The Simulation Theory in Cinema: 'World on a Wire' and 'The Matrix'

I Watch More Movies Than You

What if I told you that a movie came out in Germany in 1973 is still the greatest depiction of the Simulation Theory, and not only does it surpass The Matrix (1999), but gave birth to it? Let us introduce you to Rainer Werner Fassbinder's World on a Wire (Welt am Draht).
The Criterion Collection twitter / X handle recommended me 'World on a Wire' based on my love for Kubrick, and boy did they hit the nail on the head. World on a Wire stars the amazing Klaus Lowitsch, Barbara Valentine, Mascha Rabben, and was the only sci-fi entry for the amazing and tragic Fassbinder, who shot this film at 27 and unfortunately only lived 10 more years afterwards.
World on a Wire depicts the source material 'Simulacron-3' beautifully, with gorgeously antiquated and charming camera work (long shots and odd angles, making it difficult to even depict the subject of a given scene) that truly transports you into the future, which is given life on the set using beautiful brutalist architecture with a 2001: A Space Odyssey aesthetic coated over it, oh.. and a lot of mirrors. Fassbinder loved mirrors.
Couple the immensely gifted directing, cinematography, and unique distinctive style with the philosophical depth, the rediscovery and background to this film, and its outsized influence on science fiction in cinema, and you truly have a CAN NOT MISS motion picture. World on a Wire is 3 and a half hours of pure cinematic goodness and I cannot recommend it enough, thanks Criterion- I immediately purchased their edition! #physicalmedia
But one cannot discuss 'World on a Wire' without discussing the Wachowski's 1999 cult classic 'The Matrix.' Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving breath life into this cybernetic masterpiece that truly defined a generation and is still going strong in cinematic discourse to this day, hence why it's on our pod!
The Matrix needs no introduction, but I encourage you to journey with us as we show you its daddy, World on a Wire, and also celebrate the beautiful juxtaposition of these two films and although they both play with the simulation theory, they have completely different outcomes and reads.
The Matrix is more than a visually stunning film, it is Plato's Allegory of the Cave come to life, the internet and all of the fear and angst as we barreled into the millennia come to the silver screen, and even large than that.... red pill or blue pill?
Peak behind the curtain of the Matrix and plug in and let's follow the white rabbit down the hole, you won't regret it. And please consider giving us a 5-star review if you enjoy our movie reviews, deep dives, and true exploration through this science fiction dystopian playing out real time as I type this films. These are simulation theory juggernauts, but there is so, so much more than meets the eye.
Movie lovers, let's ride! Or.... are you going to stay in wonderland?

Chương

1. The Simulation Theory in Cinema: 'World on a Wire' and 'The Matrix' (00:00:00)

2. The Simulation Theory (00:05:13)

3. World on a Wire (00:07:10)

4. The Matrix (00:36:16)