Don't watch it stoned - unless you want to become paranoid that your own life is secretly a reality show - but do watch it.
The Truman Show tells the story of ordinary everyman Truman Burbank who actually isn’t ordinary at all (I lied for effect). Unbeknownst to Truman, from embryo to adulthood, he’s spent the entirety of his life as the star of an immensely popular reality television show, with nearly every moment of his existence, whether waking or sleeping, broadcast live worldwide. Throughout the film, with some occasional outside aid, Truman gradually comes to the reality-shattering discovery that his entire life has been simulated. Surrounded by actors, living in an artificial town inside an enormous dome, every aspect of Truman’s life - from his relationships to his day-to-day activities to major life events - has been plotted out and scripted, with many of his interactions occurring solely for product placement. Truman was the ultimate pawn, and he was literally the only one in the entire world who didn’t know it: the existential crisis that discovery would cause is unfathomable.
As deeply philosophical as it is captivating, this film is one of
Peter Weir’s masterpieces. Weir is arguably Australia’s greatest filmmaker, and it’s almost insulting how absent his name is from lists and discussions of great directors. He’s created dreamlike art films, gripping thrillers, searing dramas, massive spectacles, and fascinating character studies. He has a phenomenal instinct for visual communication, one of those rare unteachable skills, and he pulls from a seemingly endless repertoire of formal techniques that allows him to make accessible and deeply moving films without ever falling into predictability, convention, or formula.
For much of
The Truman Show, Weir’s camera hops about from place-to-place like it’s being directed by a crackhead rabbit, with bizarre camera angles and lens changes a-plenty, yet it always feels completely purposeful; not only does Weir reinforce Truman’s increasingly paranoid mind state, but he slickly reflects the fast-paced editing and camera movements of reality television as well. The amount of creative choices involved in this film is incredible.
Comments
Post a Comment