An Outstanding Intellectual Film

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2018)

The concept for this film alone is very intriguing but the way it is executed and how the themes that it presents are explored is quite brilliant.
Truman slowly discovering that something quite odd is going on in the world he lives in (starting off with the studio light falling from the 'sky') and how he starts to lose his wit's end is a fascinating aspect to the film which Jim Carrey portrays very well. The themes of runaway celebrity culture and the fake nature of reality TV are subtly yet humorously traversed, particularly with the blatant product placement that is featured in the show. This is what makes this film so great, in how it integrates these thought-provoking ideas into the narrative.
The artificial nature of Truman's life and how that is created is outstanding, such as how his eventual wife is chosen for him by the show's producers and how he is always subtly encouraged to never leave Seahaven so the show can continue to air. If certain cast members try to reveal to Truman what his life really is then they are swiftly whisked away, prompting the question of the morality of the decision to keep a man effectively in a prison away from the real world, with his entire life being a lie.
The final scene in the film is a truly great piece of cinema with how the show's creator, Christof, tries to persuade Truman to not leave the set before Truman replies with his catchphrase "If I don't see ya, Good afternoon, Good Evening and Goodnight" before bowing and walking off. This is such a euphoric and emotionally-satisfying ending that is makes the film.
In terms of performances I don't understand how Jim Carrey didn't get an Oscar nomination for his performance. It may be one of the greatest injustices of 90s Cinema. Ed Harris is also brilliant in the short amount of screen time he has as Christof, and deserved his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Overall, it's simply a great piece of 90s cinema.