»The Merovingian & exiles - From a real world perspective«

FOREWORD
Those of you who know me know that I like to examine the films as an allegory to everyday life as I indeed believe those involved in the production intended to send a message about what is going on today.

The opening post:
One can read scores of threads and hundreds of posts all trying to decode the Merv because of his wife's name, the name of his club, his apparent previous relationship to Seraph, and the appearance of some of his comrades, the exiles. Many have posted that he symbolises Satan, the Devil. Some have compared him to Adam.

I have read these and I agree that on a level and from a certain perspective they are true...to an extent. But as those of you, who have posted such things, are aware, these comparisons only take you so far in decoding the movies themselves.

Now some have examined his name and what it implies and attempted to explain his purpose with it. But I have only read posts detailing Holy Grail, etc. and all that only from a technical standpoint. In other words, the post have only addressed how or why the machines would have named him that. Let us take a different slant on it shall we?

What we know
Regardless of what we believe about what Merovingian's exact role was in the past, suffice it to say that he and all the other exiles with him were once part of the machine world and were, therefore part of the "system" of control.

How and why did they leave? Well, the Oracle told Neo that 'often, a program choses exile, when it faces deletion' and that there are a few reasons why that (deletion) happens. Becomes obsolete, is replaced, etc. Anyway it is most significant that the machine world offers them that choice. Don't you think?

The Merovingian is therefore on no one's side in the machine/human conflict. This has even more significance when you consider why the W's might have given him that name.

Whether you believe what has been publicized about the Merovingians or not, I'm sure you know the gist of the legend. That 'the church' is not telling you all they know, that they are indeed trying to keep the rest of the story secret and there are those who do know the truth.

The Merovingian was once part of the Machine world and is one of the "oldest of us [programs]". Most of the exiles are likely "old" programs who have become obsolete or replaced as well. It is more than likely that all of these know all about the truth of the war and the cycle of resets and stuff like that and once had major or minor roles on the dominant side. They also know that Zion is kept in the dark about all this. So I say that by giving the chief one on this neutral "side" the name Merovingian, you, the viewer are being given the hint that there is much more going on than just Zion vs. Machines.

Also the name of the restaurant where we are first introduced to him is "Le Vrai"

In today's world are we to expect that there are those who have been part of this "system" as well and who take a neutral stand regarding the world's struggles because they know that there's more going on than is being told? The lesson from the KeyMaker is that choosing exile may be okay, but trying to improve matters may not sit well with those in charge. That's why even though there were three exiles on the highway, it is he who became "the primary target".

Although the TrainMan may not have been actually called an exile (idk), his comment in EtM seems like an appropriate motto to most of them: "I'm just a spectator enjoying the ride."

Very excellent post!

Another interesting part about the Merovingian comes from the fact that because he lost the emotional side of his life, he lost the greatest piece of powerful information that allowed Neo to get to the source without trading the oracle’s eyes for it, namely that Persephone felt angry about his philandering and thus would help Neo against his wishes. I think it is important to remember that the Merovingian, while not part of the underlying control system of the Matrix, ends up being the most powerful character in the film besides Neo. He knows everything, owns everything, and can control almost anyone in the matrix with the same efficiency as an agent (though through subtler means like chocolate cake and sex! *laugh*).

He represents the banking cartels, the old societies, the darker parts of the Catholic Church, and the political elite puppetmasters. As far as we know, it could in fact be one person on top of it all, though in the real world we probably deal with a cabal. Of course, we have no proof of any of that so it ends up as idle speculation. We can see the influences, but not the hands.

But his ruthless dedication to power has drained his emotional side, so he does have a weakness. Others near him who have not given up all of their emotions may in fact help further the truth. So remember in your travels to look for those near evil who still have a heart, you will find the greatest chance for change there.

So, what does he stand for in regard to what's going on today?
Just neutrality due to the fact that there is much more going on than the obvious conflict?

Hm,....do you think it is Merv's intention to sit low and take a neutral stand forever?
-> Why then would he kidnapp the keymaker and force him to make keys (to open doors within the Matrix) for him?
-> Why did he have an encounter with Neo's predecessors even though he hadn't either kidnapped the keymaker back then, or at least not to the knowledge of the system?
-> Why would the Oracle consider him "the most dangerous", meaning a serious threat?
-> Why would he be so damn interested in getting hold of "the eyes of the Oracle"?

Could it be that his neutrality is just a means to grow his power, and thus eventually become a third force in the struggle between the two?

I think Persephone's...

"A long time ago, when we first came here, it was so different, he was so different; he was like you"

...is crucial to understanding the Merovingian (and no,... I don't believe he was a former One...).
What do you make of that line?

entropyfails wrote:

I think it is important to remember that the Merovingian, while not part of the underlying control system of the Matrix, ends up being the most powerful character in the film besides Neo. He knows everything, owns everything, and can control almost anyone in the matrix with the same efficiency as an agent...

As I understand it, his power is pretty much restricted to intellectual knowledge. For that reason he can, as you point out yourself, not even understand/control his own wife entirely. And I couldn't say in how far he understands the truth behind the mere facts he knows in regard to the functioning of the system.
His defeats in both his encounters with Neo, and Trinity, despite his initial arrogance and verbal expression of superiority,... is quite interesting in this regard -> in both cases his knowledge failed him into misjudging the situation and those involved.

By far more powerful than the Merovingian, to my understanding, is the Oracle.
I guess it is safe to say that "the eyes of the Oracle" represent intuitive knowledge, reaching down to levels of consciousess where the intellect cannot go (as the Merovingian is very well aware of...).
The Oracle may not represent power as openly and as pompously as the Merovingian does; but in the end, she quietly and unobtrusively gets her way.

tozy wrote:

So, what does he stand for in regard to what's going on today? Just neutrality due to the fact that there is much more going on than the obvious conflict?

He concerns himself with power in the Matrix, because he lives in the Matrix. He only has “neutrality” in regards to the whole One phenomena. The system can take care of itself, as far as he is concerned.

tozy wrote:

Hm,....do you think it is Merv's intention to sit low and take a neutral stand forever?

Yes, with regard to the final result of the battle. He wants to control the matrix from within to increase his power inside the Matrix, because he lives there.

tozy wrote:

-> Why then would he kidnapp the keymaker and force him to make keys (to open doors within the Matrix) for him?

To obtain the eyes of the Oracle so he can have more power in the Matrix.

tozy wrote:

-> Why did he have an encounter with Neo's predecessors even though the keymaker hadn't either been kidnapped back then, or at least not to the knowledge of the system?

To understand the One so he could better appropriately plan his domination of the Matrix.

tozy wrote:

-> Why would the Oracle consider him "the most dangerous", meaning a serious threat?

He wants more power. If he thought that the One threatened that power, he’d try to kill him. Or at least disrupt the One’s plans. (which he did but it ended up helping! *laugh*)

tozy wrote:

-> Why would he be so damn interested in getting hold of "the eyes of the Oracle"?

More knowledge from the eyes means more power for him.

tozy wrote:

Could it be that his neutrality is just a means to grow his power, and thus eventually become a third force in the struggle between the two?

He lives in the Matrix. He wants it to continue to function. He cannot become a “third force” because he cannot directly program the matrix. Only the Architect has that power.

tozy wrote:

I think Persephone's... "A long time ago, when we first came here, it was so different, he was so different; he was like you" ...is crucial to understanding the Merovingian (and no,... I don't believe he was a former One...). What do you make of that line?

Originally, he wanted to use his power for good. But power corrupts. And absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Persephone pined for the days when he had ideals, emotion, and love. But the power sucked that from him. Hence the whole kiss fetish thing. *grin*

tozy wrote:

As I understand it, his power is pretty much restricted to intellectual knowledge. For that reason he can, as you point out yourself, not even understand/control his own wife entirely. And I couldn't say in how far he understands the truth behind the mere facts he knows in regard to the functioning of he system.

Power in the sense we mean here only comes from the intellect. His power comes from knowing what buttons to push on which people. Obviously, the absolute power has corrupted his emotional knowledge so his control isn’t total. But it he has much more power than anyone else in the Matrix.

tozy wrote:

By far more powerful than the Merovingian, to my understanding, is the Oracle. I guess it is safe to say that "the eyes of the Oracle" represent intuitive knowledge, reaching down to levels of consciousess where the intellect cannot go (as the Merovingian is very well aware of...). The Oracle may not represent power as openly and as pompously as the Merovingian does; but in the end, she quietly and unobtrusively gets her way.

The Oracle doesn’t have enough power to stop him from killing her. (with apologies to the real tragedy behind this script change) In the larger picture, I agree. The Oracle’s power extends through time and space. It goes from the Matrix to the Real and back again. But inside the Matrix, he reigns supreme. I meant power in that sense, not that he’s “all powerful” like a god or something. *giggle*

double post

entropyfails wrote:

He concerns himself with power in the Matrix, because he lives in the Matrix. He only has “neutrality” in regards to the whole One phenomena. The system can take care of itself, as far as he is concerned.

Why, then, does he destroy the key to the door of light in ETM?

Also, how can he be neutral in regard to the whole One phenomenon, when it very much concerns him, since it does decide the future of the Matrix?
Is this an expression of his lack of knowledge?

entropyfails wrote:

tozy wrote: -> Why did he have an encounter with Neo's predecessors even though the keymaker hadn't either been kidnapped back then, or at least not to the knowledge of the system? To understand the One so he could better appropriately plan his domination of the Matrix.

"I have survived your predecessors, and I will survive you."

We don't know how come Merv met Neo's predecessors, but the 101 in the restaurant suggests that meeting Merv is integral to the path of the One.
We do know that Merv was expecting Neo; he "welcomes" Neo with the patronizing arrogance of someone who has something the other needs, but...

Merovingian: do you know why you are here?
Morpheus: We are looking for the Keymaker.
Merovingian: Oh yes,... 'tis true. The Keymaker,... of course,...

The way the actor delivers Merv's last line in this quote suggests that Morpheuses answer does come unexpected, I'd say even unwanted, to him.

"Handle us? You'll handle us? You know, your predecessors had much more respect..."

Any idea on for what reason Merv could have been expecting Neo?

entropyfails wrote:

tozy wrote: -> Why then would he kidnapp the keymaker and force him to make keys (to open doors within the Matrix) for him? To obtain the eyes of the Oracle so he can have more power in the Matrix.

Of what use could the keymaker possibly have been to Merv in this regard when the eyes of the Oracle "cannot be taken, they can only be given"

entropyfails wrote:

tozy wrote: I think Persephone's... "A long time ago, when we first came here, it was so different, he was so different; he was like you" ...is crucial to understanding the Merovingian (and no,... I don't believe he was a former One...). What do you make of that line? Originally, he wanted to use his power for good. But power corrupts. And absolute power corrupts absolutely Persephone pined for the days when he had ideals, emotion, and love. But the power sucked that from him. Hence the whole kiss fetish thing. *grin*

-> matrix-explained.com...

entropyfails wrote:

Power in the sense we mean here only comes from the intellect. His power comes from knowing what buttons to push on which people. Obviously, the absolute power has corrupted his emotional knowledge so his control isn’t total. But it he has much more power than anyone else in the Matrix.

Hm,... Merv has the obvious power, whereas the Oracle has loads of subliminal power. She knows to push buttons on a very different level:
Remember how she directs/manipulates Neo in M1 into becoming the One?... Or how she manipulates the seemingly all-powerful Smith into his own defeat?
In the end (-> Revolutions) it has been her pushing buttons inside the Matrix, which results in a new version of the Matrix,... changed from within.
In comparison to that, Merv's defeats in his dealings with Neo and Trinity look pretty poor, don't they?

Merv has a good reason to long for the eyes of the Oracle....

entropyfails wrote:

The Oracle doesn’t have enough power to stop him from killing her. (with apologies to the real tragedy behind this script change) In the larger picture, I agree. The Oracle’s power extends through time and space. It goes from the Matrix to the Real and back again. But inside the Matrix, he reigns supreme. I meant power in that sense, not that he’s “all powerful” like a god or something. *giggle*

According to ETM, the Oracle allowed her termination code to be given to Merv -> it was a sacrifice.

The Oracle's powers/knowledge are on a different level than Merv's, but - from what we see in the movies - they are being applied mainly inside the Matrix.

tozy wrote:

entropyfails wrote: He concerns himself with power in the Matrix, because he lives in the Matrix. He only has “neutrality” in regards to the whole One phenomena. The system can take care of itself, as far as he is concerned. Why, then, does he destroy the key to the door of light in ETM?

Destroying the first key meant that Neo had to come back to him to get the Keymaker after his recapture. Blowing up resources that your enemy wants works well in war. Ask the Soviets! *laugh*

tozy wrote:

Also, how can he be neutral in regard to the whole One phenomenon, when it very much concerns him, since it does decide the future of the Matrix? Is this an expression of his lack of knowledge?

He only concerns himself with the power he can gain inside the Matrix. He has no ability to stop the other machines from destroying the Matrix if they want. I feel he has the attitude of “As long as the Matrix exists, I will know all and rule.”

tozy wrote:

We don't know how come Merv met Neo's predecessors, but the 101 in the restaurant suggests that meeting Merv is integral to the path of the One. We do know that Merv was expecting Neo; he "welcomes" Neo with the patronizing arrogance of someone who has something the other needs, but... Merovingian: do you know why you are here? Morpheus: We are looking for the Keymaker. Merovingian: Oh yes,... 'tis true. The Keymaker,... of course,... The way the actor delivers Merv's last line in this quote suggests that Morpheuses answer does come unexpected, I'd say even unwanted, to him.

I took that comment as a general insult to the level of intelligence and foreknowledge of the Zionists. He asked if they know WHY they came here. They responded with what they WANTED, not WHY they wanted it. They didn’t have any clue about the Keymaker other than the Oracle told them he needed him. That didn’t impress the Merovingian, hence the attitude in his response.

tozy wrote:

"Handle us? You'll handle us? You know, your predecessors had much more respect..." Any idea on for what reason Merv could have been expecting Neo?

He expected respect for his power. All powerful people expect that respect. They typically get pretty peeved when the respect doesn’t flow.

tozy wrote:

Of what use could the keymaker possibly have been to Merv in this regard when the eyes of the Oracle "cannot be taken, they can only be given"

I believe he wanted to force the Oracle to turn over her eyes in return for the Keymaker. He seemed very concerned with the Zionists going back to the Oracle and giving her his rejection.

tozy wrote:

In the end (-> Revolutions) it has been her pushing buttons inside the Matrix, which results in a new version of the Matrix,... changed from within. In comparison to that, Merv's defeats in his dealings with Neo and Trinity look pretty poor, don't they? Merv has a good reason to long for the eyes of the Oracle....

Agreed!

tozy wrote:

According to ETM, the Oracle allowed her termination code to be given to Merv -> it was a sacrifice.

Yeah. It has been a while since I played through the ETM. The details of that never really meshed, other than the fact that they HAD to make a story due to the unfortunate circumstances. Obviously, replacing the Oracle never made it into their original ideas about the Matrix.

tozy wrote:

The Oracle's powers/knowledge are on a different level than Merv's, but - from what we see in the movies - they are being applied mainly inside the Matrix.

The Oracle knows about the real world, cares about the real people in it, and understands the Source. That makes her different from the Merovingian. Ultimately, the Merovingian looks like an ant compared to her but I feel it comes from her broader understanding of time, space, and reality.

Thanks for your replies! You’ve got some excellent ideas about the Matrix series!

entropyfails wrote:

Destroying the first key meant that Neo had to come back to him to get the Keymaker after his recapture. Blowing up resources that your enemy wants works well in war. Ask the Soviets! *laugh*

Think also about how companies act to gain/keep customers. No, I'm not talking about advertising. They send lobbyists to the Capital for a reason. Competition is good for whom? Not them. Religions have also adopted the meme of "ONE TRUE WAY" for the same reason. You have to come to them.

As for advertising, I would say Merv had the Oracle do that for him in this instance.

entropyfails wrote:

He only concerns himself with the power he can gain inside the Matrix. He has no ability to stop the other machines from destroying the Matrix if they want. I feel he has the attitude of “As long as the Matrix exists, I will know all and rule.”

Good point. And I will add that he knows that the "game" that is being played out is for the purpose of keeping the matrix in place. After all, it functions. Who the Merv represents in our matrix only concern themselves with maintaining power within that context as well and that's the problem. They know that as long as those playing the game do so, it insures a stable income and power structure for them. They (the Merovingians) are powerless to stop it or they are too shortsighted to do so, or a little of both. It is kinda irrelevant as to which one it is from our standpoint because the clock is ticking.

And if you're wondering, my thoughts just expressed do not contradict my OP. The Merovingian DOES know the truth about the game and his group, the exiles left their roles in it. Now that's either because they realise that the benefit does not flow to them (esp. when they can be replaced, which is why some of them had to make that choice) or because they liked the power/riches/comfort they could have using the knowledge of how society...um the Matrix...works

entropyfails wrote:

I took that comment as a general insult to the level of intelligence and foreknowledge of the Zionists. He asked if they know WHY they came here. They responded with what they WANTED, not WHY they wanted it. They didn’t have any clue about the Keymaker other than the Oracle told them he needed him.

I asked lazyl in another thread:

Quote:

Isn't it interesting that each cycle of Zion although being made up of a different set of people all make the same decisions (war, search for the One, etc.)?

They have no clue about why they are doing what they're doing. Merv knows this. He's seen it, how many times? Hence, his cynicism.

tozy wrote:

Any idea on for what reason Merv could have been expecting Neo?

EntopyFails: They didn’t have any clue about the Keymaker other than the Oracle told them he needed him.

N-Tell: They have no clue about why they are doing what they're doing. Merv knows this. He's seen it, how many times? Hence, his cynicism.

EntropyFails wrote:

I believe he wanted to force the Oracle to turn over her eyes in return for the Keymaker. He seemed very concerned with the Zionists going back to the Oracle and giving her his rejection.

She gave her deletion codes to him for Sati, knowing her future role. She gave herself to The Smith to help Neo. She's "willing to go as far as [Neo]" Remeber? Merv knew what he was doing.

tozy wrote:

the 101 in the restaurant suggests that meeting Merv is integral to the path of the One. We do know that Merv was expecting Neo; he "welcomes" Neo with the patronizing arrogance of someone who has something the other needs,

Everyone Neo encountered in M1 and Reloaded were expecting him (in truly Alice in Wonderland fashion )

101 may link him with the Path of Neo in particular. Neo's path in the movies lend itself to the Religious/Spiritual perspective that you, Inev, and sometimes I post from, Tozy. And this is significant. The Real World perspective does not even contradict this. In fact, Neo's role expresses the hope for all "sides" in the game as it is being played today.

EntropyFails certainly thinks that we can still salvage our situation. I certainly hope he's right.

Leaving the Restaraunt:
"Know that what happened...could not have happened any other way."
"Why"
"We are still alive."

We do still have time left.

The thing that always confused me is why the Merovingian tried to kill Neo. There was no indication that he was doing it for show when he ordered his henchmen to kill him, and there was every indication that he was surprised when they were unable to do so. If he's so concerned about maintaining the Matrix AND knows that the One is the means by which that happens, why would he even risk trying to kill the One unless he was ignorant of the big picture?

[quote="intell"]

entropyfails wrote:

Destroying the first key meant that Neo had to come back to him to get the Keymaker after his recapture. Blowing up resources that your enemy wants works well in war. Ask the Soviets! *laugh*

Quote:

Think also about how companies act to gain/keep customers. No, I'm not talking about advertising. They send lobbyists to the Capital for a reason. Competition is good for whom? Not them. Religions have also adopted the meme of "ONE TRUE WAY" for the same reason. You have to come to them.

Would that mean that it boils down to Carnality vs. Spirituality? With Merv being concerned with his power in the matrix, he knows about manipulation and motivation, just like an ad exec. He controls using the baser instincts of humanity against itself, hence the cake program. The Oracle is a more universal figure, her power covers both the matrix and the real world. Her intent is the freedom of all. She manipulates by making people change themselves. Her approach isn't as direct. It's about love and care, hence the cookies needing love like all things do. Merv is the real world's elite. He represents the people in this world that pull the strings. He had a line in Reloaded that always struck me funny, "Choice is an illusion, created between those with power, and those without." Maybe it was the Bush/Gore election debacle fueling my feelings for that line or maybe it's the truth and the debacle is just an example. Fact of the matter is, there are people in this world that shape your opinions, ranging from whether it tastes great or is less filling, to whether or not you approve of abortion. Merv represents this perfectly in his neutrality because these same puppetmasters play both sides against the middle. They fund the terrorist groups in the '80's then hunt them down in 2000. I apologize if it seems I'm spouting my political views, I just want to use real world examples to back my opinion. Merv controls people in the matrix the same way the puppetmasters control people in the real world, through the senses, through carnal rewards (How's it taste? Is it sexy? It's got a clearer picture and the sound quality is great). The eyes have been regarded as the gateway to the soul. For Merv to have the Oracle's eyes would give him dominion over her power. He would know how to control people to the very core. Who's going to lay down their life for Coca-Cola? Noone in their right mind would but how many have died and martyred themselves for their religious beliefs? The puppetmasters want the same. They try to control to the very core with sex,fear,patriotism and celebrity but nothing has the lasting effect that religion does. Nothing effects choice and the way a person lives like religion. Merv wants that power. He wants to be the one place people turn when they are down and out and distraught. Doesn't matter if they worship him or they buy their drugs from him, just as long as he has that hold on them.

Prometheus, I think you get our point.