The Truman Show (1998)

The rollercoaster ride that has been Jim Carrey’s career has had far more dips than peaks—look no further than his most recent film, “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.”  Still, there have been high points, and perhaps none is as glorious as 1998’s “The Truman Show,” one of those rare films that succeed both as entertainment and social commentary. 

Carrey is unusually adequate (actually quite good) as Truman, a man who is unknowingly the protagonist of a 24/7 television show fittingly titled “The Truman Show.”  Everything in Truman’s world exists solely for him, which he discovers at a quickening pace as the film progresses.  The show’s creator, Christof (Ed Harris) is concerned more for the continued existence of his passion project than its living, breathing, subject.

Indeed, though other subplots carry their own weight, Christof’s attempts at successfully quelling Truman’s growing bewilderment provide the film’s main intrigue.  Christof is so compellingly played by Harris that it seems a film about him might be even more worthwhile, though, to be sure, we can make do with the one about Truman.

The true magic of “The Truman Show” (like its fictional eponymous TV show) is its ability to make even the most detached viewer passionate about its subject matter.  By the end, everyone is pulling for Truman.  Not only that, but we feel like we are in some way pulling for ourselves, too—for the good of humanity.  And, luckily, we have some fun along the way, too.

Score: 4/4