The sequel to the iconic 1999 film, Matrix, known as Matrix Reloaded, is remembered for one of the most impressive chase sequences ever filmed. In this memorable scene, Trinity and Morpheus are chased by the Twins along a highway built specifically for the production, which stretched over two kilometers in the abandoned Alameda Naval Station, in Alameda County, California.
A scene that was not exactly cheap or easy
The creation of this highway was not an easy task; the production invested 2.5 million dollars in its construction, surrounding it with six-meter-high walls to ensure that no element from the outside world filtered into the scene. The road had three lanes in each direction, designed to provide ample space for the spectacular stunts and explosions showcased in the sequence.
In an innovative move, General Motors donated 300 vehicles to be used in the filming, all of which were destroyed during the shoot, demonstrating the producers’ commitment to realism and excessive action. The filming of this intense chase took almost three months, and although most of the scenes were shot on the mentioned highway, some shots were also made in Oakland, California.
Once the filming was completed, the highway was dismantled, but the location where it was built can currently be viewed through Google Maps. The sequence is not only a testament to the creative vision of the Wachowski sisters, but also a milestone in action cinematography that still resonates in popular culture.
As Matrix continues to be relevant, technology and advancements in special effects keep fueling rumors about possible new installments, leading us to questions about what other futuristic projects we can expect from this legendary franchise.
