I am a fan of “The Matrix.” The Wachowski brothers’ apocalyptic vision of the future is a thrilling philosophical and visual experience. Their innovative storytelling and photography melded perfectly with the story being told.
 
     While I love “The Matrix,” I am disgusted by its influence on other filmmakers. In action films made after “The Matrix,” the Wachowski brothers’ visual style has been copied so much that it is no longer impressive. Their style of photography and effects are frequently used in films, even if the effects do not make sense for the film they are being used in. Filmmakers rely on the style of the special effects and pay no attention to the story surrounding the film. By ignoring the plot, the spectacular effects they rely on to sell the film appear ridiculous.
 
     In “The Matrix,” a logical reason was provided for the characters’ spectacular abilities—they were in a computer program. In films since “The Matrix,” many filmmakers have failed to provide a logical reason for a character’s ability to perform fantastical feats. The audience then views these feats as ridiculous because there is no reason for a character to be able to perform them.
 
     A story must be grounded in some reality—not necessarily our own reality— for it to seem real. “The Matrix” took place in a computer world where the actions of its characters can be explained. In subsequent films, like “Charlie’s Angels,” no reason is given for the stupendous stunts its characters perform. The film takes place in a reality, and yet the characters do not work within the limits of their own reality. Instead of using the plot as inspiration for special effects, the filmmaker recycles a stunt that makes no sense in the reality of the film. All they have managed to do is cheapen a film that otherwise could have been entertaining.
 
     I hope filmmakers will come to this realization soon and abandon their poor attempts to imitate other successful films. If they keep imitating the style of the Wachowski brothers, the success of their films will decline. They must overcome the temptation to use someone else’s successful ideas and develop their own.