Endowed by His Creator
Truman Stands as an Allegory for Humanity

In an era of filmmaking which often reworks old movie and television storylines, it is refreshing to find a film which is so bold, so different, that it challenges the audience to contemplate something great. That such a movie should appear in the summer season, which is well known as the domain of mind-numbing sequels, is all the more reason to celebrate. In short, this is a movie which you MUST see.

The Truman Show, which stars comedian Jim Carrey in his first dramatic role, is unlike any movie. It is, in a word, unique. The beginning of the film does not begin with the standard list of opening credits. Not for the movie, at any rate. From the very beginning, the audience is thrust into the world of "The Truman Show," a television series which has enraptured the world for more than 30 years.

The show's creator, Christof (played by Ed Harris), explains to the camera that despite the actors, the artificial surroundings, and the scripting, "The Truman Show" is real because Truman is real. He is living his life unscripted and unaware. He is real life. Likewise, the television show's co-stars, Truman's wife Meryl (Laura Linney) and his best friend Marlon (Noah Emmerich) expound on how rewarding it is to be a part of Truman's life and the show.

As our glimpse of the show begins, Truman Burbank (Carrey) is beginning his day talking to himself in the mirror. A tiny camera (like the thousands which exist in Truman's world) allows the audience to see him. As Truman leaves for work, however, something different happens in his life. A lighting fixture falls from the heavens and lands on the road in front of his house. And with that small mistake, Truman begins to question the very nature of his existence.

As we watch the show (along with various glimpses of the world audience), it becomes surreal. We are watching a film about a television show about someone's life. Within that chain of progression, we lose a step. The movie becomes nonexistent. We are watching "The Truman Show," a television show, and we learn to care as deeply for Truman as that world-wide audience which we glimpse from time to time.

Director Peter Weir does an excellent job of introducing us to the show and then immersing us in it for the next hour. There are no interruptions by the outside world, except to see how others are reacting to Truman's story. We see two old women on a couch, a man in a bathtub, two security guards in their office, and a bar (The Truman Bar) filled with patrons who are eagerly watching the show. They act as a chorus, filling us in on information which we (as regular viewers) should know.

After living with Truman for a few days, the film switches gears and the real world begins to play a more prominent role. We see Truman's world from the control room high atop the gigantic sound stage where the show is produced. Through an interview with Christof, we learn some of the background behind the television show, and gain an understanding that not everyone in the world agrees with the director's decision to televise Truman's life. To some, he is a hero, to others a prisoner. To the director, he is a star.

It is not much of a stretch to see a parallel between Truman's (true man) relationship with his director and humanity's relationship with God. It is a magical transformation which takes place as Truman begins to suspect -- and later comprehend -- that he is something special. What starts as paranoia becomes curiosity. He soon sees himself as the center of the universe, although there is no ego in this statement -- only a sense of wonder.

The Truman Show is a masterpiece of filmmaking. It challenges us to explore our universe, and our place in it. It makes us care for Truman Burbank, and creates in him a true archetype hero of modern man. Most importantly, by the end of the film we understand the love the world has for this television show, and we join them in cheering for Truman.

MY RATING: 10 out of 10.

RATED:
RUN TIME: 104 min.

Endowed by His Creator Truman Stands as an Allegory for Humanity

Endowed by His Creator
Truman Stands as an Allegory for Humanity