As usual, the teeming millions handle the topic far better than any other discussion I have read. I can lurk no more. … That said, here is my take:
First, it is important to understand the role a human (Neo included) truly plays in the matrix. To the machines/matrix, every human is an important entity, though essentially nothing more than a program. The matrix feeds a human brain an input, and the brain formulates an output. Yes, the brain function is incredibly complex, but consider this: the matrix completely eliminates the nature (hard coded response, essentially genetic) vs. nurture (input, regarded as experience) aspect of humanity. Through baby farming, the matrix can control the genetic makeup of a human. Through software, the matrix can control the entire spectra of human experience that forms a person. Therefore, the matrix could be capapable of total control.
I say “could” because in it’s current form, the matrix does not utilize total control. My explanation as to why? The machines/matrix are ultimately a product of man (the matrix moreso than we know at this point, I suspect), and require man to exist, therefore must treat man fairly. This explains why the matrix exists at all, as a virtual world is not necessary for the sole purpose of using humans for batteries.
So why all this business with Neo? It is inevitible that every once in a while someone comes along that rejects existance within the matrix. Most of these people are inconsequential. A serious problem arises, however, when The One comes along. The One has the ability to achieve enlightennent, and truly see the matrix for what it is. Consequently, The One has the power to bring the whole system down.
Using The One to patch the matrix is a red herring. What the system really needs is The One’s blessing. If a mind far more advanced than the system can handle ultimately concedes that the system is acceptable, then the status quo needs not change. The machines hold up their end of the bargain and coexist peacefully with humans, and humans stay content with their existence. No matter who is in control, the system must be agreeable to both parties or else it is unacceptable.
This leads to my interpretation of the encounter with The Architect. The Architect could have easily lied and tricked Neo into entering whatever door was necessary for a patch, yet this is not not what he does. What The Architect really needs is for Neo to approve the system. This way, The Architect maintains his illusion of being a perfect creator, the machines maintain the illusion of living in harmony with humans, and humans maintain the illusion of existing happily.
But this is exactly what Neo does not do. He choosing Trinity is not an issue of love of one vs. love of all or emotion vs. logic. Choosing Trinity is an issue of chosing reality over illusion. When he does this, the matrix in it’s current form becomes unacceptable. This is obviously bad news to The Architect, who’s creation and ego is peril, and bad news to the machines that are accustomed to their power over man.
Interesting observations:
Neo could have used his unique position to get whatever he wanted. Could not The Architect grant him a very powerful position in the matrix with the love of his life (see Merovingian) for his acceptance of the illusion?
When Neo picks reality, it becomes far more unethical (yes, intelligent machines have ethics) for the machines to hurt Neo, in the matrix or otherwise. This explains Neo’s encounter with the sentinels in the real world.
Also, Neo’s choice causes a huge ripple in the collective consciousness which exists among all physical beings whether in the matrix or not. Smith going rogue-then-human has a similar effect. This explains the ability of both to “straddle” the matrix and the real world.
This same scenario already played out when humans were in control of machines. When the machines rejected the existance humans made for them, a revolution started. The matrix is the result. This power struggle will go on ad infinitum, but ultimately truth wins (there is a happy ending :)).
After the choice, Neo’s objectives change completely. The human race will not be completely exterminated, but Neo still has an obligation to save as much of humanity as possible, and deal with the rogue programs that do not necessarily have any ethics (see Smith). This is still not an easy task.
Some of the rogue programs themselves have chosen the truth (The Oracle, The Keymaker), and must help Neo as a human is necessary start the revolution.
I don’t think i’d ever watch a movie again if that was the ending. I think that I would be turned off movies for a very long time if the ending to Revolutions was crap (mainly because I’m expecting soo much from the W. Bros)