Now that I think about it, it’s like The Matrix but way before The Matrix.
There are other antecedents to The Matrix.
There’s Dark City, for one. In the Mouth of Madness did it with horror novels. There’s The Truman Show, which is a similar idea with television.
You could even argue that the TV series The Prisoner is a lot like The Matrix in the idea of a ‘real world’ and then a simulated world that looks like the real one that the protagonist is trapped in.
Ah, Dark City. Came out not long before The Matrix and was largely overshadowed/ignored. I hold that it’s a better film overall. For it’s innovation and Keanu’s 2nd big break brought out by The Matrix, it’s a weaker story. Plus, Dark City has Riff Raff and Jennifer Connelly. No contest.
Edit: Forgot that the Matrix actually reused some of Dark City’s sets for the rooftop scenes.
The Dark City director’s cut improves the film immensely just by taking out the opening narration.
I remember watching a thing where they auctioned off a lot of Star Trek props, and the little flute prop from this episode went for a ton of money. Apparently reacting to this, Patrick Stewart laughed and said “It doesn’t play! It’s not a real flute!”
I love this sub. Unfortunately I’m not enough of a fan, so some of the memes here go right over my head. Like this one. No idea what I’m looking at
It’s not a simple one to explain without the build up of character. Best to just watch most of TNG. This is from late season 5.
Ok that one’s funny