Flipping through the channels, and I stumbled upon one of the Matrix movies. Doesn’t matter which one, I immediately knew it was a Matrix movie within three frames.

There was a hover-ship, with glowing disks fleeing down an abandoned tunnel being chased by evil squid-like robots.  Say what you want about the trilogy, they have some very iconic images, and that is exactly what I like about them.

I loved the first Matrix movie, but found the sequels to be, well, sequels. Everything was bigger, badder and, well, just more.   But sequels will be another post.

All great science fiction has one thing in common, something iconic. Ok, great science fiction has a lot in common, but what makes great science fiction memorable is what I am talking about, especially when it comes to movies. Darth Vader and Luke.  Alien.  Predator.  The Terminator.  Neo and Morpheus and Agent Smith.  Tie-fighters and the Death Star.  Cap’n Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl.  Indiana Jones.  Kirk and Sock.  Every one of those names conjures an image in your mind, in the minds of everybody, even those who aren’t particularly fond of science fiction and fantasy.

And the reverse is also true.  One glimpse of that grinning, metal skull with it’s glowing red eyes, and you know, you know, the Terminator will not stop until you are dead.  One slow, mechanical breath and as you recognize the sound of Darth Vader a chill runs down your spine.

These things become part of our culture, our mythology.  They continue to effect us long after the movies stop making money.

And for all their flaws, the Matrix movies have their icons.  Agent Smith is immediately recognizable, everybody knows he’s a bad guy.  The mechanical Sentinels, the Squidies are clearly identifiable as evil machines.  Neo and Morpheus, we all quote from their interactions and some phrases have become internet memes.

And so I still enjoy these movies.  I do love my icons.