MY CLASSICS: The Truman Show

MY Classics: The Truman Show (1998)
5/5


            "We accept the reality of the world which we are presented" a quote from Christof, the producer of 'The Truman Show' a classic that came out tweleve years ago. On the outside this movie can seem like just a complex satire on the tv-watching age. Take a second to pay attention to that quote. Now for that quote really to make you wonder, think about our world. We breathe, we walk, we think and we accept it. This is how our reality works. Of course we question it and are giving a brief scientific explanation,  then we accept those explanations. The Truman Show is a reflection on something bigger than media satire.
             In The Truman Show we are introduced to a man named Truman, played enthusiastically by Jim Carrey.  I might start including spoilers here in a moment. Truman is living his life, a job, a wife, however he starts picking up odd signs that things aren't right. Almost as he is developing his own mid-life crisis and wanting to  escape to Fiji for a little bit. What we discover as an audience is he is living in a world of actors, surrounded by water which he is scared to cross. Halfway through the film we are introduced to the people in the sun, who are playing God to Truman, the technical team behind The Truman Show. The producer, played very well by Ed Harris, is interviewing on why what they do with Truman gives inspiration to the troubled outside world.
             Christof, the producer, insists that the world he has given Truman is for his own protection, and in a magnificent sequence.. there are a series of giant TV's showing Truman's face while sleeping as Christof starts petting his nose, almost acting with a parental love. This character can be two-sided, a man who cares about the show, or one that cares about Truman. He becomes corrupt wanting to keep him at Seaside to the point of nearly killing him in an ocean. Till one of the greatest scenes in movie history occurs. Where Truman's boat hits the wall and he has to take it all in that his world was unreal. As he climbs stairs and goes to the door Christof talks to him from the sky. Acting almost as God. This scene is gorgeous, moving, and refects both characters overall emotions.
             This movie is an instant classic in my book, it works poetically, and it is a very important film. It expresses imagination and elements of true movie magic. This is how movies should be made, with great entertainment, comedy, lovable characters, deep symbolic moments, and high emotions. This is a perfect film and on my list of classics. A new segment on Wades Films.