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The Matrix movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Matrix filmed?

1999

City Locations

Sydney (Australia), Nashville (USA), San Francisco (USA), Pittwater (Australia)

Location Types

Film Studio, Modern Office, Restaurant

Location Styles

Futuristic, Helicopter, Muscle, Modern Car

About The Matrix

The Matrix is a sci-fi action film written and directed by the Wachowskis and released in 1999. The movie, featuring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving, is the initial part of the Matrix film series. In the film, Machines use people as a source of energy and give them a virtual world to distract their minds. Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer named "Neo," discovers the truth about the situation and teams up with other people freed from the Matrix to fight against the machines. The Matrix is classified as a cyberpunk science fiction subgenre.

The Wachowskis were influenced by martial arts films, Japanese animation, and Hong Kong action cinema when crafting action sequences for their movie. Because of these influences, they used fight choreographers and wire fu techniques. The film made terms like red pill popular and showcased the creative "bullet time" visual effect. This effect displayed specific characters' heightened perception by slowing down the action while the camera moved at average speed, making the fast movements of the characters appear normal. Consequently, this effect has profoundly influenced subsequent Hollywood action film productions.

The Matrix had an impressive run in the US beginning on March 31, 1999, receiving high praise from critics and earning significant profits. The movie was praised by critics for its action scenes, cutting-edge visual effects, cinematography, and overall entertainment. The fourth highest-grossing film of 1999 was produced by Warner Bros. for $63 million and earned over $460 million worldwide.

At the 72nd Academy Awards, The Matrix was nominated in 4 categories and won all of them: Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound. The movie is considered one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. Recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, the Library of Congress added the film to the United States National Film Registry in 2012.

The Wachowskis wrote and directed two sequels to The Matrix - The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Furthermore, the franchise expanded through video games, comic books, and an animated anthology film called The Animatrix, with heavy involvement from the Wachowskis. The films' religious and philosophical allusions also inspired multiple books and theories. The franchise released a fourth film titled The Matrix Resurrections on December 22, 2021.

The Matrix Locations

The filming for the iconic science fiction movie, The Matrix, helped to establish New South Wales in Australia as a major film production center. Most scenes were shot at Fox Studios in Sydney and around the city, though recognizable landmarks were omitted to maintain a generic American city appeal. The region provided an ideal backdrop for the film with its vibrant cityscape and rolling hilltops along the coast. Tourists would be delighted to take a trip down memory lane and visit iconic locations featured in the Matrix, thanks to their unique beauty and historic charm. For instance, some scenes were filmed in Centennial Park, a sprawling green space close to Sydney's suburban epicenter, boasting outdoor art installations and five-star gardens that provide great photo opportunities for tourists wishing to capture moments from The Matrix. Other areas include Blue Mountains National Park, which offers spectacular views of lush canyons, sheer cliffs, and caves from where Neo escapes into Zion.

Trinity phone booth escape scene in The Matrix

Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia

Trapped in an abandoned hotel, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) is surrounded by a police squad. However, she exhibits superhuman abilities and overpowers them before escaping. The police and agents with similar superhuman abilities chase her. After answering a ringing public telephone, Trinity disappears.

Hickson Road is a picturesque waterfront strip located in the neighborhood of Millers Point, Sydney. The road runs along the shoreline of Darling Harbour, offering stunning views of the glittering waters and the city skyline. It is a beautiful walkway that attracts tourists and locals from all over the city. Formerly an industrial hub, Hickson Road was renovated and transformed into a beautiful public space with landscaped gardens, public art installations, and various restaurants and cafes. The road is lined with perfectly manicured gardens, creating a peaceful and tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy.

The closest train station is Circular Quay, approximately a ten-minute walk from Hickson Road. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus to the Hickson Road bus stop within a short distance from the road. Bus routes that service the area include routes 324 and 325. Several car parks are available in the area for those traveling by car, including Wilson Parking - 5 Hickson Road Car Park and Wilson Parking - Quay West Car Park.

Agent training program scene in The Matrix

Lloyd Rees Fountain, Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Neo (Keanu Reeves) is warned by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) that dying in the Matrix also causes physical death and that the Agents are advanced programs meant to eliminate threats to the system. Morpheus also explains that in the real world, rebels are killed by machines known as Sentinels. After witnessing Neo's impressive skills during virtual training, Morpheus is convinced that Neo is "the One," a prophesied human who will liberate humankind.

Neo becomes briefly preoccupied with the woman in red while Morpheus attempts to explain the intricacies of the Matrix in the Training Program. This scene was filmed beside the circular fountain in pedestrianized Martin Place at Pitt Street, in the center of Sydney's business district. It might look familiar to movie enthusiasts, as it has been featured as the setting for "Metropolis" in Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns." Martin Place Fountain, or Lloyd Rees Fountain, located in the center of Martin Place, is a stunning public fountain and a popular gathering place for locals and tourists in Sydney. Designed by Tognetti and Company and opened in 1971, Martin Place Fountain has become one of the city's most notable landmarks.

Visitors can also reach Martin Place Fountain by public transportation. The closest train station is Martin Place, which is within walking distance. Bus routes that service the area include routes 200, 333, 343, and 373.

Cypher and Agent Smith meeting scene in The Matrix

2 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Just as they are about to exit the Matrix, the group is ambushed by Agents and police who were tipped off by Cypher (Joe Pantoliano). Cypher, a disloyal crew member, had betrayed Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) in exchange for a chance to be plugged back into the Matrix and live a comfortable life. Cypher is speaking to Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and expressing his skepticism about the reality of the steak they are discussing.

This meeting occurred at the now-closed Forty One Restaurant. 2 Chifley Square is a premier commercial building in the heart of Sydney's central business district. The building is 30 stories high and boasts a unique architectural design that blends contemporary style with classic sensibilities. The building was developed by Mirvac and completed in 2013, designed by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. The building offers 74,000 square meters of lettable space and is a prime location for business executives looking for office space in Sydney. Forty One was an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Sydney's central business district at 2 Chifley Square. Before shutting down, the Michelin-starred restaurant had won numerous awards, including the prestigious Chef Hat Award from the Good Food Guide.

Several car parks are available nearby for those traveling by car, including Wilson Parking – Chifley Tower Car Park, Secure Parking – The Chifley Plaza Car Park, and Secure Parking - Martin Place Car Park. Visitors can also reach 2 Chifley Square by public transportation. The closest train stations are Wynyard and Martin Place, both within walking distance. Bus routes that service the area include routes 200, 333, 340, and 373.

Neo and Trinity's "bullet time" scene in The Matrix

Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Determined to fulfill the prophecy of the Oracle (Gloria Foster), Neo (Keanu Reeves) decides to go back into the Matrix to rescue Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) insisting on joining him on this mission. While rescuing Morpheus, Neo gains a newfound belief in his skills, successfully performing stunts similar to the feats of the Agents (Hugo Weaving).

Fox Studios, located in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales, is a vast complex of over 130,000 square meters. It features world-class film, television, event, and production facilities. Opened in 1998 as part of the Sydney Olympic Games, Fox Studios has played a significant role in the Australian film and television industry. Besides film and television productions, Fox Studios is also a popular location for corporate events and other occasions. The facility has an event center, the Showring, which can house performances, conferences, and other events. The nearby Entertainment Quarter also creates the perfect mix of events, recreation, and business. Now the studio is permanently closed.

Visitors can take the Eastern Distributor Motorway by car and exit at Moore Park Road. Turn left onto Anzac Parade and continue until you reach Lang Road. From Lang Road, enter Fox Studios and follow the signs to Stage 4. Alternatively, visitors can use public transportation. Bus routes M10, 339, 372, 374, 376, 391, and 395 all stop at the nearby Moore Park Bus Station. From there, it's just a short walk to Fox Studios. Alternatively, visitors can take the train to Central Station and then take a bus or taxi to the Studios.

Neo fighting Agent Smith scene in The Matrix

Glebe Island, Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia

Following the successful extraction of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) from within the Matrix, Neo (Keanu Reeves) is attacked and killed by Smith (Hugo Weaving). Meanwhile, a group of Sentinels launch an assault on the Nebuchadnezzar. Amid the chaos, Trinity declares her love for Neo and reveals that the Oracle (Gloria Foster) had prophesied her falling in love with the One. Neo is brought back to life with new abilities that allow him to manipulate and perceive the Matrix. With his newfound power, he effortlessly defeats Smith, scaring the other Agents and forcing them to retreat. Later, as the ship's electromagnetic pulse disables the Sentinels, Neo exits the Matrix.

The scene in which Neo fights Agent Smith at the train station was filmed on an old railway track previously used for the Glebe Island Silos. These silos were built in the 1920s to store wheat and are located on the Balmain side of the Anzac Bridge in White Bay. Glebe Island is an artificial island located in Rozelle, Sydney, Australia. The island was initially formed when a canal was dredged between Pyrmont and White Bay in the early 1900s. It was primarily used as a dockyard and shipping terminal for the cargo industry for many years. The venue offers a range of flexible spaces that can adapt to various events, including trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, product launches, music events, and more. It is easily accessible from the city's central business district and has visitor parking facilities.

For those traveling by car, ample parking is available on the island. Visitors can park in Parking Areas P5 and P6 through James Craig Road, Sydney. Alternatively, there are paid on-street parking options available in the surrounding area. Visitors can also reach Glebe Island via public transportation. The closest train station to the island is The Star (formerly known as Sydney Casino), and from there, visitors can take a bus or taxi or walk to the venue. Bus routes servicing the area include M50, 389, or 501. Alternatively, visitors can take a ferry to Balmain East and then walk to Glebe Island.

Neo making the final call scene in The Matrix

O'Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

After returning to the Matrix, Neo (Keanu Reeves) calls the machines, assuring them that he will display a world where anything is achievable for their captives. Subsequently, he concludes the call and takes off into the air.

Neo places his final call to the machines from a phone booth at Pitt and Hunter Streets intersection on the southeast corner, near O'Connell Street. This location is situated one block north of Martin Place. O'Connell Street is iconic in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This place has a delightful combination of old and modern buildings, fashionable coffee shops, small specialty shops, and cultural exhibition spaces. Named after Irish patriot and politician Daniel O'Connell, the street is in the central business district and is a popular spot for tourists and locals. It has various heritage-listed buildings, including the St. James Trust, Dymocks, and Burns Philp.

Public transportation options include buses and trains. The nearest stations are St. James and Martin Place for those traveling by train. Routes 200 and 300 stop near the Strand Arcade if taking the bus. For those driving, several car parks are available in the surrounding area, including the Secure Parking – Strand Car Park, Queen Victoria Building (QVB) Car Park, and Wilson Parking – Angel Place.

Conclusion

The Matrix is an iconic film that has become a true classic of modern cinema. Filming took place in various locations worldwide, such as Australia and California in the US. In Australia, filming took place in multiple locations, including Sydney and Fox Studios Australia, while, in California, filming was done at various sites between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This global reach allowed the filmmakers to capture a wide range of different environments and helped give The Matrix its unique visual flair.

Parts of The Matrix were also filmed on sound stages, where sets and special effects were crafted to create the cyber-worlds integral to the movie’s story. Locations inside this digital realm were also used extensively during production, allowing for shots of characters battling against computer-generated enemies. Through it all, Australian cinematographer Bill Pope lent his expertise to the project, creating memorable imagery with his skillful use of color and composition.

In short, The Matrix was a significant triumph for Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures, and there’s no doubt that its success would not have been possible without its range of exceptional international locations. From Sydney to Los Angeles, the filmmakers captured beautiful landscapes and cutting-edge special effects, allowing them to craft an unforgettable film that continues to fascinate viewers more than 20 years after its initial release.