The Truman Show
Peter Weir, 1998, USA, 103 mins, Certificate: PG
Truman Burbank has spent all of his life in his safe, quiet little town, with his pristine-looking, yet aloof wife and a similar mother, his best friend and loads of inherent fears that stop him from daring to discover new things. What Truman does not know is that he has spent his entire life in a purpose-built television studio and he is the main subject of the ultimate reality show, his every move watched by millions since the day he was born, a concept created by “God-like” producer, Christof. When a newcomer and a series of “malfunctions” catch his attention, Truman begins to realise that all is not well in his seemingly perfect little world…
Directed by the great Australian filmmaker, Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Mosquito Coast) and written by the acclaimed writer, producer and director, Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, Lord of War), The Truman Show is one of the very few truly original, ground-breaking, and even prophetic films of American cinema’s recent history, featuring a stunning performance by Jim Carrey in the lead role, supported by the great Ed Harris as Christof and graced by an original soundtrack by Philip Glass. Nominated for three Academy Awards (Best Director, Original Script and Supporting Actor) and winner of three Golden Globes (Best Actor- Drama, Supporting Actor, Original Score) and two BAFTAs (Director, Screenplay, Production Design), this is a cinematic milestone and a true modern classic.
Reviews
“★★★★ The Truman Show finds a near-miraculous balance of humor and feeling in the keen intelligence of the script by Andrew Niccol (Gattaca) and the prodigal inventiveness of Dead Poets Society director Peter Weir at his very best.(…) Carrey triumphs in a hilarious and heartfelt performance that reveals an uncommon sensitivity and grace.” Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
“One of the smartest, most inventive movies in memory, it manages to be as endearing as it is provocative.” Rita Kempley, Washington Post
“After seeing “The Truman Show,” Peter Weir’s wondrous, thought-stirring parable about privacy and voyeurism, I had that rare feeling of elation — of wanting to share a wonderful discovery — that comes with seeing an original, inspired piece of work. At once a lament for a society that has lost its soul to technology and rote consumerism, and an affirmation of some resilient decency in our nature, “The Truman Show” comes as a complete surprise. Just when it looked like commercial movies had abandoned interest in human lives and replaced it with computer-generated glitz, “The Truman Show” proves (…) that Hollywood hasn’t gone totally brain dead.” Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle