Symbolism in the Matrix

I am very interested to hear informed opinions or scholarly studies on
the symbolism of the Matrix movies.  The third movie succeeds in
introducing more philosophical/symbolic relationships, including the
relationship between Smith and Neo, the Architect and the Oracle, the
Trainman and Merovingian (the Frenchman.)  On top of the numerous
biblical names (Nebuchadnezzar, Zion, Persephone, Merovingian, etc.)
and the philosophical discussion of a boxed life, the existential
battle between life/death, faith and nihilism all play in the third
movie.

The Matrix website has several articles on the philosophy of the
movie, but nothing which connects the dots of the symbolic references
throughout the movie.  If anyone has seen, read, or heard anything,
please feel free to share.  By all means, I would love to hear
personal takes on the symbolism from anyone.

On the review side, the trilogy became very 'Hollywood-ized', and the
producers seemed much more focused on effects than the story. 
Finally, Speaking of being in a Matrix, does anyone see the inherent
contradiction in this type of movie by having product placements
(Ray-Ban, Cadillac, etc.)?


"Great minds discuss ideas.  Average minds discuss events.  Small
minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt.