Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes
Content Warnings: GASLIGHTING (it’s pretty much Gaslighting The Movie), Domestic Violence, Unreality
Full lists:
– General Triggers: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/12442
– Parent’s Guide: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/parentalguide
| Since birth, a big fat lie defines the well-organized but humdrum life of the kind-hearted insurance salesman and ambitious explorer, Truman Burbank. Utterly unaware of the thousands of cleverly hidden cameras watching his every move, for nearly three decades, Truman’s entire existence pivots around the will and the wild imagination of the ruthlessly manipulative television producer, Christof–the all-powerful TV-God of an extreme 24/7 reality show: The Truman Show. As a result, Truman’s picturesque neighborhood with the manicured lawns and the uncannily perfect residents is nothing but an elaborate state-of-the-art set, and the only truth he knows is what the worldwide television network and its deep financial interests dictate. Do lab rats know they are forever imprisoned? |
The Visuals: I wouldn’t say that the shots in this movie are particularly stunning or anything, but they do add to the atmosphere of it being a reality TV show. I think the framing is good and I particularly like all the little shots of the audience that they sprinkle throughout, which really helps to keep reminding out what situation Truman really is in.
The Music: Pretty good! But maybe not one I’d buy the soundtrack for.
The Plot: This is the real standout in the movie. For such a ridiculous premise, they honestly manage to sell it. What a horrifying idea it is, to be a child adopted by a corporation for something just like this. And it doesn’t even seem all that implausible.
Overall Opinion: Man, this movie. It really messed me up as a kid and had me questioning reality for weeks afterwards. Sometimes, when things just start falling apart, I still think about it. It’s billed as a dramedy, but I honestly think its more of a subtle horror movie. Can you even imagine finding out that your entire existence was a lie? I have to wonder what happened to Truman once he left the set… but at the same time, I’m glad that they never officially told us. He managed to escape the narrative. He is free.