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Keanu Reeves has established himself as a force in the action film genre, contributing to some of the best movies of the modern era, such as The Matrix series and the John Wick franchise. His dedicated performances and commitment to performing stunts have played a significant role in shaping memorable action sequences. However, there’s one stunt in particular that stands out for Reeves himself—the iconic “bullet time” sequence from the first Matrix movie.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Reeves discussed the filming of the scene where Neo dodges bullets while attempting to free Morpheus. He recalled the extraordinary nature of the stunt, conducted on a stage with a green screen and over 100 cameras. Reeves was suspended on a wire, playing the human element in the groundbreaking “bullet time” effect.
“When it came to shooting Neo dodging the bullets, it was on a stage with a green screen and more than 100 cameras. I was on a wire, and it was extraordinary to be the human piece of ‘bullet time’ and do something physically impossible. I threw myself back, did the choreography—everyone was really excited hearing the camera shutters,” Reeves explained.
The actor continued by describing the meticulous approach of the Wachowski siblings, the directors of The Matrix, as they sought perfection in the sequence. The initial excitement surrounding the creation of “bullet time” eventually led to its widespread adoption in commercials and other media. Reeves acknowledged the enduring impact of the technique on visual language, noting its incorporation into various aspects of entertainment, such as football games.
“There’s nothing like the original, but it’s still always cool,” Reeves concluded, reflecting on the lasting legacy of the groundbreaking stunt. The “bullet time” sequence not only became iconic within the context of The Matrix but also left an indelible mark on the broader landscape of visual storytelling in film and beyond.