10 Things You Didn't Know About Iconic Movie Character Costumes

If The Matrix had to be summed up in one image, it would undoubtedly be that of a strutting Keanu Reeves, clad in all-black, his shape and features obscured by a ground-sweeping trench coat and dark glasses. Not only did the wardrobe department transform Neo and his cohorts into 1990s fashion icons, but they performed a variety of other vital roles which aided the film's production.

For example, it turns out that long, cape-like coats can do more than make a person look suave, for wearing one is an effective way to hide the presence of harnesses, wires and safety padding during stunt performances. This came in particularly handy for actors like Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves, who performed many of their own stunts.

Small, sleek sunglasses are also synonymous with many characters in The Matrix. Plaster casts were made of the actors' heads so that the glasses could be customised specifically for the wearer. They were then hand-crafted to fit their individual size and bone structure exactly; this was important because the accessories were intended to say something about the differing aspirations of each character.