Key Takeaways:
– Martial arts legend Yuen Woo-Ping had strict conditions to work on The Matrix.
– Beyond a significant salary, Woo-Ping demanded full control over the action sequences and insisted on training the actors personally.
– Under Woo-Ping's instruction, the major cast members received intensive kung-fu training for four months.
According to FandomWire, ‘The Matrix' by the Wachowskis is revered for its groundbreaking visual effects and unforgettable action scenes, incorporating both Western and Eastern fighting styles. The Hong Kong martial arts maestro, Yuen Woo-Ping, was the guiding force behind the film's iconic action.
Yuen Woo-Ping's Demands
Despite his success with Hong Kong martial arts cinema, Woo-Ping was hesitant to venture into Hollywood. When he was approached to work on The Matrix, the choreographer declared a rigid condition that would bring him onboard. To the Wachowskis' relief, the filmmakers happily acquiesced to his requirements.
The 1999 mega-hit catapulted Keanu Reeves, playing the role of Neo, to fame, with a franchise ensuing to preserve the film's legacy. Innovative action choreography was vital for the film's success, which is why the Wachowskis courted Woo-Ping to direct the action scenes. As per The Screened, due to their deep admiration for Hong Kong cinema, they specifically approached Woo-Ping for the job. However, Woo-Ping's interest in Hollywood was tepid at best.
Negotiating for the Dire Straits
As per a tweet shared by All The Right Movies, Woo-Ping demanded a hefty salary, to which the filmmakers quickly agreed, emphasizing their trust in his unique martial arts acumen. Coupled with a considerable pay package, Woo-Ping also requested absolute control over the movie's action sequences and insisted on personally training the major cast.
In an interview with Today.Line in 2019, Woo-Ping shared how representatives from The Matrix tirelessly pursued him and the Shaw Brothers working with him. Initially, the choreographer was reluctant. However, the proposal to merge kung fu with special effects and integrate sci-fi with a martial arts movie became alluring, eventually enticing him to join the project.
Training Hollywood Stars in the Art of Kung Fu
With total control over the action sequences in his possession, Woo-Ping began training the film's big names, primarily Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving. These stars were indulged in intensive martial arts training.
Unlike Hong Kong actors, Hollywood stars had little to no exposure to martial arts, which required intensive training from scratch. As reported by Today.Line, Woo-Ping personally trained the actors at a warehouse in Hollywood for four exhausting months.
Keanu Reeves told Kung Fu Magazine, talent alone was not enough for Woo-Ping. He also required individual style from the cast. He gave the necessary guidance, allowed organic movement, and fostered collaborative partnerships with the actors. Woo-Ping's unique training also incorporated practical wire work techniques often used in Hong Kong to simulate flying sequences.
The immense dedication and considerable efforts were eventually rewarded. The Matrix received critical acclaim and adoration from audiences worldwide, grossing over $460 million over a mere $63 million budget, and making it the highest-grossing movie under Warner Bros that year.
The story of The Matrix revolves around the concept that reality is, in fact, a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. The movie's success resulted in two sequels: ‘The Matrix Reloaded' and ‘The Matrix Revolutions'.
Yuen Woo-Ping's uncompromising approach while contributing to ‘The Matrix' is a testament to his grandeur as a martial arts director, challenging Hollywood norms and infusing a fresh perspective into the industry. Today, ‘The Matrix' is considered a classic, owing much to Woo-Ping's strict conditions and dedicated training. It's safe to say that his vision combined with the hard work of the entire cast and crew led to the film's esteemed reputation in cinema history.
The Matrix is now globally available for streaming on Max.
