Representations of Digital Alienation in Film Literature: A Critical Study of The Matrix Trilogy

Abstract

Digital alienation has become an important social issue in the twenty-first century. It is deeply connected to globalization, new technologies, and the way digital life affects human relationships. Movies often show these feelings of distance and loss of connection in society. The Matrix series, directed by Lana Wachowski, creates digital worlds that show the struggles of humans between reality and virtual existence. A number of researches have been conducted on the characters and themes of the film series, but there is inadequate research that focuses on the representation of digital alienation. Thereby, utilizing Catherine Belsey’s method of textual analysis under the broader umbrella of simulacra and simulation theory, this thesis examined digital alienation through the idea of simulation and virtual realities in The Matrix film series. Ultimately, the research demonstrated that the films depict the hyperreal digital space not merely as an illusion, but as a structural condition that actively separates humanity from physical reality, psychological agency, and authentic human connection.