The Truman Show
The Truman Show Review:
I was delightfully surprised by this 1998 Sci-Fi film about a man who's whole life is broadcast around the world without his knowledge. Jim Carrey's performance as Truman was extremely refreshing, after years of watching him play the same character in every film to have him portray a grounded and gentle character was masterfully done. Carrey makes the audience fall in love with Truman's naive persona it makes it comprehensible why the public would watch the Truman Show daily you find yourself instantly rooting for him.
However I think the genius within this piece is the concept and story written by Andrew Niccol. The idea for this film was so unique it was what intrigued me before I watched it and what made me continue to watch, this films concept is unlike anything I've ever seen. Furthermore Director Peter Weir seems to pull this movie together every aspect of the fake town Seahaven from the characters to the set design makes it so appealing and charming. Which in turn supports the argument from the film, would Truman actually be better to stay in Seahaven?
The film begins with the character Christof (played by Ed Harris) briefly explaining the concept of the Truman show. This is a crucial narrative point, if the audience is told straight away about the concept of the show then it appears normal rather than leading the audience down a path of mystery where they're trying to work out whats happening, it allows them to focus on Truman's story instead. Christof explains that Truman lives in a fake town which in fact is a massive dome studio, he has been in there since birth and although everyone around him are actors Truman himself is completely genuine. After this explanation we view a day in Truman's life, this allows the audience to understand what the creators do in order to keep their fake world running. Furthermore the audience learns about Truman's life and understand how blissfully naive he truly is. However at the climax of the film Truman begins to realise what is happening and begins his multiple attempts to escape.
The social message of how an audience can be so consumed in media has never been more true before now especially with the unhealthy obsession with social media. Throughout the film we see different people watching the Truman Show they all appear completely consumed by the show. Particularly the bar maids that show up throughout even though they're at work they just stand and watch the TV the people around the bar are also watching and don't appear to be bothered about the lack of service. Highlighting how obsessed the world had become with the media that they are just not bothered about real life.
I found this film very interesting just by the concept alone but by adding the light-hearted and at some points thrilling story it made for a very enjoyable watch. I don't typically enjoy Jim Carrey films however this was so refreshing and showed what Carrey can really do as an actor. I don't think I have ever rooted for a character more than him because as an audience you feel a sense comradery with him because he is so alone in his quest for freedom. This film is definitely worth the watch and I highly recommend it.
However I think the genius within this piece is the concept and story written by Andrew Niccol. The idea for this film was so unique it was what intrigued me before I watched it and what made me continue to watch, this films concept is unlike anything I've ever seen. Furthermore Director Peter Weir seems to pull this movie together every aspect of the fake town Seahaven from the characters to the set design makes it so appealing and charming. Which in turn supports the argument from the film, would Truman actually be better to stay in Seahaven?
The film begins with the character Christof (played by Ed Harris) briefly explaining the concept of the Truman show. This is a crucial narrative point, if the audience is told straight away about the concept of the show then it appears normal rather than leading the audience down a path of mystery where they're trying to work out whats happening, it allows them to focus on Truman's story instead. Christof explains that Truman lives in a fake town which in fact is a massive dome studio, he has been in there since birth and although everyone around him are actors Truman himself is completely genuine. After this explanation we view a day in Truman's life, this allows the audience to understand what the creators do in order to keep their fake world running. Furthermore the audience learns about Truman's life and understand how blissfully naive he truly is. However at the climax of the film Truman begins to realise what is happening and begins his multiple attempts to escape.
The social message of how an audience can be so consumed in media has never been more true before now especially with the unhealthy obsession with social media. Throughout the film we see different people watching the Truman Show they all appear completely consumed by the show. Particularly the bar maids that show up throughout even though they're at work they just stand and watch the TV the people around the bar are also watching and don't appear to be bothered about the lack of service. Highlighting how obsessed the world had become with the media that they are just not bothered about real life.
I found this film very interesting just by the concept alone but by adding the light-hearted and at some points thrilling story it made for a very enjoyable watch. I don't typically enjoy Jim Carrey films however this was so refreshing and showed what Carrey can really do as an actor. I don't think I have ever rooted for a character more than him because as an audience you feel a sense comradery with him because he is so alone in his quest for freedom. This film is definitely worth the watch and I highly recommend it.
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