The Matrix
EST V ACT domestic box office revenue
$248 – 303MM V $319MM
Mythosis universal quests used
4
Audience appeal
12.52 – 15.30%
Script Score
0.43
The Matrix is a 1999 sci-fi movie where the machines have created an illusion to enslave human beings. The story weaves together a futuristic realm with universal human quests, creating a captivating fusion of familiarity and innovation.
1. The invisible plot structure of The Matrix
1A. The script of Matrix borrows 97% of its events from 4 mythological tales
Neo’s quest mirrors the tale of Krishn from Hindu mythology, where both are driven by the desire for fairness and justice.
Agent Smith’s quest mirrors the tale of Ravan from Hindu mythology, where both are driven by the desire to dominate others.
Trinity’s quest mirrors the tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology, where both are driven by the desire to be loyal to a clan or order.
Morpheus’ quest mirrors the tale of Dron from Hindu mythology, where both are driven by the desire to confront offenders.
NOTE: Detailed mirroring of each character’s primary quest to their respective mythological tales is in section “3A. Quests of characters and their mythological counterparts”
Mythosis plot structure
# 568,686
Tales interweaved
Ravan, Dron, Hanuman & Krishn
I. How does interweaving mythological tales lead to infinite story plots?
II. Can the pursuit of a Desire have more than one quest?
2. The potential of Matrix’s plot structure: $177 – 217MM
The interweaving of 32 mythological tales can generate a billion unique stories. By using these 32 tales, we can extract the plot structure of any story across various genres. Our study of blockbuster, hit, and flop plot structures led to the discovery of the Mythosis Code, a set of principles for creating compelling stories. The plot structure of a story is analyzed to see how well it adheres to these storytelling principles.
2A. Plot structure evaluation of The Matrix
- All Blockbusters have at least 3 universal quests. The Matrix uses 3 universal quests of Power, Vengeance & Idealism. The quest of Honour is sparingly used.
- In Blockbusters, each universal quest is mirrored by ONLY ONE character. Neo mirrors the universal quest of Idealism whereas Morpheus mirror the universal quest of Vengeance. Trinity mirrors the quest of Honour and Agent Smith that of Power.
- Every Blockbuster character borrows at least 35% of the universal quest. Neo borrows 36% of the events from Krishn’s quest. Agent Smith borrows 52% of the events from Ravan’s quest. Trinity borrows 10% of the events from Hanuman’s quest. Morpheus borrows 24% of the events from Dron’s quest.
- Blockbusters have a quest interweaving threshold of 0.5. Interweaving occurs when events of 2 quests occur simultaneously in the story. The Matrix’s quest interweaving score of 0.5 is at par.
An example of interweaving the quests of Neo & Agent Smith:
2B. Box office revenue estimation of The Matrix
The Matrix’s plot structure reveals lack of interweaving between quests due to not enough depth in the quests of Morpheus and Trinity.
The Script Score measures a plot structure’s adherence to the four principles of Mythosis Code. We use the Script Score to estimate a movie’s audience appeal & revenues. Blockbuster plot structures have a score of at least 0.64 and appeal to 20% of the audiences.
Script Score
0.43
Audience appeal
12.52 – 15.30%
I. How is Mythosis Code used to estimate revenues?
II. Aren’t box-office revenues influenced by several factors beyond just the story plot?
3. The ideal plot structure of The Matrix
We have identified 32 mythological tales, the superset of all tales across cultures. The quests of these tales have also recurred over time periods. They represent human behaviours that are deeply embedded in our shared memories. Each tale is the richest expression of the pursuit of a human desire. The tales have a unique pattern of events spread over 5 major arcs.
Mapping a character’s quest to the relevant mythological tale reveals the gaps in their quest, if any. Plugging these gaps with the missing events deepens the character quest. The missing events also provide an opportunity for interweaving the various quests. These events strengthen the story and unlock its hidden potential.
3A.Quest of characters and their mythological counterparts
Quest 1: Neo mirrors the universal quest for Idealism
Neo’s desire for Idealism stems from the need for fairness & justice. The tale of Krishn from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Idealism.
Quest 2: Agent Smith mirrors the universal quest for Power
Agent Smith’s desire for Power stems from the need to dominate others. The tale of Ravan from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Power.
Quest 3: Trinity mirrors the universal quest for Honour
Trinity’s desire for Honour stems from the need for loyalty to a clan or order. The tale of Hanuman from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Honour.
Quest 4: Morpheus mirrors the universal quest for Vengeance
Morpheus’s desire for Vengeance stems from the need to confront and punish offenders. The tale of Dron from Hindu mythology is the universal quest for Vengeance.
3B.Gaps in the current plot structure
The gap in Matrix’s plot structure arises from the relatively weaker quests of Morpheus & Trinity.
3C.Unlocking the hidden potential
The plot of Matrix is a subset of Mythosis plot structure # 568,686. It emerges from interweaving the tales of Ravan, Dron, Hanuman & Krishn.
Contact us for Mythosis plot structure # 568,686.
Tags: Krishn, Idealism, Ravan, Power, Hanuman, Honour, Dron, Vengeance, 1999, The Wachowskis, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow Pictures