Inquiring Minds: THE TRUMAN SHOW (25th Anniversary Edition)

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When I first saw The Truman Show as a young girl I thought it played out like magic. Not only was this during a technological period that was booming, but this was also the area of an extension of a myriad of sci-fi films that had just been born. However, this somehow felt different.

Much like I did with many of the films that have shaped me, I poured over the thought-provoking and poignant story and was mesmerized by what it composed itself to be. This wasn’t just a science fiction story, this was something more innate. Truman Burbank felt like the best part of us. And it inspired me.

Over the years I have revisited the classic, and with each watch, I found something else to appreciate about it. Recently, The Truman Show was released on Blu-ray and 4K for its 25th Anniversary. It includes two making of segments and deleted scenes on the special features along with the hi-def 4k ultra film copy that beams to life.

“All The Worlds A Stage”

Unbeknownst to him, Truman Burbank’s (Jim Carrey) life is a massively comprised set, televised and shown across the world. Beloved by many, everyone is playing a part except for him. He’s the star, but at a price that he didn’t know he was paying. A choice that was never given from when he was born.

As the newest audience to the show, we watch Truman move through the motions, his daily routine. He seems content enough: a good job, a perky wife, a loyal best friend, and a palpable optimism that greets the world with a smile. But as the day winds down we see what he hides away from others, and we recognize a longing in Truman. For a love that he lost because it wasn’t in the script, and for a life that didn’t fit the narrative.

The world in which he inhabits works on a schedule, a timely curtain close that resets each day with technologically advanced equipment that can bring the sunrise or cause a storm.

“And All the Men and Women Merely Players”

When some things start to go wrong, he experiences a peak behind the rouse and his suspicions have him attempting to leave. But can he?

The film captures what society often misplaces its resources and time to, and yet simultaneously delivers us with such a lovable protagonist that you’re smitten with him. Truman had us at good morning (and good afternoon, good evening, and good night).

Carrey takes on the role with a childlike eagerness, an innocence to Truman that enables him to be his silly self, but also an earnest dramatic anchor. He’s the star, but he’s also a victim, manipulated by these surroundings of seemingly suburban bliss. But it is his prison, and the catharsis that’s achieved over the course of the film is beautiful. It is handled with a tenderness that is never shelved.

The score (by Burkhard von Dallwitz) is perfectly tailored to the film, triumphantly and elegantly capturing the grand strokes. It very much feels like a play set to a personal discovery on a wide scale.

Andrew Niccol‘s script is innovative and compelling. It has master strokes that truly show what a great screenplay can achieve.

It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the wonder and majesty of it all. As far-fetched as the overall concept may be it’s lifted from a place of human loneliness. The sentiment that all eyes can be on you and yet you’re never truly seen is a powerful notion.

“They Have Their Exits and Their Entrances.”

Ed Harris, who was nominated for the role, plays Christoff, the creator whose narcissism clouds his judgment in regard to what’s best for Truman. He feels like he has power over him, and believes he has an ownership that was never his to dictate. The performance is stellar, much like everyone included, even down to the people watching, seeking vicarious satisfaction from our titular hero.

Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, and Natascha McElhone are all fantastic. All of the supporting roles feel believable because they’re so expertly done. Surreal and intelligent, celebrity obsession at its most wide eyed, everyone involved feels imperative to the overall discovery; some a guest and others a directing hand.

What’s even more amazing about this film is that 25 years later it feels just as relevant – maybe even more so. Its brilliant thesis is of emotional  resonance and its presentation; in a comprehensive and vulnerable delivery, makes it truly special.

Conclusion

The Truman Show is a bold and inventive  creation that holds itself as one of the defining  films of its time.

A successful satire that plays into consumerism and the cultural ties with entertainment, The Truman Show manages to be inspiring and disturbing simultaneously, a symbiosis that is rarely seen. If you haven’t yet opened your eyes  to this piece of somber and whimsical artistry, do yourself a favor: tune in.

The Truman Show is currently streaming and the 25th anniversary 4k available for purchase.