The Truman ShowThis 1998 film about a man who isn't aware that his entire life is nothing but an elaborate reality show was almost prescient in it's depiction of inevitable TV programming. The premise was certainly ahead of it's time, and I fear the minds behind reality tv will stumble upon this film again at some point in the near future and take the idea far too literally.
Jim Carrey, playing Truman Burbank, tries to transition from his usual over-the-top caricatures into a dramatic role that demands range. And he mostly succeeds, though his comedic persona and renowned silliness does make itself known from time to time. Ed Burns as Christof...the creator of the Truman Show....is a megalomaniac, obsessed with finding the perfection in daily monotony. He is almost fatherly in his concern for Truman, but like most egoists, he's motivated by power. His chief concern is how his artistic vision can transform the mundane into beauty. . and thus he strives for this level of control in Truman's self-contained world.
Truman's wife, best-friend, father, and his true love are all key players. . .yet what I was really interested in was how the outside world could so easily sabotage a man's existence and derive enjoyment out of watching the theater that is his life. You see, the scenes of Truman interacting with the characters in Seahaven Island, an oceanside city that seems stuck in some kind of early 50's anachronistic time-warp, is juxtaposed with brief segments of people watching his life from the outside in. Unfortunately, there's only a handful of people that exist as our audience. This is perhaps a necessary thematic device, but I see lost potential in that we're not shown more groups of diverse individuals bonding over how they can so easily identify with the star of this revolutionary show. And we hardly get any idea of those groups of people who are intent on Freeing Truman from his prison, save for Sylvia...the "extra" that stole his heart, tried to tell him the truth of his situation, and was consequently taken off the show. In fact, much of the film feels like there's territory and themes that could've used further exploring. I noted once the uncanny similarities between this film and Gnostic Christianity. The parallels that exist between them probably wasn't deliberate, but it's certainly worthy of discussion.
Still, what the film does focus on is exceptional in its own right. The unique story and heartfelt performances culminate in a journey that mirrors our own; the quest for freedom, truth, and the revelation of who we really are.
Rating: B+
I will have a guest pianist on this page shortly to play the Turkish March much more skillfully, since the beginning of that piece is played repeatedly throughout the film. Until then, I covered it the best I could. The second video is entitled 'Truman Sleeps' and it's played while ...you guessed it. . the titular character is sleeping.