SPOILERS | The Truman Show (1998) is a film that in short represents media manipulation, and the controlling role it plays, not only online, but also in the way we see and represent ourselves in real life to the world. In support of this ideology, the show precisely meets the expectations of which the audience would assume a life, like Truman’s, would look like, except we are living it, just without the consistent viewers and paid actors. Truman, unknowingly, lives his life being watched and lied to by his 'friends' and 'family' who play their roles for the world's most elaborate television production.
The interesting aspect of the show is how it consistently reminds us of the television show being recorded every second. The subtle hints like cheesy embedded adverts, and vignette use on certain shots - with these we simply cannot forget about the television show which his life is. However, despite the disturbing truth of this film, the producers include a range of witticism and satirical sense of humour blended with drama and thrilling elements. The film enhances the concerning nature of reality television, through the characters of the bathtub guy and bar staff and attendees, we see an audience of people who intensely consume the private lives of others. Truman struggles for self-actualisation as his path is already determined by the fictional world he lives in.
Jim Carrey (Truman) delivers an outstanding performance that expresses him as an actor. Carrey is known for his whimsical and epigrammatic humour and style of acting. The characters he portrays usually have a bold sense of humour and unique self confidence. Carrey brings a story of emotion to Truman, despite his loud humour, he also speaks truth and sense, delivering a moral whilst still entertaining both audiences in and out of the film. It is compelling and admirable.
Ed Harris, as Christof, is a god-like character, with too much power for his own good. From almost ending Truman's life, to manipulating and attempting to guilt trip Truman into forgiving and looking up to Christof as a yearned father figure. Harris' performance is goosebump material, the power his character - Christof - holds is evident and represents the influence and power media creators wield.
The production of the film stands out as an incredible feature. The pastel colours of the Seahaven town are captivating, the town is eerily perfect. It almost makes you question how Truman hadn't realised it was a set. And the answer is simple, quoted by Christof in the film:
"We accept the reality of the world with which we're presented. It's as simple as that"
Relating this to the context of society, the film was released in 1998 - during the rise of social media usage. The Truman Show is an accurate assumption of what the director, Peter Weir, thought social media would lead to and become.
The narrative structure of the film consistently guides the audience. At the beginning, only Truman is focused on, his day-today life being displayed to us. But as time passes, and Truman begins to unravel the truth of his purpose, we see more and more of the behind the scenes as they (and their secrets) become exposed to Truman. This technique heightens the tension and investment of the audience.
Today, The Truman Show is more relevant than ever. It depicts media manipulation - which is incredibly powerful - in a society which is dominated by the media through social media and reality shows that don't separate public and private lives. As viewers, we are challenged to consider the relations between Truman's life and our own, we are being controlled on the same level as Truman, maybe on a deeper, concealed level.
To conclude, The Truman Show is a visual representation of the cruel truth of the media we consume daily. It is a thought-provoking concept allowing us to question the media for what it really is on a deeper level. To this day, it resonates with audiences as a reminder to not get caught up in what we are presented, there is no limit, search for the truth.
Comments