The Art of The Matrix

by Lana Wachowski

This is a companion to the Oscar-winning film The Matrix which was acclaimed for its visuals, action sequences and special effects. The book contains the complete storyboards, the conceptual art, rarely seen stills and posters, the full script and commentary from the artists involved.

Genres: Art, Film, Science Fiction, Fiction, Media Tie In, Novels, Reference

488 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

Lana Wachowski (formerly Laurence "Larry" Wachowski), with her sister Lilly, are American film directors, screenwriters, comic writers and producers.

Reviews

[Naziur Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The matrix মুভিটা কৈশোরে প্রথম দেখা। কিছু বুঝি নি, কিন্তু বেশ পছন্দ হইসিল। যৌবনে আবার দেখা হইসে, তখন বোঝার ক্ষমতাও বাড়সে এবং নতুন করে পছন্দ হইসে। সেই পছন্দের রেশ এখনো কাটে নি। সময়ের তুলনায় অনেক অনেক এগিয়ে থাকা এক সায়েন্স ফিকশন আইডিয়া নিয়ে করা মুভি। এই আইডিয়াকে স্ক্রিপ্টে রূপান্তর করা আর তারপর সিনেমায় রূপ দেয়া সে এক বিশাল ব্যাপার। সেই বিশাল কর্মযজ্ঞের একটা প্রধানতম অংশ নিয়ে এই বই। এ বই The matrix মুভির স্টোরিবোর্ড এবং কনসেপ্ট আর্টের বই। মুভি বানানো শুরু হবার আগেই প্রোডিউসারদের বোঝানোর স্বার্থে এবং মুভির শুটিঙের সুবিধার্থে মুভির কাহিনীর গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ও জটিল অংশগুলো বেশ কয়েকজন কনসেপ্ট আর্টিস্ট আর কমিক আর্টিস্টদের দিয়ে শট বাই শট আঁকানো হয়। এবং সেটা আর দশটা মুভির স্টোরিবোর্ডের মত অল্প ছবিতে বেশি ইনফো না হয়ে একেবারে একটা গ্রাফিক নভেলের মত ফ্রেম বাই ফ্রেম ধরে ধরে আঁকা। এবং প্রতিটা ফ্রেমেই ক্যামেরা এ্যাঙ্গেল ক্রমাগত পরিবর্তিত হচ্ছে। সাথে সাথেই এমন এমন সব পরিবেশ বা এমন এমন ঘটনার ছবি আঁকা হচ্ছে যেগুলো সম্পূর্ণ কাল্পনিক।
যাদের মুভিটা দেখা হয়ে গেছে তাদের জন্য বইটা বুঝতে সুবিধা হবে। প্রায় সব ইলাস্ট্রেশনের সাথেই আর্টিস্টের নিজস্ব বর্ণনা আছে। প্রতিটা শট বোঝানোর সুবিধার্থে ডিরেক্টররা খুবই সাদামাটা ভাবে হিজিবিজি লাইনে রাফ স্কেচ করে আর্টিস্টদের দিয়েছেন। তারপর আর্টিস্টরা সেগুলো থেকে নিজেদের মত একেছেন। যারা মুভিটা দেখে নাই তারাও এটাকে গ্রাফিক নভেলের মতই এক্সপ্লোর করতে পারবে।
তবে আরো ভালো হত যদি আর্টিস্টদের কিছু রাফ স্কেচ বা প্রাথমিক স্কেচ এবং সাথে ফাইনাল স্কেচ পাশাপাশি অন্তত কিছু পেইজে রাখা হত। তাইলে স্টেপ বাই স্টেপ কনসেপ্ট ডেভলাপিঙের স্টেজগুলো আরো পরিস্কার হত।
বইয়ের শেষের দিকে মুভির স্ক্রিপ্টের একটা অংশ তুলে দেয়া ছিল। কিন্তু সেটা আর পড়তে ইচ্ছে হয় নি দেখে বাদ দিয়ে গেসি। এর বাদে পুরো বই পড়া এবং দেখার অভিজ্ঞতা বেশ ভালো এবং মুগ্ধকর ছিল।

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every "Art of -" book should be like this. Every. Single. One.

The art is absolutely amazing, and this book doesn't just have conceptual sketches, but also includes the storyboards! These weren't any ordinary arrow-heavy, sketchy storyboards either, but fully realized graphic novel panes that perfectly captured the stylistic approaches that were eventually translated into film. It truly is amazing just how much of the action from the boards was replicated in the final cut, really showing the skill of the artists and the minds of the directors that worked with them.

Now, the concept art was what I really loved looking at in this book, especially since I'm going to college next year to major in art with a focus on illustration, and cinematic concept art is one of the paths that I'm really drawn to (sorry, bad pun) for a career choice. Due to the fact that the pre-production process for The Matrix occurred before the hostile takeover of digitally rendered concept drawings (drawn directly into the computer, which allows for easier alterations at the director's request), all the concept art was done in traditional mediums. Don't get me wrong, I love more modern concept art, but seeing all of these beautiful drawings that were created in traditional mediums really touched me (I'm an art geek okay, I know it sounds weird).

Not only does this book have the art, it also has the COMPLETE shooting script! It's fascinating to see all the slight alterations and action instructions, all impeccably written. From cut scenes to descriptions of what the characters were supposed to be thinking, this book has it all.

I would seriously recommend this book to anyone. It truly gives the scale of just how massive the creative process that goes into making a film, especially a film as great as The Matrix, and gives one a new appreciation for the unseen heroes of the movie industry...the artists.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WISH EVERY MOVIE, BOOK, TV SERIES, AND VIDEOGAME HAD ONE OF THESE BOOKS.

[Herman Litt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah.

[Ihor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Чудовий артбук з безліччю розкадровок, концепт артів та захоплюючих коментарів авторів.

[Stephen West · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of the Matrix is a stunning tribute to the visionary world-building and revolutionary filmmaking of the Wachowski siblings. This book is a must-read for any fan of the Matrix franchise, as it offers an in-depth look into the creative process that went into crafting one of the most iconic science fiction films of all time.

The book is filled with concept art, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes photographs that showcase the incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into the making of the film. From the intricate design of the characters' costumes to the breathtaking special effects, it's clear that every aspect of the film was carefully planned and executed.

One of the highlights of the book is the interviews with the cast and crew of the film, including the Wachowskis themselves. They provide insights into the themes and ideas that inspired the film, as well as the challenges they faced in bringing their vision to life. It's fascinating to see how the film evolved from its initial concept to the final product, and how every decision was made with purpose and intention.

My only critique of the book is that it can be a bit overwhelming at times, with so much information and artwork to take in. It's definitely not a quick read, and you'll want to take your time to fully appreciate all the details. However, for fans of the Matrix franchise, it's an absolute treasure trove of information and a must-have for any collection.

Overall, The Art of the Matrix is a beautifully crafted and informative book that provides an unparalleled look into the creative process behind one of the most iconic films of all time. It's a testament to the Wachowskis' boundless creativity and their dedication to their craft, and it's a must-read for any fan of science fiction or filmmaking. 4 stars.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best gifts I've ever gotten.

[Belal Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of the original film and appreciate filmmaking, then you'll love this. It includes original storyboards, script, and notes from the directors.

[Sean Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chunky and satisfying for a fan of The Matrix.

[Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una verdadera joya en la que los diseñadores Steve Skroce y Geof Darrow exponen el proceso de pre-producción, el diseño del story board y los requerimientos que les expusieron las hermanas Wachovski. Señalan que Warner Brothers nunca hubiera aprobado el proyecto de no haber existido un storyboard más cercano a una novela gráfica que a una mera guía del emplazamiento de cámaras.

Este tomo además del absurdamente detallado storyboard, los diseños conceptuales, también contiene el shooting script, lo cual es una maravilla para todos los interesados en la narrativa audiovisual, ya que muestra la claridad y rigor en las ideas de las hermanas Wachovski desde el momento de pre-producir su filme, el ver el storyboard es básicamente estar viendo una novela gráfica de The Matrix.

El libro cierra con un testimonio de William Gibson en el que se sincera y cuenta como inicialmente tenía cierto resentimiento y deseo de que The Matrix resultara un bodrio, considerando que el filme retoma muchas de sus ideas y conceptos, además de que Keanu Reeves había sido protagonista de un filme de ciencia ficción que Gibson produjo a mediados de los 1990s. Pero luego de ver el filme por primera vez, darse cuenta que no era un filme con un alto contenido intelectual, filosófico y en sus palabras: "corazón", se enamoró de The Matrix y superó todo resentimiento que pudiera tener contra las hermanas Wachovski.

Reitero, este tomo es una verdadera joya para los amantes de la narrativa audiovisual, novelas gráficas, ciencia ficción y The Matrix.

[Dalan Mendonca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure joy (I'm biased as a Matrix fan). Why does the The Matrix look that way - with every frame having those graphic novelesque vibes - because the Wachowskis were literally comic book writers; who had a strong vision and very specific visuals in mind for The Matrix. The movie is very faithful to the storyboards here. It was wonderful to see everything from thumbnail sketches to storyboards to spell-binding concept art and directors commentary. I didn't even know this category of book existed! And have a newfound understanding and respect for the film-making process. As you go along with the book, you learn about so many facets of movie-making process; the struggle to sell a crazy movie to the studio (Warner Bros), budgeting for VFX, editing, stunts, etc. Of course, only some of these are mentioned directly but I rewatched the movie as I read the book to get a sense of the journey from idea to execution. Total treat.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I LOVE "Art of" books. My coffee table is rich.

I am never not thrilled to be given a coffee table book. It's terrible how heavy and impractible they are. This is probably the only one I've read front to back. The Matrix franchise sits like a volcano in me, and it erupts every so often into another wave of obsession. I bought this book during one such time back in highschool.

I love art, and I love the Matrix, so it stands to say that I love this book. Lana writes frankly here, and it was super easy to consume. Underrated, but the original script for the first movie in the back, and I LOVE reading it.

[Nomad nimrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book.
Love the story behind the panels and stories.

I will have to watch matrix again after reading this.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly got me in the mood to watch the matrix again. Just feel in love with that late nineties world.

[Benjamin Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! 5 stars earned. So dense and they even had to cut out material.to make this book happen. Take your time and enjoy this book.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Matrix” was a landmark in the way films were made, and its distinctive visual style - and that fact it could get made at all - is thanks in large part to the directors’ decision to storyboard it out in its entirety with experienced comic and conceptual artists. This book collects those boards, the shooting script, and a selection of important conceptual art and production notes in to one glorious glossy reference.

It’s a shame that the book(s) for the sequels (and the mooted book on the first film’s post-production) never came together, but understandable. Even the market for this one couldn’t have been huge. One for the fans.

[Chris Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for a number of years, purchased it when it first came out but refused to open it until recently. I'm glad I did!!! A beautiful collection of art, production notes, and design concepts from some of the greats in Graphic Art including Geoff Darrow and Steve Skroce (among others).

Fans of The Matrix, art, or movie making should look this title up. It's not cheap (I paid about $100.00 when it first came out) and is now out of print, but can be found on amazon and ebay regularly.

There were plans to put out two more books in the same format for the remainder of the series (Reloaded and Revolutions), though I suspect due to some lack of fan appreciation for the latter two films we will likely not see those.

Too bad...

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will admit i am a sucker for art work and even more so concept art and from something as influential and as important as the Matrix but i was some what disappointed by the book - it is an expensive and heavy book which at first glance promises a lot considering it is a visually stunning film. However on closer examination there is a lot there which i think if filler - when i see the title art of... i do not expect to see a huge section of script presented in the same type face and style as the original. The contents is interesting but it is not a rich as some art of books.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the production of the film and of particular interest to fans of graphic novels. Personally, I would have appreciated a couple more costume design sketches as there seemed to be a focus on the designs for the sentinels and machine-world things. I also found the film script a little out of place considering that this is an "art" book but it was an interesting read all the same.

[Eugene booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man what a fantastic book form an artist prespective from begging to ends its great with art from the pre prductions to distribution you will pick this book up again and again and again, teaser Trinity was oringinlay a Asian female they changed it for american audiens or western you will see it in the story boards by Steve Skroce!

[Kogiopsis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a newfound respect for filmmakers and actors. Never before have I really understood the difficulties of making movies or the length of the process. This book brought it home and was enjoyable to boot. Definitely reccomended for anyone interested in film, and anyone who enjoyed watching The Matrix.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. The art and the storyboards gave a real insight into how the movie was made. The concept artwork was absolutely beautiful. I also really liked how they showed you how the script and story boards changed as they were making the movie. If you love the Matrix or just love art then I highly recommend this book.

[John Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has a lot of action and it is a great book.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of art and the story behind it. A must have for Matrix Fans and a good book for the aspiring CGI artists out there.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hail to Wachowski brothers!!!

[Tracey King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of reading, film, art and graphics all rolled into one. It made me see how much imagination goes into a story from lots of different inputs.

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oohh pretty cool.