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T H E T R U M A N S H O W
directed by Peter Weir (USA, 1998) [102']
starring Jim Carrey (Truman Burbank), Laura Linney (Meryl), Ed Harris (Christof)

The film chronicles the life of a man who does not know that his entire life is a constructed reality soap opera, watched 24 hours a day by millions of people across the world. In this real-time documentary, every moment of Truman Burbank's existence is captured by concealed cameras and telecast to a giant global audience. Employed at an insurance company, Truman is married to merry Meryl, and they live in the cheerful community of Seahaven, an island "paradise" where the weather is always mild and no unpleasantness intrudes. This is the basic situation of the TV series, which has grown over the years into a billion-dollar show for its TV network.

1 The film starts with a CLOSE-UP of the Truman show's director who is talking to the viewers. Fill in his speech.
We've become bored with ....... ....... give us phoney emotions. We're tired of pyrotechnics and ....... ....... . While the world he inhabits is, in some respects,......., there's nothing ....... about Truman himself: no scripts, no cue cards. It ....... ....... Shakespeare, but it's ....... . It's a life. We find many ....... leave him on all night ........ ....... .
2 Do the opening CAST AND CREDITS present the film you are watching or the Truman Show itself? Fill in the information you get.
Starring Truman Burbank as ........ created by .......
Hannah Gill as ....... Louise Coltrane as ....... ....... 10,909

3 What type of SHOT first shows Truman? Where is he? What is he doing? What is he talking about? What does this tell you about his personality?
Truman's wife and friend are also shown at the beginning of the film. What do they respectively say about the show?

4 As Truman starts his daily routine, his neighbours smile at his familiar catchphrase greeting, "Good morning! In case I don't see you later, ....... ......., ........ ........, ....... ........ .......!"

5 Although Truman is initially unaware that his life is a hugely popular 24-hour-a-day TV series, some clues gradually arouse his suspicion of living a made-up life, and will eventually lead to his discovery of his situation.
As you watch the first part of the movie, jot down these 'clues'(the first occurs as he is getting into his car to drive to work).

6 In the Truman Show everything seems perfectly directed and organized for money-making, even TV commercials are broadcast within the show itself. List all the products which are advertised as the show, Truman's life, goes on.


7 Take notes about what happens on Truman's day 10,909
- on his way to work; - at work; - when he has to take a ferry; - after work, both at home and with his best friend.
8 At night, what prompts a first flashback? Or, in other words, what makes Truman's mind go back to the past? What episode does he remember?
A second flash-back occurs a bit later. What causes it? Say what happened to Truman in his youth.

9 Several elements hint to the fact that Truman's reality is artificial, unreal, excessive. Take into account: acting, colours, high-angle/low-angle shots.
What is unusual at the travel agency where Truman goes in his attempt to escape?

10 What are the viewers of the Truman Show like? How do they comment on what they are watching?

11 Focus on the function of the media (newspapers, radio, and television) in Truman's world. How do they try to affect his life?

12 Along his path to truth and escape Truman encounters obstacles placed in his way. What is devised to thwart Truman's escape attempts? List the obstacles Truman finds in his way to try to drive (and eventually run) away from Seahaven.
13 Truman's growing suspicions gradually turn into certainty as he uncovers Meryl's fake feelings and behaviour. Sum up what happens between husband and wife in their final confrontation.

14 Who is the last person Truman turns to for help and advice? How does this person try to reassure him? Are his words "spontaneous"?
What coup-de-theatre has been devised to prevent Truman from figuring out that it's all fake? Does it work?
What is the effect of this scene on viewers (except for one, that is, ......)? Describe how the scene has been staged to achieve such an effect.

15 During a TV programme advertising The Truman Show (True-Talk, a forum for issues growing out of the show), we are informed about the making and the success of the show. Take notes under the following heading:
THE TRUMAN SHOW: Facts and Figures

In an interview, the show's director Christof talks about Truman's origins and childhood. As a result, we are informed that he was chosen out of six unwanted babies to be a TV star.
What other aspects and events in Truman's life do you get to know? Take notes.

Who calls Christof during True-Talk? What for?
Compare and contrast these two characters' homes, character, and attitude towards Truman. In particular, describe the two shots where they both "touch" him.

16 Another day in Truman's life (we'll find out later it's day number .....). How does it start? What unexpected events happen?

17 The chase. What are the setting and the atmosphere like?
What are the characters doing? What is incongruous in their behaviour?

18 As you know, Truman has been afraid of water ever since he witnessed the tragic "death" of his father in a staged boating accident (of course, this fear was intentionally instilled in him in order to prevent him from leaving Seahaven). What gives him strength and makes him able to face a journey at sea?
The last obstacle placed on Truman's path towards truth and freedom is an artificially created hurricane-force storm on the "ocean". What does Truman do in order to avoid drowning (and eventually overcome his fear of water)?

19 The "artificial sky" surrounding Seahaven is the wall which Truman's boat eventually crashes into; Truman has finally reached the edge of the constructed reality he has been living in for 30 years. Before he manages to exit via a door in the wall, Christof tries to persuade him to remain in his made-up world.
Fill in the dialogue between the "master-manipulator" and his "creature".
Truman: Who are you?
Christof: I'm the creator of a television show .................................
Tr: Then ......................?
Chr: .................. .
Tr: ...................... ?
Chr: You were real. That's what made you so good to watch. Listen to me, Truman. There's ........................................................................
But in my world you have nothing to fear. I ....................................
Tr: You never ........................................ .
Chr: You're ............ . That's why .................. . I understand. I have been watching you ................... .

20 What's Truman's decision? What are his last words to "his public"? What new meaning do such words acquire here? What gesture accompanies his words?
What are the audience's last reactions?