The matrix in theory

The Matrix trilogy continues to split opinions widely, polarising the downright dismissive and the wildly enthusiastic. This includes reactions within academic circles and from film and cultural critics who have been all too eager to pronounce themselves on all kinds of issues relating to the Matrix.1 Significantly, some kind of uneasiness quickly surfaces in most contributions to the debate. For some it may still be a question of ?serious? academics having to be apologetic about delving into ?low? popular culture and indulging in some form of compromising but ultimately ?immature? and therefore embarrassing ?pleasure.? For others it might just be even more evidence of (cultural) theory?s or cultural studies? weakness to take blockbuster culture ? produced for quick consumption and short-term profit ? too seriously.