The Matrix‘s first installment showcases one of the coolest hidden messages of the entire sag, which foreshadows the film’s most important twist: Cypher’s betrayal. More than two decades have passed since The Matrix’s release and new details keep continue to pop up and become noticed with each rewatch. The Matrix became an iconic saga due to its premise, its aesthetic, and the complexity of its plot, with deeper layers of its story being uncovered through the analysis of dialogue, references, and elements of foreshadowing.
One of the most appealing aspects of The Matrix upon its release in 1999 – and that was maintained throughout its sequels – is the presence of Easter eggs and references to external media. However, if one is not paying attention to detail, these hints will be missed, and therefore some important story set-up and foreshadowing will be lost. Among the biggest examples of a major plot detail being teased by an Easter egg is Cypher’s betrayal of Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus, as a clue to his treachery is hidden in one of the most famous quotes from The Matrix.
Cypher Citing The Wizard of Oz Reveals He Is Against Morpheus’ Beliefs
After Neo (Keanu Reeves) takes the red pill in one of The Matrix‘s most important scenes, the crew prepares to execute his extraction. At one point, Cypher (Joe Pantoliano) says to Neo, “It means buckle your seat belt, Dorothy, because Kansas is going bye-bye.” On the surface, this line appears to be just a fun reference to the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. However, when analyzed deeper, the decision to cite that specific story sets Cypher apart from the crew, as Morpheus’ beliefs and his entire mission are marked by Alice in Wonderland references. Keeping this in mind, this quote already shows Cypher is on the opposite side.
Furthermore, Alice in Wonderland‘s references emphasize the idea of questioning reality, bending the rules, and truly knowing oneself; concepts that delineate Morpheus’ mission of awakening as many minds as possible from a terrible system of control such as the Matrix. The Wizard of Oz‘s quote, on the other hand, could be interpreted as the exact opposite. Dorothy’s desire to return to Kansas and the fact that she never really asked to be taken to Oz stands in opposition to Alice, whose own inquisitive nature led her to Wonderland. In other words, the subtext of Cypher’s line already indicates his desire to return to Kansas, which would be the Matrix.
How Cypher’s Betrayal Was Foreshadowed In The Matrix
The iconic dinner scene between Cypher and Agent Smith in The Matrix confirms his hatred for the real world and his desire to be re-inserted into the Matrix. The Wizard of Oz quote is the first indicator of Cypher’s discontent with his decision to take the red pill. However, when analyzed deeper, it also foreshadows the nature of his plan to get back home. Considering that Dorothy’s way of returning home is to kill the Wicked Witch, who in Cypher’s eyes could be Morpheus, his final betrayal of handing him to the agents and killing the rest of the crew can already be foreseen in The Matrix‘s early scene.
