Movie research paper The Truman Show Essays

Movie research paper The Truman Show Essays Movie research paper The Truman Show Essay Movie research paper The Truman Show Essay The truman show is founded on an enormous secret that all of the studios advertising has been determined to reveal. I didnt know the secret when I saw the film, and was able to enjoy the little doubts and wonderings that the filmmakers so carefully planted. () Those fortunate audience members () will be able to appreciate the meticulous way director Peter Weir and writer Andrew Niccol have constructed a jigsaw plot around their central character, who doesnt suspect that hes living his entire life on live television. (Ebert 1) This film by director Peter Weir and writer Andrew Niccol tells about a man (Truman Burbank) who who finds out that his whole life is actually TV show. The movie has an incredible influence on America and the international community. What maybe no one would expect, this movie inspired some producers especially a famous European producer, John De Mol, to produce a reality TV show called Big Brother. He is also very famous for his produced TV shows Fear Factor and Who wants to be a Millionaire? (DooYoo 1). The Truman Show is not only famous because it is a typical 20th century movie, it also includes one of the todays best actors. Jim Carrey , Ed Harris , and Laura Linney are only three of many actors of this movie who performance their role in a perfect way. Also the strange storyline makes the movie to special in its genre. The storyline is deceptive, almost maliciously so (Myers 1), and is based on several movies like Edtv (1999), which is also about a man whose life is broadcast li ve 24 hours a day on television, he plays a similar character (IMDB 2). It is also very famous because it contains never before seen technical aspects like the directors office of the TV show. The many camera shots from every position, like garbage cans, behind car radios, and billboards, make it very individual. Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, is living in a suburban setting and works as a salesman. He doesnt realize that he is living in a fake world with actors all around him. His lifestyle is like an ordinary Joe whose life seems to be pretty idyllic. He has a good job, a nice house, and a beautiful wife (Jardine 1); he goes to work everyday and is totally satisfied with his life. Only one day, when he his on his way to work, a camera light, from the film producers falls down from the sky and lands close to him. He picks it up, but doesnt really think about it. In the car, after hitting the radio because it is not working properly, he can hear directions about where he is going coming out of his speakers. The last strange and most important scene is when he recognizes his father, who was purposely drowned while sailing with Truman, on the street. When Truman recognizes him, his father is taken away by some mysterious, casually dressed men. He begins wondering what is wrong with him or his world. After watching his environment with more attention, he realizes that everything is repeated over and over. For example he sees a yellow bug, a man with flowers, and a woman on a bicycle is passing his house every ten minutes. Something is missing [in his life], and he thinks perhaps he might find it in Fiji, where Lauren (Natascha McElhone), the only woman he really lo ved, allegedly has moved with her family (Ebert 1). However he cant take a boat because he always remembers the day when he lost his father. The TV show director also indirectly doesnt allow him to escape, because it would ruin the TV show. When Truman is sleeping and the producers of the TV show dont pay attention, Truman is finally able to escape with a boat by himself. Christof, the director, tries everything to stop him, before can escape from the set. After Truman almost drowned in a manufactures heavy thunderstorm, Truman reaches the edge of the set and tries to walk out. That is the first scene in which Christof and Truman have their first conversation. Christof tries to keep Truman from leaving the film set arguing argues, that he has created him and the world he has created for [Truman] is the good world, not the sick world [outside of the set] (The Truman Show). However, Truman decides to step out of the set and says the sentence he always said to his neighbors every morning; Good morning! And in case I dont see you: good af ternoon, good evening and good night! (The Truman Show). After that you can only see Trumans back as he steps into a black background and Christof shutting down his little desktop, through which he watched Truman talking to him. The directing by Peter Weir plays a big role in making The Truman Show a terrific movie. He selected several actors who were not very typical for their role. Truman, played by Jim Carey, who might simultaneously break your heart as easily as he makes you laugh (Turan 1) was not expected to present this role that perfect. Also Cristof (Ed Harris), who won the Golden Globe as Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (HFPA 1), and Hanna Gill (Laura Linney), who was nominated for Favorite Supporting Actress Drama by the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (Blockbuster 1), make this movie to a highlight in his genre. It seems that Weir wanted to make up a total different kind of movies. He says about the movie: The Truman Show was based on Michael Jackson. You watch The Truman Show and, I mean, Jim Carrey did a fantastic job, but Michael Jackson is Truman. Hes who I based him on and he is the nearest thing to Truman. The director continues to say, The connection between Michael and Truman is simple they both have a heart, and people treat them like objects for entertainment value. (Justice Prevailed 1)