The Best Thing We Watched In Religion Studies

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2014)

As you get older and try to find your way in life. You'd be forgiven for thinking someone is watching what you're doing, especially with the abundance of CCTV nowadays.
That's what inevitably happens in the life of Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey). Unfortunately he's not gazed upon for reasons of security, as he is unaware his life is actually a 24/7 hour show for the rest of the world. From womb to tomb, his actions have kept millions enthralled, but a few broken set pieces and a lost love may finally pull the blanket over Truman's eyes.
This is probably Jim Carrey at his most mature so far. He's a performer who has such a wonderful bounce in his step, that makes him devilishly cartoony in everything he's ever done both comedic and serious. Ed Harris is fantastic as the show runner, and for as serious as the film gets emotionally. I don't think it ever underwhelms or overwhelms either.
Regardless, you sympathise with Truman because his life has been manipulated so well. But maybe that was another subtle point the movie was making, that someone's misery is abused for ratings despite differences from right and wrong? Saying that, I don't really think I'd ever question my existence to the extent of Truman's, and I really admire this quotation from director Peter Wier: "This was a dangerous film to make because it couldn't happen. How ironic."
Final Verdict: An American classic, and a unique film that begs multiple viewings. 9/10.