Film : The Matrix Album : Mezzanine

The Matrix is a science fiction action film that was released in 1999. The film has notable stars such as Keanu Reeves and Lawrence Fishburne. The film mixes various philosophical theories with science fiction action, which makes for an interesting film. An easy philosophical idea is that of Plato's cave, which is about a group of men who have to stay in a cave (the life pods in the film) and watch shadows move on a wall in front of them. They believe that this is reality (like what the people inside of the matrix see). The philosopher is a man who can break free and go outside of the cave to actually experience  reality ( the people waking up from the matrix program and seeing a destroyed world). It is also famous for its action sequences, which has been parodied by numerous comedies. There is some blood here and there but it isn't too overly graphic. There is also a bit of language, though it also isn't anything severe. This is a very good film for those who like science fiction, action, and philosophy.

The album Mezzanine by Massive Attack was released in 1998. The album is considered a seminal Trip Hop album by most listeners of the genre. Mezzanine is also relatively well known in the mainstream, with songs having appeared in The Matrix, commercials for Assassin's Creed, and their song Teardrop being the opening theme for the TV show House. This album was ahead of its time in that it laid the blueprint for the Dupstep movement that has appeared.The songs all have strong yet soothing basslines throughout with various keyboards and synths making their sounds. The band also takes use of sampling, for instance the band sampled "10:15 Saturday Night" by The Cure in the song "Man Next Door." There is occasional rapping but it only happens in maybe 2 or 3 songs. The rest employ the female singing of Elizabeth Fraser, the singing of 3-D, and the regga style of Horace Andy. The album is also one of the firsts to use the MP3 format. This is a very good futuristic chillout album.