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Into The Matrix with Laurence Fishburne

2025/1/7
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Laurence Fishburne
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Neil deGrasse Tyson
以主持《宇宙：时空之旅》和《星谈》等科学节目而闻名的美国天体物理学家和科学传播者。
Topics
Neil deGrasse Tyson: 本集探讨了《黑客帝国》中体现的科学、哲学和宗教主题，特别关注电影中对模拟理论和基督教神话的隐喻运用。他指出电影中一些科学设定与热力学定律相悖，但总体上对电影的叙事和艺术成就给予了高度评价。他还与Laurence Fishburne讨论了模拟理论的可能性以及人类对虚拟现实的依赖。 Neil deGrasse Tyson还分析了电影中一些具体的科学细节，例如勺子的光学效果和人类作为电池的设定，并对电影中一些不符合科学事实的设定进行了点评。他认为电影的成功之处在于其引人入胜的故事情节和对人类生存状态的深刻思考，而非其科学的准确性。 此外，Neil deGrasse Tyson还与Laurence Fishburne讨论了他们对宗教和信仰的看法，以及《黑客帝国》中对基督教神话的巧妙运用。他们探讨了救世主、背叛者和救赎等主题在电影中的体现，以及这些主题与人类普遍的信仰和渴望之间的联系。 Laurence Fishburne: 他分享了自己在电影和电视行业中的丰富经历，并重点讲述了在《黑客帝国》中的拍摄体验。他谈到了自己对角色的理解，以及电影中蕴含的深刻的哲学和宗教隐喻。他认为《黑客帝国》的成功在于其原创性和对古老神话的现代诠释。 Laurence Fishburne还详细解释了电影中一些角色的象征意义，例如Morpheus作为先知和引导者的角色，以及Trinity作为救世主伴侣的角色。他还谈到了电影中对基督教神话的巧妙运用，例如Neo作为救世主的象征，以及电影中出现的14颗子弹与耶稣受难十四站的对应关系。 此外，Laurence Fishburne还分享了自己对模拟理论的看法，以及他对人类在数字时代生存状态的思考。他认为《黑客帝国》这部电影不仅是一部科幻作品，更是一部对人类生存意义和价值进行深刻探讨的哲学作品。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Laurence Fishburne lie about his age to get a role in *Apocalypse Now*?

At 14, he auditioned for and got a part in *Apocalypse Now*. He claimed to be 16, but the filmmakers hired him anyway, knowing he was lying. He notes that many underage boys lied to enlist and fight in WWI, drawing a parallel to his character, a 17-year-old soldier.

Why does Laurence Fishburne consider *The Matrix* his single favorite movie?

He found the story to be the most original he'd ever read, resonating with him deeply. He also cites the film's exploration of good vs. evil, beautiful visuals, and the timely release at the dawn of the digital age, mirroring the film's themes.

Why was *CSI* so impactful, beyond its entertainment value?

The show portrayed scientists as real people with complex lives, making science accessible and even “sexy.” This led to a demonstrable increase in interest in science, particularly among women, and even inspired a traveling museum exhibit.

Why does Laurence Fishburne believe the concept of humans as batteries in *The Matrix* is flawed?

He points to the laws of thermodynamics, which state that energy conversion is never 100% efficient. Since humans get their energy from food, it would be more efficient for the machines to use that food source directly, rather than the energy humans produce after consuming it.

What specific religious allusions did Laurence Fishburne identify in *The Matrix*?

He highlights several: Neo as "The One," an anagram for the savior, being called "Jesus Christ" early in the film; Cypher, the betrayer, being likened to Judas; Neo being shot with 14 bullets, mirroring the 14 Stations of the Cross; and Neo's resurrection and ascension to a higher power, echoing Jesus's story. He also draws parallels between Morpheus and John the Baptist, as well as Trinity and Mary Magdalene.

What scientific detail in *The Matrix* impressed Laurence Fishburne?

The accurate depiction of optics in the spoon scene, where the concave and convex sides of the spoon correctly distort Neo's reflection, earned praise for its scientific accuracy.

How did Laurence Fishburne's experience with *Apocalypse Now* influence his perspective on *The Matrix*?

*Apocalypse Now*, despite its artistic merit, was not commercially successful. This taught him that even brilliant concepts don't always resonate with audiences. Despite recognizing *The Matrix*'s originality, he remained aware that its complex story might not be universally understood.

Chapters
Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Laurence Fishburne, exploring his extensive and diverse acting career, touching upon his roles in various films and TV shows, including his portrayal of a scientist in CSI and its impact on inspiring future scientists.
  • Laurence Fishburne's career spans various genres and roles.
  • His role in CSI inspired many to pursue science.
  • Fishburne's acting is characterized by diversity and depth.

Shownotes Transcript

Are we all living in The Matrix? Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with actor Laurence Fishburne to explore the science of The Matrix, simulation theory, and who has the better deep voice. Would you take the red pill? 

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/into-the-matrix-with-laurence-fishburne/)

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