The Matrix (Andy and Lana Wachowski, 1999) appeals to a Western ideology of freedom in its most general sense by depicting a struggle against the enslavement of the human race in a post-apocalyptic world controlled by machines. The machines use humans, whose minds are trapped in a computer program, as a source of energy. In this world of machines, the Wachowskis expand on the totalitarianism seen in other works of fiction, such as George Orwell's 1984. The totalitarian state of 1984, Airstrip One, becomes the entire planet in The Matrix, and the oppressed citizens become almost the entire human race. Only a group of rebels manages to escape the machines by creating a city beneath the surface of the earth. The main character, Neo (Keanu Reeves), joins these rebels at the call of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who explains the nature of the Matrix and its authoritarian qualities. In addition to expanding the totalitarian state, the Wachowskis expand the idea of ​​captivity. The humans in the Matrix have no idea that they are prisoners; however they are still prisoners. In 1984, however, the citizens know they are being watched and Winston, the protagonist, discovers the terrors of the regime when he is imprisoned and tortured. By expanding on previous ideas of captivity and authoritarian rule, the film makes the choice between freedom and captivity more difficult, whether the prisoner is aware of it or not. Through the use of Cypher's (Joe Pantoliano) stereotypes and Morpheus' actions and dialogue, the film suggests that the noblest choice is freedom simply for the sake of being free. Before one can argue that the Matrix supports freedom, the plot of one must examine the film and the word “freedom”. The journey leads... middle of paper... encounters an enemy. This further distances Morpheus from susceptibility to temptation and the choice of captivity. It strengthens his position as the agent of freedom.5 By being the agent of freedom and being portrayed as a wise and noble leader, the character of Morpheus supports the idea that freedom is the noble choice, even if it means having to fight in a load. -apocalyptic world. The film uses Cypher, Morpheus, and the fact that freedom is a core value of Western ideology to support the idea that when faced with a choice between freedom and captivity, the honorable choice is freedom. He describes Cypher as the weak, evil character who chooses captivity while Morpheus, the respected leader, chooses freedom despite the difficulties that come with living outside the Matrix. The film therefore advocates freedom at all costs when the choice is up to the prisoner.