adapted some of humankind\u2019s distinctive characteristics. As we see a greater extent of Agent Smith\u2019s features overlapping with distinctively human traits, we find him remarkably human-like. This makes it increasingly difficult to classify Agent Smith as a computer program as the film progresses.<\/p>\n

Neo\u2019s Dehumanization<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Simultaneously, Neo is originally portrayed as a quiet and nervous computer programmer who lives a sterile life, inundated by his hacking activities at night. He is depicted as a flawed and human character, filled with palpable human trepidation and incredulity. At the start of the film, his fear of using the scaffold outside the building despite Morpheus\u2019 reassurances \u2013 \u201cNo way. This is crazy.\u201d \u2013 compels him to willingly be arrested by Agent Smith instead. When Morpheus tells him about the real world, he expresses skepticism \u2013 \u201cNo. I don\u2019t believe it. It\u2019s not possible.\u201d His inability to perform in the training sessions with Morpheus draws jibes from the rest of the resistance, reinforcing his pre-existing self-doubt and lack of confidence which causes him to consistently repudiate Morpheus\u2019 conviction that he is humanity\u2019s Messiah \u2013 \u2018The One\u2019.<\/p>\n

As the film progresses, the preponderance of disbelief, doubt and weakness we see initially in Neo disappears as a gradual declination of emotion occurs. As Neo gains control of his abilities and comprehends the prophecy of him being \u201cThe One\u201d, he dehumanizes into an instrumentally configured vector of virtual energy in the Matrix. The flawed figure we see initially disappears as Neo exercises his extraordinary powers by flying, stopping bullets in mid-air and manipulating every aspect of the Matrix to his liking. Neo not only can read the code, but he lives it. We compare his initial flawed characterization with the intensely symptomatic point at the end \u2013 Neo impassively deflecting all of Agent Smith\u2019s punches without even looking at him. Neo\u2019s transformation is \u201ctantamount to a physical and psychic vanishing in which we see him deploying himself as a dehumanized mathematical-cybernetic entity (Diaz-Dioaretz, 2006, p. 239).\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Neo stops bullets in mid-air.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hint of dehumanization grows stronger as we discover that Neo carries the Matrix\u2019s source code called the Prime Program, which allows him to freely manipulate the Matrix. This evinces a startling realization for viewers \u2013 Neo is essentially coded into the Matrix. Essentially, Neo\u2019s only function in the film is to act like a specialized computer program and hack the Matrix (Woodward, 2008). There is no deviation \u2013 in fact, the potential for human characterizations of Neo such as having the ability to love is stifled throughout the film. The relationship development with Trinity is shallow, with Neo being insufficiently aware of Trinity throughout most of the story (Frentz, 2010, p. 77). Interestingly, he doesn\u2019t\u00a0 become more human after he is out of the Matrix and into the real world, as what would be expected. Ironically, it is the other way around \u2013 he loses aspects of what makes him human, and has become a little more than just an overpowered, egoless program called \u2018The One\u2019 with the ability to read and control the Code, superseding mortal visuality (Diaz-Dioaretz, 2006, p. 238).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The loss of Neo\u2019s agency is also stressed upon as another aspect of his dehumanization. While autonomy and free will are key aspects of being human (Goldhill, 2016). This entire characterization of Neo under this pre-determined \u201cProphecy\u201d in The Matrix <\/em>foreshadows the status of Neo\u00a0 as an entity with no agency. In the third instalment The Matrix Revolutions <\/em>(2009), the Matrix\u2019s inventor, the Architect, denies Neo his entire legacy and crudely reveals to him that he is but another planned program in the Matrix, subject to the control of the masters of the Matrix.\u00a0The Architect has installed a subprogram called \u2018The Path of the One\u2019 into Neo, ensuring that Neo would act according to any of the Architect\u2019s wishes. \u201cYou are the eventuality of an anomaly\u2026which has led you, inexorably, here.\u201d Essentially, everything that Neo has done was programmed as part of the machines\u2019 dominance plan \u2013 Neo never had free will.<\/p>\n

The Role Reversal<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At the end of the film, we revel in Smith\u2019s more complex, human characterization as he reveals rage, disgust and desperation all wrapped up in despotism. His nihilist, sadistic and vengeful propensities hardly belong in the description of a computer program. The juxtaposition of Neo\u2019s transformation then brings the role reversal to a completion \u2013 his journey to become the \u2018The One\u2019 causes him to lose his vulnerabilities and struggles. He becomes an egoless and detached entity with superhuman abilities, transcending any Matrix programs. Instead of the perceived dichotomy, we see the fluidity between the two characters as human and machine converge. The role reversal seems symbolically complete at the end, when Neo assimilates Smith into his own body. The simultaneous processes of humanization and dehumanization for the characters concludes; the lines between the two are blurred.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Neo \u2013 human? Machine?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the fact that this role reversal was deliberately engineered adds complexity to its nature. Neo and Smith have all along been programmed by the Architect to resist. Neo\u2019s actions have been pre-determined by the system elaborately \u2013 after every hundred years of operation, the Matrix\u2019s stability degrades dramatically, leaving the machines\u2019 virtual creation at risk of a catastrophic system crash that would kill all inhabitants. To counter this, a reset is required by the programming of \u201cThe One\u201d, who had to be led to the Architect through fabrications such as the \u201cProphecy\u201d. Neo, the sixth iteration of \u201cThe One\u201d, was all along designed to become this overpowered program and reset the Matrix.<\/p>\n

Similarly, Smith\u2019s rebellion and desire to destroy Neo was planned as a balance to the Matrix equation (Frentz, 2010, p. 65). The Architect explained that the Matrix had to be in equilibrium \u2013 Neo was meant to be the \u201cthesis\u201d, and Smith the \u201cantithesis\u201d. Smith\u2019s gradual humanization was meant to mirror Neo\u2019s own dehumanization, and both Smith and Neo were ultimately just self-perpetuating designs of the system. This is a possible counter-argument to how there is no role reversal, given that the protagonist and antagonist are arguably powerless actors in the film, with this \u201crole reversal\u201d being artificially driven by a third-party.<\/p>\n

Additionally, one might also leverage upon Smith\u2019s humanization to analyze the role reversal more critically. Did Smith really \u201cchange\u201d, or is his development just the pinnacle of an AI\u2019s intended role? The paradox is that Smith\u2019s humanization and desire to rebel might precisely be the outcome of his AI programming, and is in fact an indicator of his programming\u2019s success at human mimicry.\u00a0 The modern paradox of AI is that to create AI is to recreate humans (Schmidt, 2006, p. 196). \u00a0They are not separate entities \u2013 AI is forged after Man\u2019s image and intellect, and the long-term goal of creating AI is essentially reconstructing human reality (Schmidt, 2006, p. 196). Larson (2015) laments \u2013 \u201cHow can we both brilliantly innovate \u2013 and become unimportant, slinking away from the future, ceding it to the machines we\u2019ve built?\u201d The very consequence of AI is to will humankind out of existence, simply because its purpose has always been meant to mimic and replace humankind (Larson, 2015). Hence, from this perspective, Agent Smith\u2019s humanization seems to be expected. He resembles this paradox of AI, bringing a certain irony to the whole dichotomy and role reversal. Therefore, it cannot be definitively stated that there is a role reversal given that it might in fact be a role intensification instead \u2013 the transformation of Smith might just be in fact the ultimate state of AI.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

While the nature of this role reversal can be more complex than it seems, the pre-established dichotomy between Neo and Smith is far too trivializing. I believe that there is an underlying convergence in their distinctive features through a role reversal mechanism, blurring the lines and predicating a fluidity between them in The Matrix<\/em>. Through Smith\u2019s growing emotional percipience and Neo\u2019s dehumanization, the film may be trying to explicate the key idea of the unclear territory where the machine world converges with the human world. Whether the filmmakers intended for this to be a commentary on the state of artificial intelligence is ambiguous, but at the heart of the issue is that at the end of the film, we as the audience struggle with the question: who is more human than the other?<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cloud, D. (2006). The Matrix and Critical Theory\u2019s Desertion of the Real. Communication and Critical\/Cultural Studies, 3<\/em>(4), 329-354<\/p>\n

Diaz-Diocaretz, M. & Herbrechter, S. (2006). The Matrix in Theory. <\/em>Amsterdam: Rodopi<\/p>\n

Frentz, T., Rushing, J.H. (2002). Mother isn\u2019t quite herself today. Myth and Spectacle in The Matrix. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 19<\/em>(1), 64-86<\/p>\n

Larson, E. (2015, May 14). Questioning the Hype About Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved 08 November 08, 2017 from https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/technology\/archive\/2015\/05\/the-humanists-paradox\/391622\/<\/p>\n

Lavery, D. (2001). From Cinespace to Cyberspace: Zionists and Agents. Journal of Popular Film and Television, 28<\/em>(4), 150-157<\/p>\n

Schmidt, C. (2006). Machinery, Intelligence and our Intentionality. Journal for a Global Sustainable Information Society, 4<\/em>(2), 196<\/p>\n

Woodward, S. (2005). The Matrix Trilogy: Cyberpunk Reloaded. Quarterly Review of Film and Video, 25<\/em>(5), 442-447<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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