"A common theme in the new genre is the existence of a manufactured world, a virtual reality in which the participants don't realize they are trapped. "
"But what does all of this arcane and outdated theology have to do with the movies? Over the last decade, movies have frequently dealt with apocalyptic themes- but now that the millennium has turned without the fiery destruction of the universe, moviemakers are exploring more subtle theological ideas. Recent technological and scientific advances have led people everywhere to question our perception of reality, and our movies have followed suit. Recent films exploring virtual worlds and false perceptions of reality include Vanilla Sky, the Matrix, The Truman Show, Pleasantville, and the Thirteenth floor."
Very interesting discussionof Gnosticism and Hollywood, here:
http://altreligion.about.com/library/weekly/aa072302a.htm
[Religious Grotesque]
