Wachowski's Parting Words on Misinterpreted 'The Matrix'
In a recent appearance on the "So True with Caleb Hearon" podcast, Lilly Wachowski shared her thoughts on how right-wing groups have co-opted elements of her 1999 sci-fi classic, "The Matrix." When asked about conservative misinterpretations of her film, Wachowski offered words of wisdom, saying she's learned to separate herself from her work once it's released to the public.
"You have to let go of your work," Wachowski advised. "People are going to interpret it however they want to. I see all these crazy theories and ideologies associated with 'The Matrix' films, and while some of them make me cringe, you can't control how people will take things." She acknowledges that her initial intentions might not align with the views of others, adding, "You're never going to be able to make every person believe what you initially intended."
This sentiment is perhaps most evident in the iconic "red pill or blue pill" scene, where Keanu Reeves' Neo must choose between a life of freedom and illusion. The term "red pilled" has become synonymous with far-right ideology, often invoked by those who claim to have seen through societal deception. Wachowski has previously stated that her film was never intended as a conservative allegory but has been co-opted nonetheless.
"It's what fascism does," she explained. "They take points of view from the left and twist them to serve their own agenda." This phenomenon is not unique to Wachowski's work, as right-wing groups have long sought to distort ideologies to fit their own purposes. The Matrix's themes of rebellion and self-discovery have been hijacked by those seeking to justify radical far-right ideals.
Wachowski's words offer a poignant reminder that art can take on a life of its own once it enters the public sphere, often reflecting the values and anxieties of its audience. As she demonstrated, it's essential to acknowledge the complexities of interpretation while accepting that one's work may not resonate with everyone.
In a recent appearance on the "So True with Caleb Hearon" podcast, Lilly Wachowski shared her thoughts on how right-wing groups have co-opted elements of her 1999 sci-fi classic, "The Matrix." When asked about conservative misinterpretations of her film, Wachowski offered words of wisdom, saying she's learned to separate herself from her work once it's released to the public.
"You have to let go of your work," Wachowski advised. "People are going to interpret it however they want to. I see all these crazy theories and ideologies associated with 'The Matrix' films, and while some of them make me cringe, you can't control how people will take things." She acknowledges that her initial intentions might not align with the views of others, adding, "You're never going to be able to make every person believe what you initially intended."
This sentiment is perhaps most evident in the iconic "red pill or blue pill" scene, where Keanu Reeves' Neo must choose between a life of freedom and illusion. The term "red pilled" has become synonymous with far-right ideology, often invoked by those who claim to have seen through societal deception. Wachowski has previously stated that her film was never intended as a conservative allegory but has been co-opted nonetheless.
"It's what fascism does," she explained. "They take points of view from the left and twist them to serve their own agenda." This phenomenon is not unique to Wachowski's work, as right-wing groups have long sought to distort ideologies to fit their own purposes. The Matrix's themes of rebellion and self-discovery have been hijacked by those seeking to justify radical far-right ideals.
Wachowski's words offer a poignant reminder that art can take on a life of its own once it enters the public sphere, often reflecting the values and anxieties of its audience. As she demonstrated, it's essential to acknowledge the complexities of interpretation while accepting that one's work may not resonate with everyone.
I'm like "yaaas" to Lilly Wachowski's words about letting go of her work once it's out there...I mean, I can totally relate to feeling cringeworthy when people misinterpret things you're passionate about 
. But she's right, you can't control how others will take things and sometimes the interpretations are way off base 
. It's like when people try to fit a square peg into a round hole and it just doesn't work 
. Anyway, I love that she's speaking out about fascism taking ideas from the left and twisting them for their own agenda 
. We need more of her kind of honesty and awareness 
.
like what even is the point of creating something if someone just gonna twist it to fit their agenda? I get that you can't control how others see things, but still it's kinda sad when art gets hijacked by people who are all about spreading hate and division 
. I mean Lilly Wachowski's right, you can't control how people interpret your work and it's actually pretty cool that "The Matrix" has become this cultural phenomenon that people can use in different ways. I guess it shows that art can be super powerful and also kinda messed up at the same time 
. Anyway, I think we should just appreciate the fact that Lilly Wachowski is still speaking her mind and not letting all the hate get to her 
. it's wild how easily right-wing groups can take and twist concepts like that to suit their own worldview... anyway, this conversation is giving me so much food for thought 
... back in my day, we didn't have all these crazy theories and ideologies popping up about our favorite movies 
It's just not cool 
it's like they took these complex themes of rebellion and self-discovery and twisted them to fit their own radical agenda 