a masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 1999)

I've watched quite a few movies over the years. The friendly neighborhood Blockbuster Video people could probably retire on the money they've made renting to just me. I've seen the entire AFI 100 and every critically acclaimed movies that I can find. Even so, I'd have to say that The Truman Show is one of the greatest movies ever to come out of Hollywood. It's a perfect film. The acting is great, the screenplay is phenomenal, and it is a very deep and symbolic movie. I've seen it seven times and I pick up something new every time I watch it. Even the title character's name, "Truman Burbank," is oxymoronic and symbolic. He is a "true man" who is the product of Hollywood. You can even spot a few allusions to the crucifixion when Christof tries to stop Truman from escaping by flipping his boat. The depiction of a Utopian society reminded me of Alduous Huxley's "Brave New World," a world were freedom did not truly exist even though the citizens thought it did. Why did they not do anything? It's just like Christof said in a memorable and disturbing quote: "We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented." This cynicism is thrown at you one last time in the final scene of the movie. Two security guards, upon realizing that the show is over, shrug and say, "Hmm, it's over. Let's see what else is on" while stuffing their faces with pizza. Likewise, viewers of this movie may see it and say, "Hmm, it's over" without giving it a second thought, not realizing the significance of the movie. Don't see this movie if you're not willing to think. Don't see this movie if you're looking for a superficial, slapstick, screwball comedy like most of Carrey's other pictures (You'll be disappointed if that's what you're looking for). See this movie if you are prepared to be challenged philosophically. Along with "A Clockwork Orange," this is one of two movies that I have given a ten out of ten.