It seems that once again reality is going to dance with fantasy. In recent days. reports have surfaced that John Malvo, remaining sniper suspect and supposed brainwashee of the deadly duo is attempting to persuade his captors that he is insane by way of movie-making. When asked by investigators where to look should they choose to serach for explanations, he replied: look to The Matrix.
Many recall the infamous "Twinkie Defense." There has certainly been plenty of defendants who have argued that sex, drugs and violence led them down the wrong path en route to their ultimate moral decline. Usually, such arguments are unsuccessful. In fact, Malvo's use of The Matrix in his defense will not be the first time the hit film and its progeny have been used in such a manner.
"The Matrix Defense", however, seems to be different. Our society has begun to evaluate, investigate and even integrate the Matrix into our own realities, many times in the attempt to explain the, up 'till now, inexplicable. Learned scholars are writing fervently on the philisophic implications of The Matrix, while some of our top universities currently offer courses on various elements of the films.
Books are being released at a rapid pace, including The Matrix and Philosophy: Welcome to the Desert of the Real by William Irwin, The Gospel Reloaded: Exploring Spirituality and Faith in The Matrix by Chris Seay, and Taking the Red Pill: Science, Philosophy and Religion in The Matrix by Glenn Yeffeth.
It seems clear that this phenomenon is not a passing phase, but rather a national concern possessing true staying power. With the help of Malvo, and others similarly situated, questions surounding the film-making and its implications have moved from the movie house to the courthouse.
Malvo, it seems. is a big fan. What this means in terms of his specific level of culpability for the savage sniper murders is yet to be determined. No doubt, we will see experts come out of the woodwork, each with an opinion on what The Matrix means to not only Malvo, but to the judicial system and the movie-making world, as well. Even the battle between those who profess to guard our sensitive morality and their ethically-barren filmmaking advesaries have found a new arena to wage their war.
Malvo's use of The Matrix is just the latest in a string of imaginative attempts by criminal (and film-loving, it seems) defendants to get away with murder.
Politics, Law, Film, Philosophy...all coming together in a meteor-shower of cultural significance. As we move further and further into this uncharted territory, The PCR will captain this rocket-ship. All we ask is that you remain seated until we come to a complete stop.
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