Eerie

Rating: Null/10 (15 February 1999)

Watching "The Truman Show" was like watching an episode of the "X-Files"-a creepy, yet fascinating experience. Many elements of the film do not make sense until a few hours after one has seen the movie. Christof, his booming voice emitted from the sky represents God...yet he also reminded me of a Communist leader. I think it was the idea that Truman and all of the other actors were equal under one producer. This went for the staffers as well. There was also the allegorical concept of the film, such as Truman's name. Truman, was the only "true man" on the island. He was also true to himself at the end. Then there is the motif of the eyes. The cameras serve as eyes, but we also see Sylvia's eyes gazing at Truman, and Christof's piercing gaze. A fascinating motif. Finally, there is the aspect of water. Biblically, God created a flood that covered then earth. Christof creates a storm that kills Truman's father. It was chilling to watch Christof stroke the picture of Truman on TV. It was a sickening reminder of the lie that Truman was forced to live.
The entire concept of the film is frightening. To have your entire life on television for the world to see is difficult to swallow. Yet most importantly, like "Pleasantville," "The Truman Show" asks you to think. And films that accomplish this feat are fine accomplishments indeed.