“The simulacrum is never what hides the truth—it is truth that hides the fact that there is none. The simulacrum is true.”
Jean Baudrillard, the high priest of modernism, gave the concept of simulacra and simulation in his book ‘Simulacra and Simulation’ published in 1981. According to him, simulacra are representations or copies of things that either distort or entirely replace the reality they represent and simulation is the process by which a representation or model of something replaces the reality of that thing, to the point that the real and imaginary become indistinguishable.
Hyperreal is the state when simulacra does not represent the real but becomes the real itself. There is no reference point to be found because everything is simulated. Reality does not exist; only its simulation. Real is no longer possible.
Look at this reaction to the reaction to the reaction…video by MrBeast.
Can you figure out where it all started?
Or this one where Jacksepticeye reacts to PewDiePie reacting to Jacksepticeye and so on…
It is a constant loop where the viewer forgets that the original even existed.
The examples of hyperreal are endless in the digital age. Countless photos and videos are shared on Instagram and Snapchat with filters and effects. Only the aesthetic part is actually posted. The real is edited out.
Users are given the illusion of choice. They are free to watch whatever they want, but only the content that meets the ‘Terms and Conditions.’ Celebrities and social media influencers aggressively advertise products and dictate fashion trends.
Constant surveillance and monitoring is masked under enhanced security from digital thefts, drugs and acts of terrorism.
We even have ‘Instagrammable’ foods; flower shaped ice-cream cones, colorful drinks, bubble tea and realistic cakes. These foods look aesthetically pleasing and picture perfect but have little nutritional value.
Baudrillard in his work opined that Disneyland is not a simulation. It presents a place filled with illusions and stresses on the idea that the real world exists outside. It’s a world where it is okay for adults to act like kids. But it is only hiding the fact that there is no real world. The rest of the world is just as much of a simulation as Disneyland.
He even went so far to say that Watergate was not a scandal and the Gulf War did not happen. The scandal happened to mask the fact that corruption is everywhere and war happen to mask the fact that peace is nowhere.
‘The Matrix’ movie came out in 1999 and it was heavily inspired by Baudrillard’s concept. However, Jean Baudrillard did not have a favourable critique of the film. He said in an interview:
“The Matrix is surely the kind of film about the matrix that the matrix would have been able to produce.”
He did not believe that the movie captured the true meaning of his concept. It confused his concept of simulation with the Platonic problem of illusion. Plato philosophised that appearances can be deceptive and can lead us away from the truth. He presented an allegory of the cave. A group of people living in a cave their whole lives perceive the shadows cast on the cave wall due to the burning fire as the reality. One of them gets out of the cave and sees the real world and the sun shining bright. He realizes that this is the real world and those were mere shadows all along.
According to Baudrillard, the distinction between the real and the illusory is too clear cut in the movie. The red pill takes you to the truth while the blue pill keeps you ignorant and happy.
“This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I’m offering is the truth. Nothing more.” – Morpheus
The reality is in the Zion and the illusion is in the Matrix. The idea of the real is thus preserved. As opposed to this, his work is based on the idea that simulacra is when the real and the illusion become indistinguishable.
To some extent, Baudrillard is correct in his critique. The film does glorify what it seeks to criticise. It is known for its enticing visuals and seductive use of technology. The dazzling spectacle of technology kept its intrigue in the audience.
But Baudrillard’s work was not the only inspiration for the movie. The makers, the Wachowskis considered other works such as those of Rene Descartes, C.S. Lewis’ ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ William Gibson’s ‘Neuromancer,’ and the movie ‘Blade Runner.’ He only disliked the film because it did not show his idea of simulation. He was invited to join the process of the next two films in the Matrix trilogy but he refused.
‘The Matrix’ still remains an iconic movie till date. It prompted a philosophical debate in a way fewer movies have done.
Before Morpheus approached Neo, he was a hacker living a lonely and aimless life. He kept all his files in a hollowed out copy of ‘Simulacra and Simulation.’ It is significant to note that the book opens on the chapter ‘On Nihilism.’ It is a reflection of Neo’s nihilistic tendencies before he joined the resistance. Baudrillard, however, thought this reference to be superficial.
Towards the end of the second movie of the trilogy ‘The Matrix Reloaded,’ we get to know that the Zion is also part of the matrix. The Architect reveals that it is allowed to exist to manage the human rebellion. Therefore, resistance is impossible. The matrix is all engulfing. There is no escape.
Baudrillard introduced a theoretical tool to challenge the established strictures of society. His work prompted a much-needed discussion that is indispensable in the fast-growing digital age. He might not agree with The Matrix movie but it prompted a philosophical discussion in such a way that few movies have done in the history of cinema.
What are your views on Baudrillard’s views on the movie? Do you think Baudrillard is being fair in his criticism? Let us know in the comments.
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