Starring a brilliant Jim Carrey in his first dramatic role, The Truman Show is a funny, heartfelt, and engrossing take on celebrity culture and the voyeuristic tendencies of an insatiable public that has proven to be prophetic in its ideas.
It is day number 10,909 when we first meet Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a 30-year-old insurance salesman and husband to Meryl (Laura Linney), who is oblivious to the fact that his whole life has been on show for the adoring masses glued to their TV screens 24/7.
Within his fictional reality, camera’s have been placed everywhere. Product placement is found at every turn. His days feature perfect sunrises, crystal blue skies, and illuminating moons. His best buddy (Noah Emmerich) is always there with a six-pack of beer on hand whenever he feels a little blue. His world is a utopia, made just for him.
Truman’s whole existence is run by the aptly named Christof (an excellent Ed Harris), a TV producer with a God complex. Yet despite the perfection that surrounds him, Truman wants out. He wants to see the world, and furthermore he wants to track down the mystery girl (Natascha McElhone) who stole his heart years ago.
The Truman Show is masterfully crafted by Peter Weir, who returned to filmmaking after a five-year absence. Weir was no doubt attracted to the project by Andrew Niccol’s screenplay, which is sharp, funny, poignant, and asks many strong theological questions, namely: How can free will exist in a controlled environment?
Niccol’s script suits Weir’s sensibilities perfectly, since his films have often held strong existential, even theological conventions. Yet none more so than The Turman Show, as a simple man stands up to the authority of a “deity.”
The Truman Show also speaks volumes about the manipulation of television, especially the engrossing and voyeuristic nature of reality TV. Throughout the film are shots of Truman’s various and dedicated fans. They sleep when he sleeps, eat when he eats. It is depressing spectacle, and a sample of the things to come with the boom of reality TV around the corner.
The key to the success of The Truman Show is Jim Carrey, who dazzles in his first dramatic role. Carrey hits those comedic beats with the skill that he is known for, yet it’s the moments of Truman’s existential malaise, heartbreak, and frustration at a perfect world seemingly turned against him, where Carrey truly shines.
Laura Linney is also a hoot as Truman’s 1950’s styled wife, while Ed Harris delivers a dynamic turn as the films God-like antagonist who watches his creation crumble before his very eyes.
There is much to admire about The Truman Show. It is a film that appeals to the heart, the mind, and the soul. Above all it features a successful example of a comedy star transitioning into a dramatic actor, while under the direction of an excellent filmmaker.
