SYNOPSIS:
Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is the star of his own live 24/7 reality TV show... but he doesn't know it. He's spent every moment from birth in front of hidden cameras - almost 30 years of uninterrupted life broadcast to the world from the largest stage ever constructed (The size of a small country!). Everyone he's ever known are just actors on the show, playing a scripted role in his life. But when a "star" falls from the sky (a stage light labeled "Sirius"), Truman starts to notice little details about his seemingly normal life that are off. And his curiosity gets him to start pressing the boundaries of his small community, intent to uncover the truth behind his life.
REVIEW:
I absolutely love this film! Mostly because, as a child, I always felt like I was being watched and/or recorded all the time. I never truly felt alone and wondered if I was being secretly monitored, and I would tailor my behavior for my "audience." So when I saw this film in jr. high school, it really freaked me out!
This show is supposed to be aired in real time, but a lot of Truman's world felt like a modernized 50s era. He was married to the perfect housewife who wore conservative dresses and worked as a nurse. Truman himself was an insurance salesman, walking to his standard day job in the town square every day, briefcase in hand. He and his best buddy would hang out, hitting golf balls, drinking a six-pack of beer, and shooting the shit late into the night.
Everything about Truman's life was custom-tailored to be the perfect drama show. His life was allowed to continue on like anyone else's, but there were details and scenarios added here and there to provide some entertainment to viewers. And of course, his overall path in life was very controlled. His town is on an island and he was made to fear water from a young age so he'd never attempt to leave. His love life was all staged for him, and when he attempts to pursue another potential love interest, the show is quick to "course-correct" Truman and push him back toward their planned path for him.
This film also cuts to various "real people" watching The Truman Show broadcast from their home/work/etc. so you get a small glimpse at the fan base behind the show. It provides some interesting context to the reality show, as you see how emotionally invested people are with the life of Truman. It's one thing to imagine him always on camera, but to see others watching him with bated breath shows you how captivating the seemingly ordinary life of a man can be. It's a fascinating look in the mirror at our own obsession with reality TV programs today.
I'm intrigued by the concept of a man living his entire life in an artificial environment, unaware that everyone and everything is there just for him. It's interesting from a psychological point of view; both in how he's raised to trust in his environment and how he's "trained" to behave in predicable ways. And how far he'll go to uncover the truth. I can only imagine what his life would be like outside his safe little haven. If he discovers the truth about his life, you'd imagine he'd be paranoid for the rest of his life, sure that there are multiple layers to his captivity. I'd imagine a man like him would live out the rest of his life a hermit, intent on avoiding the spotlight ever again.
Jim Carrey is famously known for his comedy roles and his "rubber face" routine, but this is my absolute favorite film of his, mostly because it's so genuine. Some interesting trivia for you: despite his skill at physical comedy, it was always Jim Carrey's dream to be a drama actor. He used comedy to get into the acting business, but once there, he discovered he was type-cast. He fought tooth and nail to get drama roles, and succeeded in a few of them (The Number 23, The Majestic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, etc.). But Hollywood demanded more comedy out of him, so he stopped getting bigger roles for a while. Lately, he's resigned himself to doing what he's best known for, and has started making comedy films again. But I will always remember him for his excellent portrayal as Truman.
RECOMMENDATION:
I can't recommend this film enough! It's definitely in my top 5 films. The musical score perfectly suits the drama theme of the film (which is a plot point, where they have a live keyboardist playing dramatic music on the spot as required for specific moments in Truman's life). The pacing of the film is excellent, allowing you to discover the world both in The Truman Show and outside of it while Truman explores his own little world on the show. I can't help but be emotionally invested in Truman by the end of the film. I find myself fighting tears alongside the viewers of his show, as Truman desperately struggles to overcome the obstacles that the producer of the show throws in his way, preventing him from leaving his home. If you've never seen this film, go check it out now!
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