When Neo awoke from the virtual world of the Matrix, Morpheus greeted him with, "You've been living in a dream world, Neo", then revealed the truth: "This is the world
as it exists today." and Neo entered the post apocalyptic ruins of The Real. Morpheus welcomed Neo with, "Welcome to the desert of the Real" (a phrase coined by philosopher, Jean Baudrilard). (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgBViHeiSKM)
"Welcome to the desert of the real" - The real: it's destitute, and can't provide the pleasures of the Imaginary dreamscape. This forces a distinction between the two motivating drives: 1) Desire for the imaginary, and 2) The passion for the real - which are, absolutely,
exclusive of each other.
The Character, Cypher, demonstrates how
desire for the imaginary leads to
denial of the real when he does deal with Agent Smith. Smith offers Cypher everything; wealth, fame and a life of pleasure. Cypher forsakes the 'desert of the Real' for the 'abundance of the Imaginary.' He consciously enters into denial and willingly enters into being deceived. His reason for doing so is, 'Ignorance is Bliss' (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7BuQFUhsRM).
The film is underscored with the symbolic order of slavery and freedom and the The Red Pill/Blue Pill is the choice symbolic. As Cypher demonstrated, choice can enslave us, or as Neo showed, it can free us. Morpheus (God of dreams) gives the "Freedom of Self Determination" to Neo (anagram of One) and says, "remember, all I'm offering you is the truth, nothing more." (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9vGMMPM5Lg).
Thanks for listening - and watching.