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The film never names the steak’s cut. The screenplay describes a thick steak, charred outside and red with juice inside. Actor Joe Pantoliano later said he ate actual steak for some takes, while wider shots used steak rigged to resemble shiitake mushrooms.
What kind of steak does the film identify?
It identifies it only as steak—not as filet mignon, ribeye, chateaubriand, or any other specific cut. The screenplay describes a serrated knife cutting into a “thick, gorgeous steak,” charred on the outside and red with juice inside, and later calls it tender beef. It does not give a grade, breed, or restaurant menu name. The archived screenplay, Rev. 3/9/98, is the basis for those details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Matrix, The 4-Film Déjà vu Collection (DVD) | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Matrix | $13.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Matrix | $12.73 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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4 Film Favorites: Matrix Collection (DVD) | $12.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Matrix | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Why does Cypher enjoy a steak he knows is simulated?
In the restaurant scene, Cypher tells Agent Smith, “You know, I know that this steak doesn’t exist. I know when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is juicy and delicious.” He then says, “Ignorance is bliss.” The scene’s point is not the identity of a real-world cut: Cypher knows the meal is an illusion but wants the pleasurable experience it gives him. The screenplay contains the dialogue.
What did Joe Pantoliano eat while filming?
Pantoliano, who played Cypher, told Inverse in an interview published August 5, 2024, that he dislikes beef, especially rare meat. He said he took bites of actual steaks for some shots; for wider shots, the crew rigged steak to look like shiitake mushrooms so he could eat mushrooms. He also said he often spat the steak into a bowl after a take. This is Pantoliano’s account of the filming, distinct from what the screenplay says about the food in the story.
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Best Value
Rank #4
- Titles include: The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, and The AnimatrixRunning Time: 492 min. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR Age: 883929035953 UPC: 883929035953 Manufacturer No: 1000042243
Rank #3
- ACCEPTABLE CONDITION
Rank #2
#1 Best Overall
- The Matrix: 4 Film Déjà Vu Collection
- PHYSICAL FILM
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