The Truman Show poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Ed Harris, Noah Emmerich, Natascha McElhone ... see more see more... , Holland Taylor , Brian Delate , Una Damon , Paul Giamatti , Philip Baker Hall , Peter Krause , John Pleshette , Heidi Schanz , Blair Slater

Peter Weir directed this comedy-drama, a commentary on all-pervasive media manipulation. Scripted by Andrew M. Niccol (Gattaca), the film plays like a combination of the British TV series The Prisoner... read more read more... and Paul Bartel's The Secret Cinema. Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is unaware that his entire life is a hugely popular 24-hour-a-day TV series. In this real-time documentary, every moment of Truman's existence is captured by concealed cameras and telecast to a giant global audience. His friends and family are actors who smile pleasantly at Truman's familiar catchphrase greeting, "In case I don't see you later, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!" Employed at an insurance company, Truman is married to merry Meryl (Laura Linney), 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 series, which has grown over the years into a billion-dollar franchise for the TV network. As an unwanted pregnancy, Truman was adopted by the network and raised in the zoolike environment of a TV soundstage. Thus, the TV audience became hooked when Truman was very young. Now, at age 30, he still doesn't know he's a prisoner on an immense domed city-size soundstage, simulating Seahaven. Both the illusion and the ratings will collapse if Truman ever leaves Seahaven. In addition to elaborate events staged to make sure he stays put, Truman is given constant reminders of how wonderful Seahaven is compared to dangers in other parts of the world. However, his growing suspicions make him curious enough to try to leave, and the show's director and master manipulator Christof (Ed Harris) must constantly devise ways to thwart Truman's escape attempts. To enter the harbor, Truman must overcome his fear of water, intentionally instilled in him when his father "died" in a boating accident and was written out of the script. Exteriors were filmed in the Victorian-styled upscale community of Seaside, Florida. In addition to the Burkhard Dallwitz score, original music by Philip Glass and classical excerpts are also featured. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Flixster Users

82% liked it

497,768 ratings

Critics

95% liked it

99 critics

PG, 1 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: Peter Weir

Release Date: June 5, 1998

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: January 26, 1999

Get It:

Stats: 25,185 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Lauren The Truman Show Truman Burbank Jim Carrey Truman Burbank Truman Burbank Truman Burbank Truman Burbank Truman Burbank Truman Burbank The Sky is the Limit Truman Burbank The Truman Show Truman Burbank Sylvia The Truuman Show The World Best Director Christof
Upload a Photo | View All The Truman Show Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (25,185)

  • jmanard52
    June 29, 2008
    jmanard52
    One of the few times i could stand Jim Carrey. This movie was much better than i expected considering my dislike for Carrey
  • fb1710827246
    May 5, 2012
    fb1710827246
    It's a bleak movie, yeah, in the sense your realize the follies of modern society, yes, but it deserves praise bringing into light the realities of our folly existence as a human society, it is funny, it is thoughtful, it is sad, and it is a great film that might just change the ... read moreway you look at what life is, especially at our present age.
  • fb1463751009
    March 8, 2012
    fb1463751009
    Although this movie has a message that goes against my beliefs, "The Truman Show" is a provocative, well-made, and thought-provoking film. Everything is meticulously put together. Still gonna hafta go against the message, but as a movie, it's phenomenal.
  • aquateen2
    February 20, 2012
    aquateen2
    There's nothing quite like The Truman Show. Its a comedy drama that provides terror as well as undeniable tension, with a sort of Spielberg set up and neither distract you from the fact the plot is ridiculous, simple but absolutely genius. Arguably Jim's best dramatic role.
  • spielberg00
    February 10, 2012
    spielberg00
    I wouldnâ(TM)t say Jim Carrey is a great actor, and I wouldnâ(TM)t say Iâ(TM)m all too fond of him, either. He is a comedian that has his upsides (i.e. DUMB AND DUMBER, BRUCE ALMIGHTY) as well as his downsides (i.e. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, LIAR LIAR). It was odd but rat... read moreher pleasing to see him performing in THE TRUMAN SHOW, as we would never expect such a light-spirited comedian to play a role in such a heavy-headed drama. (Not that this wasnâ(TM)t somewhat satirical.) Itâ(TM)s not just the lack of hyperactivity we get a perspective of from Carrey; we get to see a suddenly amazing actor rather than a total goof-off.

    Peter Weir was the best part of this film, for me. I thoroughly enjoyed his earlier films such as DEAD POETS SOCIETY and WITNESS, and I absolutely loved MASTER AND COMMANDER from more recently. This, I would have to say, is the best Iâ(TM)ve seen of him yet. His creative blend of a stunning plot, voyeuristic views, a calming soundtrack of piano pieces (most notably Mozartâ(TM)s âRondo Alla Turcaâ?), and the most insanely unpredictable plot twists (should I italicize the words âinsanely unpredictableâ??), make for a phenomenal motion picture. Furthermore, itâ(TM)s hard not to believe as a soap opera television series.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    December 22, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    The Truman Show is a very different film from what Jim Carrey usually does. This is a very good film, and is one of the best performances by Jim Carrey. The Truman Show is different, and it's one of the many things that make this film good. The Truman Show is a comedy drama film ... read moreabout a man who's unaware that his life is being broadcast to an audience. Peter Weir does a great job at helming the film, and he delivers a great film. What makes the film stand out is Jim Carrey and he really lights up the screen with his performance. He was perfect in the role. I don't think I can picture someone else in the role, as he really made it his own. The Truman Show is a great blend of comedy and drama, and it combines both elements well enough to not overdo it. The cast alongside Carrey are good, especially Ed Harris. The Truman Show is a flawed film, but for what it is, it's a good, entertaining film. The film shows that Carrey could do something other than straight forward comedies. An underrated film that should be seen. Peter Weir has made better films, but The Truman Show is still a worthwhile film to watch and it might strike a chord with you. Like I said, a flawed film, but worth seeing nonetheless. A refreshing performance by Jim Carrey, and actually one of my favorite performances by the actor. Heartwarming, charming, sad, funny, The Truman Show is all those things and more. Despite its flaws, it's a must see film.
  • ironclad1609
    November 28, 2011
    ironclad1609
    Peter Weir's instant classic about a man living his life in front of TV cameras (unbeknownst to him) includes nothing less than Jim Carrey's strongest performance to date. While he manages to squeeze some of his typical humor into the rather serious film, he's also outstanding in... read more the quiet, subtle scenes. That goes for all of the cast. As Truman slowly gets an idea that things in his small sea town life aren't exactly as they seem, it takes almost an hour until the audience gets a glimpse behind the curtain. Even the opening titles pretend that you are watching The Truman Show, not the film. The scene in which Truman stops traffic and breaks through his routine, accompanied by Phillip Glass' beautiful soundtrack is one of the great magic moments of movie history. A funny, sweet and sad tale about media control and fulfilling your dreams. Never getting preachy the film easily touches its audience and is an unforgettable experience.
  • scottgreen96
    October 30, 2011
    scottgreen96
    Jim's perky, well known character with a hint of depression only means an extraordinary performance from Mr. Carrey himself.
  • ajv2688
    September 23, 2011
    ajv2688
    A brilliant story, plot, cast, style, etc... Jim Carrey is perfect in this movie, and it lets you see he can do more than stupid comedies. This movie really makes you think while you laugh. I highly recommend it.
  • DreamExtractor
    August 15, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    The Truman Show is a classic movie and isone of my all time favorites. The plot is the bets part, it has so many deep meaning and truths about life, and is so great I can't explain it. Jim Carrey is perfect, proving hje is one of the best comedy drama actors there is. The prod... read moreuction is incredible, its like we are following Truman in a actual giant TV show the whole time, and we want him to discover it. One of the greatest films of all time.

View All The Truman Show Reviews

Critic Reviews

Andrew Sarris
April 27, 2007
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

A good, intelligent, insightful movie... Full Review

Peter Rainer
August 7, 2004
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

This is a profound movie for people who don't like to think, or perhaps for people who are in the media and of the media, and can't imagine any life outside it. Full Review

July 12, 2002
Globe and Mail

The result is a rarity on any screen: intelligent fun. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
February 14, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Adventurous, provocative, even daring Full Review

Todd McCarthy
February 14, 2001
Todd McCarthy, Variety

A gemlike picture crafted with rare and immaculate precision... Full Review

Sean Means
January 1, 2000
Sean Means, Film.com

A brilliant and daring film that blends charming comedy, affecting drama, thought-provoking satire and even a touch of biblical parable.

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

An appealing, offbeat, one-hundred minute diversion for those who really are tired of monsters tearing down buildings and action heroes saving the world. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
January 1, 2000
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

One of those high-concept movies whose concept is both clever and dumb. Full Review

Tom Keogh
January 1, 2000
Tom Keogh, Film.com

This is a film that can stay with one for a very long time after a viewing, and even slightly change the way one looks at life and the world.

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

A bracingly intelligent, provocative and witty mix of entertainment values and long thoughts. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Stranger Than Fiction
    Stranger Than Fiction (85%)
  • The Joneses
    The Joneses (96%)
  • Pleasantville
    Pleasantville (83%)
  • Vanilla Sky
    Vanilla Sky (77%)

More Movies like The Truman Show

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Truman Burbank: Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!
    • Christof: We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.
    • Truman Burbank: Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!
    • Network Executive: We can't let him die in front of a live audience!
    • Christof: He was born in front of a live audience.
    • Christof: I am the creator of a television show that gives hope and joy and inspiration to millions.
    • Christof: That's our hero shot.
Submit a Fact | View All

The Truman Show : Watch Free on TV

The Truman Show Trivia

  • In what movie was Jim Carey playing a man who's whole life was a reality show?  Answer »
  • "I am the Creator - of a television show that gives hope and joy and inspiration to millions".  Answer »
  • From where is the line :"you never had a camera in my head"?  Answer »
  • In which movie did Jim Carrey play a man who was trapped in another made up world as a reality show?  Answer »
More The Truman Show Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All The Truman Show Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add The Truman Show to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

mhrmaw Skin by mhrmaw
67 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins