"The Truman Show" dares to question the reality. It's original, complex, and philosophical. It manages to make you feel truly frustrated and claustrophobic.
Perhaps many of us can relate to Truman as we live in a time of routines. We often live our lives without giving a second thought to the simplicity and meaninglessness of life itself. Our limited perspectives keep us from seeing. The lies we are told keep us from the truth. If we could push the boundaries of our reality, what are the odds that we'd face what Truman faced in the end?
It was a joy to watch "Jim Carrey" as "Truman", it is yet another proof that Jim isn't just a comedian.
On the surface, The Truman Show is about a man who has lived his life trapped inside of a bubble. He tries the entire movie to pop the bubble, and he eventually does.
Under that layer, though, is a complex theme. Does Truman really enjoy his cell? He seemed to for years. At the same time, he struggled with memories, but don't we all?
As the viewer, we're left to determine the morality of the happiness of millions versus the freedom of one. We're also left to consider whether Truman's cage was better than his freedom. A child born into a system that doesn't have a great track record or a life of relative safety with no knowledge of the cage.
The viewer also has to determine the sturdy nature of reality. What is reality besides our perception of it? What's real to Jim or to Bob? Are the things that are real to them real to me if I've never seen or heard about them?
Beyond the philosophical questions the movie poses, the film itself is solid. Jim Carrey pulls off the part wonderfully. He's more than just a comedian, although he can bring the humor the instant the scene needs it. The supporting cast fell right in line.
The pacing may be a little slow early on for many viewers, but that is remedied once the action begins to pick up.
If you want something light and silly, go watch something else by Carrey.
It's unique, ground breaking, and a real tear jerker. Watching this movie will be one of your best choices!
I went into this movie expecting a strange experience, and I was certainly not disappointed. The Truman Show explores one of the most interesting premises ever conceived: what if someone's entire life was a simulation made for TV? It's so bizarre but done in such a grounded way that it really makes you feel for Truman, and by the end of the movie I was uncomfortable for both him and myself. It's almost a horror film in how it fills you with a strange sense of paranoia. Excellent idea, excellent execution, and deep enough to keep you thinking for a long time afterwards.
Have you questioned the nature of your reality?
I just need more content. Tell me more about Truman’s world.
If you didn't get a little paranoid after watching this movie, you watched it wrong.
2.7 points -> Cinematography (0-3)
1.8 points -> Acting and Characters (0-2)
2.9 points -> Plot (0-3)
0.8 points -> Score (0-1)
1.0 -> enjoyed the movie. (0-1)
Aka. 9.2 points + 0.8 'cause its my fav = 10.0
A classic with a future flavor.
A film that will always be one of my favorites. The screenplay is the masterpiece here, no doubt.
The Truman Show is the film that made me hanging at the end but at the same time gave me satisfaction. This film will give you so much mixed emotions and realizations about reality. I love every piece of it. The way it was directed is also beautiful. I also love the aesthetic in this film. And ofcourse, kudos to the actors and actresses especially Jim Carrey!
One of the best movies I have ever seen. And one of the best movies you will ever see.
A really unique comedy movie. Jim Carrey is amazing as always. So funny looking out for all the things that make you think it isn't real.
i’m really debating whether i should switch my 9 to a 10
Why oh why did it take me song long to watch this?
Watching The Truman Show from a 2023 lense is truly a fascinating experience. I haven't watched this movie in many years, even though it is probably still up there with the best ones I've ever experienced. It is simply not an easy watch, because no matter how many times, it still makes my brain work overtime. I do mean that positively though.
We live in a world of multimedia consume that is ever growing through the internet, live streams and new resources to add to the online live experience. While we're not watched in the same way unassuming Truman is, you do get an eerie feeling that privacy is very often just an illusion these days. I mean, you just talk about wanting a new blue jeans and then you put out your phone and guess what adds you mostly get now? Again, not the same but still in the same realm of uncomfortableness.
I don't think I need to recap this movie, because even if you haven't watched this (why would you read a review like than anyway then?) you'll know the basics.
The concept is easy and yet so complex. Man trapped in an enteral TV show everybody but him is aware off.
We live in the age of reality TV and more. There are countless shows of celebrities and "regular" people that have no issue being filmed for TV shows or even live stream themselves. The enjoy sharing every private detail of their lives and while that is questionable, it is at least consensual. Not so much when it comes to their young children, but that opens a whole different can or worms. Maybe when should actually compare it more to paparazzi culture and how many people in the public eye can't take as much as a walk down the street without being photographed and put online. But again, they are at least aware of it l.
Truman, not so much. He believes the lie until he gets too many questionable clues that make him rethink his entire life and situation and he starts to investigate the truth.
One of the biggest questions the movie offers is if Truman is happy in his world until he starts to question it. Is his life in the TV bubble worse than a possible life in the outsight world can offer him? Ed Harris's defacto villain Christof even asks him that important question. In a way, even if morally wrong, he is probably right that Truman would be better off in his safe haven of a Utopia than experiencing a world he has never known but nevertheless he makes the brave choice in the end.
The other dilemma the movie is, is one of moral complexity. As Natasha McElhone's Sylvia points out, it is rather discussing to adopt a baby only to put him on display since birth without ever giving him the truth or choice to walk away from it. I called Christof a "defacto villain" before because that is clearly his function. He is the one responsible for the Truman Show and even if he might has moments where he questions his actions, he desperately wants to keep Truman. A false form of fatherly love for him (he did watch him grow up)? Maybe. An incredible form of delusion and narcissism? Most definitely. His last conversation with Truman, where his voice booms out directly off the sky like he is God is even an indication that people should never play God to begin with.
Religious imagery aside, it's also just so wrong on a moral level and the movie beautifully toys with how twisted Truman's whole world is. He has parents, friends, neighbors, a wife even... all actors who willingly play along for the paycheck. While it is set to believe that the people closest to him do care, it doesn't change the fact that no one speaks up about his situation. Same goes for the audience. The same people who cheer for him to get out in the end are those who watch his show every day without much or a problem, because it is light entertainment for them. And don't we all fall for a certain kind of entertainment ourselves every day. Is something like a real life Truman Show not actually something that could happen if we're not careful?
But enough of that. Let's talk about Jim Carrey for a moment. He's mostly a comedic actor and very good at it, even though he's sometimes a bit of "special taste." It is sadly barely acknowledged what a great dramatic actor he can be when given the chance.
The Truman show remains one of his performances today.
I love this movie. I think it's fantastic and still holds up many years later with more of a relevance that ever before.
a good and entertaining movie that’s accessible to all. a bit predictable but the story is very good and it features a surprisingly strong performance from Jim Carrey. and also quite prescient considering the increasing popularity of reality television throughout the 2000s.
Just sweet and satirical at the same time. Jim Carrey is amazing in this role. Thought provoking.
It is interesting nobody here noticed that literally everything in the movie is a sign for schizophrenia.In fact, I interpreted the movie once I noticed as absolutely everything it happens in there is just within his own mind:Him being the center of everything, people sending him secret message, imagining stuff that people said, taking every little hint to absurd levels of serious.
I would assume many people who now symptoms of schizophrenia would agree upon this.
Under this aspect, the whole show doesn't exist or any directors. It is all what he expects and assumes his life and environment to be.
I did expect it would be clarified at the end of the movie, but it wasn't. Him taking the door could be interpreted as him leaving his own mental bubble and mindset, though.
"The Truman Show" strikes a good balance between quirky satire and Hollywood blockbuster drama, yet it feels like a wasted opportunity. An interesting premise that unfortunately got out of hand in execution, to the point that it fails at making a point in the end. It could have been a great movie but decided to stay as a nice comedy. Not a Jim Carrey fan, but his acting style works well with the goofy soap opera atmosphere of the show.
Such a well executed plot. So much fun to watch.
Jim Carrey, an actor I always enjoying watching, is terrific in the lead as Truman - he kills every moment, very much the perfect person to play this role. Laura Linney (Hannah), Ed Harris (Christof) and Noah Emmerich (Louis) are the best of the rest, while Paul Giamatti (Simeon) even appears.
'The Truman Show' is one of those films that I've heard a great deal about down the years so I'm happy to have finally got around to seeing it. It's excellent. It's well paced and just a really entertaining and thoughtful premise to watch unfold. Brilliant film.
Astonishing that this film is before the Big Brother reality TV that has spawned so much up to today's Real Housewives of Wherever.
I have a couple of minor quibbles with the film but overall its done very well. And 20+ years on, it still has a lot to say.
It feels more like a European art film than a Hollywood undertaking with its score and cinematography.
It's definitely worth a watch if you've somehow overlooked it.
7.75/10
A truly entertaining, unique, and yet meaningful at the same time. I personally couldn't believe it took me this long to come across this movie. "The Truman Show" occasionally enlightened me on TOK-based questions - how do we know what we know? How do we know what is real? What is the truth? A recommended film for those looking for something different, something that you'll be thinking about for days.
Simply one of the best movies I have ever seen.
Well first of all.. I pretty much hate Jim Carrey, I just can't take him seriously!
One day my friend put this film up without me knowing what the film was about or what actors were in etc.
and...OMG, that is actually an amazing film! Even better when you haven't watch the trailer or anything! Amazingly surprised! Watch it!
Jim Carrey is definitely a marmite kind of actor; you either love him or hate him. I personally think he's brilliant and have enjoyed all of his films so far. (Out of the ones I've seen.) This is no exception. It was really slow starting and far from his funniest film, but the more the story goes on, the more fascinating it becomes, and you eventually become hooked. And I love the deep meaning towards the end, which I believe is quite true. I'm not gonna spoil it though. Go and watch it!
In the post-YouTube age, you could argue that it's tough to relate with a character trapped in a TV show constructed around his life, when for many today this is a dream come true. That aside though, this is a fantastic story of a man who begins to question every detail of his life.
For people looking for the answers to big questions, this film will disappoint. For those who have never been asking questions, this film is a fantastic eye-opener, an accessible ice-breaker when it comes to larger philosophical discussions.
For as long as the TV show premise can be accepted, this is recommended viewing for everyone, particularly teens.
EDIT (10th October 2020): I'm downing my rating from a 9 to an 8, because unfortunately with time, the films weaknesses have only become clearer with time, and will continue to do so as it becomes more of a period piece firmly set in the time in which it was created. This film was easily a 10 when I first saw it... and its message still resonates with me, and I believe is relatable with most people, despite the heavy use of 90s technology and platforms within the film.... but now I'm questioning whether even the premise will become dated and unrelatable in the next ten years...
So glad I finally sat down to watch this. The plot is amazingly executed and Jim Carrey's acting of course. It's like Homelander said: "It was perfect. Perfect. Everything... down to the last minute details."
Can't believe it took me so long to watch this film! Absolutely amazing, and every bit as relevant today as it was in 98. There's nothing better than movies that act as think pieces about society, because I don't think there's a more effective media for that than film, and The Truman Show has to be one of the best think-piece movies I've ever watched!
This is the original idea for the HBO Westworld?
Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!
An amazing story. Entertaining and sharp with its social criticism.
What a beautiful movie. This movie was so ahead of its time.
Iconic, but quite threadbare upon a rewatch. There's really nothing here - the concept and the ramifications are barely even defined, much less explored in any meaningful way.
Jim Carrey is a very weak dramatic actor, so the moments that are supposed to be poignant don't land. He goes from boring every man to Jim Carrey weirdisms in a way that feels cringe-inducingly contrived to remind everyone that he's a "wacky" comedian. He was cast solely because of his star power at the time and it shows. The movie could have worked in his zany style into the story if they had taken more time to develop Truman's (or anyone's) character at all.
Points for originality and being an easy enough watch but I feel this one is ripe for a reboot that could take it further with better casting.
9/10
Superb and to think
I hesitated watching this
till Dec 9th 2023.
I was really surprised how
much I actually enjoyed
this and also finding out
Ed Harris (the man in black
from WestWorld) was
the main antagonist in
this movie was an absolute
Treat.
Jim Carrie puts in an
energetic and Outstanding performance
as always
as does everyone else.
This movie is 'filmed'
so cleverly and the fact it
was kicking out
Reality tv in a Matrix
Under the Dome setting
before they were even
a thing on screen just
goes to show how ahead
of it's time this movie
really was.
Verdict: very very
entertaining movie to which
I had a really good time
with it's
really interesting concept,
Dark and tragic
but so much fun.
Solid script and Solid
writing with great pacing
and a perfect runtime,
what's not to love about
this "what if" not to
for from a Reality movie.
I'm definitely going to
pick this one up on
Blu Ray for the collection
as it's absolutely one
for a rewatch
(Who says "reruns"
can't be as entertaining
a second time round).
"GOOD MORNING
GOOD AFTERNOON
AND GOODNIGHT"
The Truman Show is an existential story that only seems to grow in relevance. Do governments, religions, and corporations attempt to dictate our perception and control our reality? In what ways are we Truman? In what ways are we the consumers of the Truman Show? The message is creativity told, the characters are well acted, and the experience is thought provoking.
I can't believe I'm watching this masterpiece in 2023. The Truman Show is a original, thought provoking and the most creative movie I've ever seen. It's like it's a satire of real life... I have a feeling I'll be watching this more than one time. Overall, a great masterpiece even for who aren't Jim Carrey fans...
I can understand that people had a different experience when they watched it when this came out, as supposed to me, who watched this for the first time in 2023. It still holds up really well and even when the multimedia landscape we know today, it's a truly unique movie, which I enjoyed a lot. The themes are in some way even more relevant today as they were back then, which is amazing to think about. I kind of hoped that they would show a bit more of the aftermath. You could do a whole second movie about that... And I would've loved that.
A classic movie that has so many layers while also being funny enough to watch with children. Jim Carrey pulls off this performance so well, and honestly, every character in this movie does great, even the audience.
Like the first Christmas you're old enough to remember, The Truman Show is a defining moment in happiness.
Everything comes together to create the perfect film. The writing is intelligent, inspiring and innovative. The brilliant concept is explored thoroughly without ever becoming mundane or boring.
The directing is on point from the opening credits which are the credits for The Truman Show (the TV show, not the film) to the ending which isn't unnecessarily long with a drawn out denouement.
And Jim Carey not only absolutely understood the character to his depths, but he also knew exactly how to communicate him to the audience.
I'd seen The Truman Show on video and loved it, but Paris just re-released theatrically so I was able to see it in the cinema and my God... it was a gift I'll never forget.
One of my favorite movies of all times.
So sweet. I’m not one for “feel good” movies but this is a rare exception. Highly recommend.
Though The Truman Show may seem like an outlandish story, it's terrifying how it isn't that far away from reality. Something always feels off yet, it feels real, almost. A deeper look into the concept would have definitely made this better.
I wanna cry from happiness for him!
what an performance from jim carrey! So damn amazon and the idea of the movie are so good,its like we all live in this world, just who get out of their routine can really feel freedom as him
so yah anyway
this was epic
btw soundtrack was really good too
underground Storm
review: this movie is good
Jim Carrey stars in the smart and satirical comedy The Truman Show. Unbeknownst to him, Truman Burbank, a small-town insurance salesman, is the star of his own 24-hour television show, but slowly he starts to realize that his life is a facade. Co-starring Ed Harris, Laura Linney, and Natascha McElhone, the performances are pretty good. And the film presents some interesting issues, such as the media culture and subjective reality. However, the material is a little underserved by the story. Though it doesn't quite meet its ambitious goals, The Truman Show is an impressive film with a powerful message.
Such a unique and interesting idea for a show. Jim Carrey is great and so is the movie.
Finally got round to watching this film and not disappointed. I didn't quite feel as emotional as reviews and friends were saying I would get, but it was an interesting concept, one I've never come across before. Glad it all turned out the way it did.
27/07/2019
7/10
Télé pris qui croyait prendre. Un chef d'œuvre et un très grand Jim Carrey.
Weir, who directed the great 'Witness', uses different camera angles to make you feel like you're actually watching 'The Truman Show' and not a movie. He ends it before you get tired of the concept and helped Carrey and Harris give immaculate performances. Andrew Niccol script is a real star in the movie too because of it's inventiveness and ingenuity.
Surprising movie; one of the surprises being that Carey is actually a more than capable actor. I didnt expect it upfront, but I enjoyed this movie.
Great premise, great execution, great writing. There were a couple of bits that could have been done better, but if Trakt offered a 9.5 rating option I would use it.
The Truman Show is an unforgettable and essential cult film history that everyone should see. A direction of quality, a story that touches importante philosophical themes and an interpretation of Jim Carrey who consecrate himself to very great actor makes The Truman Show a true masterpiece.
Be quite, we are on Air... But who written the story???? Written? Who write the story? The Actor as himself!
German: Bitte ruhe, wir sind auf Sendung... Aber wer hat das Drehbuch geschrieben???? Geschrieben? Wer schreibt das Drehbuch? Der Schauspieler als sich selber!
that was some of laughable storyline i ever seen. great acting
I've heard of this show but never paid any attention to it. I chanced upon it yesterday,gave it a shot and hey it's pretty good. Interesting plot with a great actor :)
Una de mis películas favoritas
One of my favorites.
Amazing film
Shout by DeletedBlockedParent2015-10-03T03:59:15Z
I can't believe it took me until 2015 to watch The Truman Show. It's one of those unique films that gets you thinking and its message just gets more and more relevant. A must see film!