It's easy to see why many people would hate "The Truman Show." It's slow-moving, eccentric, and not a comedy (despite Jim Carrey's starring performance). It's also original and unique; startling and shocking; funny and heartbreaking...not necessarily things that many modern moviegoers go to the theaters for. "The Truman Show" is a subtle film that does not appear subtle. That may not make much sense, so I'll try to explain.

The story is about Truman Burbank (Carrey), a nice guy living in a nice island town with a nice job, a nice wife, and a comfortable life. What he doesn't know, is that his entire existence takes place in an enormous sound stage, and he is the star of a constantly on-air television show. From his birth onward, millions of people from around the world have been watching him. His friends, family and co-workers are all actors. The show's creator, Christoff (The always excellent Ed Harris), is the "God" of Truman's world, deciding what the weather is like, who will talk to him or befriend him, who will live or die, etc. Things go smoothly until the fateful day when a light falls from the sky, and Truman realizes that his entire existence is strange and becomes paranoid and on the edge. Meanwhile, the show technicians desperately try to cover things up.

"The Truman Show" was nominated for several academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Harris). Who didn't get a nomination, is Carrey, who sure as Hell deserved one. His transformation from happy individual, to curious individual, to paranoid individual is startling, humorous, and tragic. Carrey shows enormous range, and proves himself beyond simple comic roles. Harris deserved his Oscar nod as Christoff, the man who is God over Truman. What could have easily been an over-the-top, rambling role is handled with veteran perfection by Harris, who underplays extraordinarily.

Speaking of things that could have gone wrong: "The Truman Show" could have been a cheap comedy that focused on the comic aspects of such a bizarre situation. Instead, it mixes comedy into an otherwise purely dramatic and moving movie (The subtle comedy of Carrey's trip to a travel agent had me roaring with laughter). What appears to be a broad concept in the trailers proves to be something much deeper; a statement about humanity. Kudos to director Peter Weir, who handles the actors and scenes with absolute perfection. The Aussie director of "Master and Commander" and "Gallipoli" proves himself to be among one of the masters here.

As stated in the first paragraph of this critique, this film will not appeal to everyone. I've heard it called slow, boring, stupid, or, as the undereducated spew out "sucks." I could not detect why these accusations have been made about it. All I can say is that it is among the finest films I have ever seen.

© Written by Jacob Hall

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - A Richard Propes - A- Jacob Hall - A

TC Candler's Comment

It gets better in every viewing.

Richard Propes' Comment

I'm not sure I'd have picked Jim Carrey to take home the Oscar for this role, but being slighted for a nomination really surprised me. He was marvelous in this role, as an insurance salesman/adjuster who discovers his life has been one long TV show. Ed Harris also shines as Christof, Laura Linney as Carrey's wife and Holland Taylor as his mother. Brian Delate also does a nice turn as Carrey's father. Peter Weir's directing does a nice job of keeping Carrey focused to the point that nothing is ever too far over the top and Carrey does a wonderful job balancing the complexities as his life unfolds. Nice scriptwork by Andrew Niccol aids the cause, and the wonderful set design enhances the mood wonderfully. This is a wonderful film.