Exposition in “The Matrix”

I’m currently teaching a 1-week online screenwriting course I created called “Handling Exposition” in which we explore six approaches — Fascination, Mystery, Revelation, Conflict, Action, Humor — as a way to transform dull, boring information into compelling, entertaining scenes.

One of the writers in the group offered up The Matrix as a good example of handling exposition. The movie presented a significant challenge to the Wachowskis: How to get across those deep, complex ideas about the very nature of their story universe? Consider these two scenes:

http://static.movieclips.com/embedplayer.swf?shortid=VQC6d

The second I can’t embed, but it aggregates the three ‘construct’ scenes in the movie. You can screen it here.

So my question to you: Why do these scenes work so well in terms of handling exposition? What techniques did they use to transform what is in effect two talking heads into a gripping scene, one that not only conveys basic information, but also engages us as viewers?

See you in comments for your thoughts.

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