A Main Character But Not In A Real World: Truman Burbank

At some point we all say, "Does the world revolve around me?". The events around us take place by centering us, we feel like the main character of a book. But what if this kind of utopia is really possible? Not in the world we live in, but in Truman's world, there is exactly such a thing! Isn't it exciting?

What would you do if you figured out your whole life is a live show and you are the main character who is under constant observation? All your movements are watched by thousands of people. How would you react if you lived in an artificial studio where people around you are merely actors? This is exactly what happens to Jim Carrey’s character in “The Truman Show”. The movie is a 1998 American satirical comedy-drama directed by Peter Weir, who conveyed an interesting point of view about reality. On the one hand, people often pose legitimate question, how they are expected to believe that the world around us is fake but on the other hand, psychological drama raises real problems.

The film produced by Scott Rudin, Andrew Niccol, Edward S. Feldman, and Adam Schroeder, and written by Andrew Niccol was a financial success, debuting to critical acclaim, and earned numerous nominations at the 71st Academy Awards, 56th Golden Globe Awards, 52nd British Academy Film Awards, and 25th Saturn Awards.

In some respects, the film seems even more relevant than it was two decades ago. The movie was like a prediction for what would happen in the upcoming decades, such as the subsequent rise of reality TV, social media and as a result of that, an increase in "fake news". In the fake world, Truman is the only person who believes that he's honourable, innocent and righteous in what he does. This is why the movie is about a “true man” who breaks the boundaries, overcomes fears and finds the truth.

The film stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who grew up living an ordinary life that takes place on a large set populated by actors for a television show about him. Truman is unaware that his daily life is broadcast continuously worldwide. He has a job in the insurance business and a wife, but he eventually notices that his environment is not what it seems to be.

Laura Linney, acting as Meryl Burbank is Truman's wife. She is a nurse at the local hospital. Since the show relies on product placement for revenue, Meryl regularly shows off various items that she has recently "purchased", one of the many oddities that makes Truman question his life.

And the last important character Noah Emmerich, who is playing Marlon, is Truman's best friend since early childhood. Marlon is a vending machine operator for the company Goodies, who promises Truman that he would never lie to him, despite the latest events in Truman's life.

As Truman was selected from birth following an unwanted pregnancy, Christof, the show's creator and executive producer, claims that Truman came to be adopted not just by the show, but by the whole "world". Truman's hometown of Seahaven Island is a complete set built within an enormous dome, populated by crew members and actors who highlight the product placements that generate revenue for the show. The elaborate set allows Christof to control almost every aspect of Truman's life, including the weather. Christof seeks to capture Truman's authentic emotions and give audiences a relatable everyman.

The most interesting aspect of the film for me is the way it focuses on the message it wants to convey: A utopia based on the most different and imaginary possibility. And it shows in an epic way that the truth that we don't question can be a lie. After watching the Truman Show, I started to question myself and the events around me. I think this is one of the biggest indicators of the impressive level of the film. Last of all, I want to end my review with Truman's most iconic sentence:

“Good morning! And in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight.”