Films such The Truman Show are a rarity: not only is the film an outstanding example of originality prevailing the cliché-ridden formula that seems to have invaded many modern movies, but is also a thought-provoking and layered film. The Truman Show is directed by the BAFTA-winning director of Dead Poets Society, Peter Weir, and is written by the acclaimed Andrew Nicchol, the writer of the thought-provoking sci-fi Gattaca and enjoyable The Terminal. The film follows the charismatic Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), who leads an idyllic and picturesque life. With friendly neighbours, a beautiful wife (Laura Linney), an animated town and a devoted friend (Noah Emmerich), Truman’s life is seemingly perfect. However, it is also completely manufactured. The Truman Show explores the themes of reality television and privacy, which inadvertently foreshadowed today’s technology dominated society. The film presents these themes in the most humorous and ingenious way. It explores the reaction that one would have to such a realisation and what it would feel like to have your life be a reality TV show, except ‘reality’ is completely fake.
The Truman Show is particularly praise-worthy because of how subtly profound it is. The film is a perfectly entertaining comedy, however more serious ideas can be extracted and the true implications of having such an intricately crafted life can be appreciated. Nicchol skilfully comments on advertising and, to some extent, capitalism. For example, Truman’s wife, Meryl Burbank, asks Truman (the star of the show) to use products and lists their appealing qualities throughout the film; other times stares charmingly into the camera and shifts into an enthusiastic saleswoman, holding up a product with a large smile. Such advertising finances the 24-hour streaming of the show. It becomes clear that The Truman Show solely exists for entertainment purposes and has no regard for privacy or Truman’s freewill; it is clearly immoral to generate profits from a person so oblivious of his worth. Many themes in the film parallel with those in George Orwell’s 1984: freewill is limited and individuality is undervalued. The films’ implicit statement on privacy, capitalism, advertising and realism in modern society is so cleverly commented on and is thought-provoking, but is never overbearing.
Weir uses comedy to present an ironically dystopian world. On the surface, the island of Seahaven is a utopia: bright blue skies, friendly people and vividly colourful. However, it becomes clear that the sky is a protective dome controlled by staff who work endlessly to make Truman’s life runs as smoothly as possible and aid in creating a credible reality. The thousands of cameras scattered across the island limit Truman’s privacy and consequently means that he is unknowingly a ceaseless entertainer. Many times, Weir includes shots which come from these cameras, which give the impression that we too are watching the Truman Show. The film cuts to the creator of the show Christof (Ed Harris), a quintessential Steve Jobs like character, who explains the principle of the show many times. Many decisions enforced by Christof lead to some very comedic and clever moments, but also to the exploration of the film’s more mature and intriguing ideas. What makes the film so unique, is it’s unabashedly light and exaggerated tone. The dialogue in the film is excessive and manufactured, the cinematography is extravagant and the acting is purposefully hyperbolic. However, all these things add up to create a very amusing and an ingenious film.
It must be mentioned that Carrey shines in this dramatic role: his usual highly energetic slapstick performance is replaced by a more subdued version of his usual persona. Much like in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Carrey effortlessly carries the more emotional and dramatic scenes, but provides comedic relief at the right moments. His portrayal of Truman’s realisation of his fake reality is truly entertaining to watch and his descent into near-insanity is brilliantly portrayed. Carrey’s charismatic and subdued performance earned him a Golden Globe. The supporting cast also contribute in creating a satirical tone, particularly Laura Linney who shines in many comedic scenes.
The Truman Show illustrates that sometimes heavy ideas are much more effective and impactful if they are implicit and cleverly presented using means such as comedy and satire. It shows that taking quotidian things in our life such as advertisement and presenting it in a clever manner, with clear visuals and assertive dialogue can contribute in creating an entertaining, but astute masterpiece.
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I do not own any of the images used in this article; all images are taken from IMDb.