Streaming Gems: The Truman Show (1998)
Photo from Paramount Pictures
From Shane Conto
Who was bigger than Jim Carrey in the 1990s? There was a singular year in 1994 where Carrey starred in three iconic comedies that launched him into stardom. His unique brand of humor with his rubber band like body and expressions. His comedic timing is sharp and he has made millions of people laugh time and time again. But his talents were never just limited to comedy. Carrey has had a few dramatic turns that certainly turned heads. One of the first films that captured the attention of people was Peter Weir’s The Truman Show.
What makes this performance so impressive? There is a perfect balance of fun charm (that we love so much from Carrey) and empathetic drama. Truman is charming and sweet which is why he is such a perfect protagonist for The Truman Show as well as the sick twisted reality TV show within the film. But there is one set of lines that shows both sides of Carrey’s performance. In the first half of the film, Truman will say “And if I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!” with so much kindness. His big toothy grin (like Carrey can only do) is so welcoming and fun. But the final time Truman says this line… the performance is pregnant with sadness, joy, and the weight of everything Truman has gone through in this film. Carrey’s performance is stellar and anchors this wonderful film.
Why is The Truman Show so relevant in 2024? Back in the 1990s, reality television was a rarity. Today, it is literally everywhere. You can watch infinite hours of reality television and it would not be surprising if our warped society eventually reaches the point of raising a child in a closed set for our entertainment. The social commentary that Weir navigates is so relevant and poignant. How could a society stand by such a horrific miscarriage of justice to a person's individual rights? Well…we do it all the time and even for whole nations of people. The Truman Show is uncomfortably authentic to the human condition. But Truman is so inspiring and we can get behind him. His spirit that drives him towards truth is infinitely inspiring and we want to join him on this journey.
What makes this film so engaging to experience? Weir injects this film with layers of genre and tones. The makeshift world of Truman’s world is so comforting yet also creepy at the same time. There is a paranoia that begins to heighten and rise as the film goes on and Truman gets closer to the truth of his existence. Weir is able to weave in a sense of thriller and suspense into a film that is wholly emotional and poignant. There are a few moments that dive right into thriller territory as Truman desperately tries to escape his beautiful harbor town. There are tinges of romance as well as Truman attempts to find a mysterious woman of his dreams. But at the core of this film, this is a film about one man’s journey for truth and self-discovery.
What are some of the other elements that elevate this film? There are some strong supporting performances through this film. Ed Harris got Oscar attention for his portrayal as Christof, the mastermind behind this whole show. Harris has a unique presence and weight that he brings to every role and Christof’s ambition and controlling nature are a perfect fit. Laura Linney is an unsung star in this film. One scene sells it when she is quickly losing her cool while also trying to shoehorn in product placement (this is infinitely hilarious and tragic at the same time). Noah Emmerich (an actor who nevers gets a tone of credit) delivers so many great moments in this film as Truman’s best friend. His supporting turn is incredibly important to the whole illusion that is Truman’s life.
Why is The Truman Show such a timeless and impactful film? The themes progressively get more relevant and hit harder every year that passes. This is one of the great dramatic turns of a comedic actor which completely broadens the legacy of Carrey. Weir is one of the unsung directors of his generation who deserves so much more credit for the great work he did in his career. This is a masterful film that is one of the great gems of the past 30 years of cinema.
You can find The Truman Show (1998) streaming on Paramount+.
