The One's Function is the 30th scene of The Matrix Reloaded.
Description
This scene continues after The Architect (scene).
The Architect continued to explain that Neo, as an anomaly, was creating fluctuations in the simplest of equations. Neo concluded that the problem was choice.
Trinity beaten up by Agent Thompson.
On the other hand, Trinity found herself facing Agent Thompson. All her attempts to wound the Agent fail and she is thrown to a door.
Back in the Architect's Chamber, the Architect continues to explain the history of the Matrix to Neo. He describes the First Matrix as the perfect utopia. One that had no flaws. He considered it a triumph only equaled by its immense failure. He stated that the reason for the failure was the imperfection in every human being. He then recounts as how he redesigned the Matrix based on the human history to "reflect the varying grotesqeries of your nature". But the second Matrix also turned out to be an failure.
He considers that he failed because the solution required a lesser mind, or one less intent on perfection. He tells Neo that the answer was found by another program, one made to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. He tells Neo the solution to how 99% of all the humans would accept the Matrix was providing them with a choice, even though they were only aware of the choice at a near-unconscious level.
The architect explains that the premise of the simulated reality was fundamentally flawed, resulting in the creation of anomalies, like Neo. He considered that these anomalies might threaten the system if they were left unchecked. He then tells if that the humans who rejected the program were left unchecked it would escalate the probability of disaster.
Neo then understands that this was all about Zion. The Architect tells him that Neo was there because Zion was about to be destroyed, and all the humans in it eradicated. Neo's initial reaction was denial. The Architect replies that denial was the most predictable of all human responses. He continues by telling that this would be the sixth time that the Machines would have destroy Zion. He continues to explain that the One's function would now be to return to the Source to allow the dissemination of the code Neo was carrying.
Then Neo will have to select sixteen female and seven male humans from the matrix to rebuild Zion. He then explains the reason for allowing the creation of Zion. He explains that if the Matrix is not rebooted, there will be a cataclysmic crash, which coupled with the extermination of all the humans in Zion will result in the extinction of the human race. Neo replies that the Machines won't let this happen because they need humans to survive. The Architect replies that the Machines are ready to accept certain levels of survival.
Dialog
The Architect: The first Matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect, it was a work of art, flawless, sublime. A triumph equaled only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is as apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being, thus I redesigned it based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However, I was again frustrated by failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind, or perhaps a mind less bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus, the answer was stumbled upon by another, an intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the Matrix, she would undoubtedly be its mother.
Neo: The Oracle.
The Architect: Please. As I was saying, she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99% of all test subjects accepted the program, as long as they were given a choice, even if they were only aware of the choice at a near unconscious level. While this answer functioned, it was obviously fundamentally flawed, thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly, that if left unchecked, might threaten the system itself. Ergo, those that refused the program, while a minority, if unchecked, would constitute an escalating probability of disaster.
The Architect: You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed. Its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existence eradicated.
Neo: Bullshit.
The Architect: Denial is the most predictable of all human responses. But, rest assured, this will be the sixth time we have destroyed it, and we have become exceedingly efficient at it......The function of the One is now to return to the source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which, you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals, 16 female, 7 male, to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash, killing everyone connected to the matrix, which coupled with the extermination of Zion will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.
The Architect: There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However, the relevant issue is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibility for the death of every human being in this world.
See Also
Next: Neo's Choice
Previous: The Architect (scene)