As a result I may start M2 all over again. I'll try to save as much of the more tedious cuts as possible, but since I'm a sloppy editor I'm going to have to redo more work than I should have to. (I do crossfades by using both audio tracks in Womble so adding material gets everything out of sync.)
A few pieces I cut need to be put back so subtler references flow better and make more sense. Also my opening, although good, I realize now that some elements work better for the opening of M3. So timewise it's a set back.
I'd actually like a different opening rather than stealing the DeZionized idea, but I can't come up with anything better, especially since I don't want Neo having prophetic dreams.
I did come up with an awesome alternate cut idea, but because of the actress change of the Oracle, large chunks of the films would have to be lost to make it work. I'm putting it out there in case someone else wants to take a stab at it:
Alternate vision:
M2 would open with my doctored version of the (first) Oracle being Smithed through to Smith laughing maniacally. Neo wakes.
Now all the references to the Oracle being in hiding and needing to consult with her make sense. She's missing not hiding.
Unfortunately the Seraph fight, the conversation on the bench and the Smiths fight at the park would have to be cut since the Oracle is gone for the balance of M2.
Everything of use the Oracle does in M2 is on the chip delivered to Neo anyway. She never says "Go to Merovigian", we have to assume that info is on the chip. Now the chip is the Oracle's message in a bottle to Neo that she made when she knew Smith was coming.
Cool eh? Making it's delivery all the more critical.
You can then open M3 with the Massive Smith Fight from the end M3 and the (new) Oracle can be back in the rebuilt Matrix for the rest of that film.
I'd do it, but frankly I like the Seraph fight (good Kung Fu fighting) and the Smith battle in the park (the latter might even be better than M3's final showdown).
I'll sleep on it, but I don't think I could find away to get those two action sequences back and use that form.
Either way I think I'm going to shelve M2 and start on M3 tonight/tomorrow just to get that right before fixing up M2. I'll have a better idea what I need it to say working backwards.
Edit: Duh, yes she does so go to the Merovigian.