is a collection of critical essays on the massive phenomenon that is the three films, including the subsequent Web sites, computer games and The Animatrix films. Among the topics considered are the new cyberpunk, Baudrillarian simulacra, the politics of gender and race, the femme fatale, costume, cyberculture and the body, virtual realities and special effects. Discussing both the influences on the trilogy and the impact they have had since their release, the contributors to this collection provide critically innovative readings of the franchise. is a long-awaited exploration of a modern film phenomenon and is the first academic publication to consider the films as a cultural event.