[Discussion] "The Matrix is a guide to overcoming depression." (x-post from /r/FanTheories)
What they said
So I watched the movie again recently and it struck me how much of Neo's journey relates to bringing him back to life both figuratively and literally. But it also paints the picture of a man who is in the throes of depression,who finds a support system of people who nurture and guide him to simply "know thyself".
The movie begins with a very lonely man living alone and asleep. He is shown to be unhappy at his job and is without any meaningful friends. It is obvious this is a very lost person. We then see him introduced to a group of people who understand what he's feeling and want to help him find his path in life. We are introduced to the agents, who are the manifestations of the depression and fear in Neo's life, holding him back from truly living and keeping him bound to a world of misery.
So, with Morpheus as friendship and Trinity as love and care, combined with the guidance/training from the group on how to overcome these obstacles in life, we see Neo begin to realise his true potential and believe in himself.
We are introduced to the Oracle, who may as well be Neo's therapist. We meet Cypher who is a poisonous influence on the group that is removed before he can affect Neo. And so it goes that he is "beginning to believe" in himself by fighting back against his fear until tragedy strikes as agent Smith kills Neo. I see this as a message that life throws curveballs at us and can knock us down out of nowhere.
So Trinity professes her love for Neo and with the support of the woman he loves and friends who believe in him, he rises from the dead both literally and metaphorically and sees the world for what it is, that fear isn't real and agent Smith no longer has any power over him. He finally has full control over his life thanks to a support system of people who understood, cared for and pushed him to fulfill his potential. It ends with Neo soaring into the sky. He is finally free.
"You have to let it all go Neo. Fear, doubt and disbelief. Free your mind."
And hey, maybe the blue/red pill are antidepressants.
Edit:
A few more things that fit my theory:
Neo neglects to clean his apartment and lives in near darkness listening to melancholic music.
He is withdrawn and antisocial at the club he is invited to.
Trinity recognises his sad lonely life: "You've been down that road before Neo, you know exactly where it ends"
Agents/depression can appear in anyone at anytime.
The Oracle/Neo's therapist literally has a waiting room full of patients.
Neo stops the bullets/negative thoughts midair before analysing them and subsequently discarding with no effort. This is a technique for stopping negative thinking by recognising bad thoughts before they can affect you. (it's a reach, I know)
Neo is literally meditating after destroying Smith. Meditation is highly recommended in battling depression.
That's all for now :)
What do you think?
I think there are more points that backup this idea but I it's been a while since I have watched it so I am not 100% sure if I am right.
I realise this isn't exactly on topic but It has been Mod approved
Posted Feb 22, 2016, 5:26 AM UTC