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The Truman Show
Film poster. On the side of the building is a large screen, showing a man laying his head on a pillow, eyes closed and smiling. Digital text above and below the screen state "LIVE" and "DAY 10,909", with the film's title right below it. Text at the top of the image includes the sole starring credit and text at the bottom includes the film's tagline and credits.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPeter Weir
Written byAndrew Niccol
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyPeter Biziou
Edited by
Music by
Production
company
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release dates
  • June 1, 1998(1998-06-01)(Los Angeles)
  • June 5, 1998(1998-06-05)(United States)
Running time
103 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$60 million
Box office$264.1 million

The Truman Showis a 1998 Americanpsychologicalcomedy dramafilm[2]written and co-produced byAndrew Niccol,and directed byPeter Weir.The film depicts the story of Truman Burbank (played byJim Carrey), a man who is unaware that he is living his entire life on a colossalsoundstage,and that it is being filmed and broadcast as areality televisionshow which has a huge international following. All of his friends, family and members of his community are paid actors of whose job it is to sustain the illusion and keep Truman unaware about the false world he inhabits.

The movie's supporting cast includesLaura Linney,Ed Harris,Noah Emmerich,Natascha McElhone,Holland Taylor,Paul Giamatti,and Brian Delate.

Niccol's originalspec scriptwas more of ascience-fictionthriller,with the story set inNew York City.ProducerScott Rudinpurchased the script and set up production atParamount Pictures.Brian De Palmawas to direct before Weir signed as director, making the film for $60 million—$20 million less than the original estimate. Niccol rewrote the script while the crew was waiting for Carrey to sign. The majority of filming took place atSeaside, Florida,a master-planned communitylocated in theFlorida Panhandle.

The Truman Showheld its world premiere in Los Angeles on June 1, 1998, and was released in North America on June 5. The film was a financial success, grossing $264 million worldwide, debuting to critical acclaim, and earned numerous nominations at the71st Academy Awards,56th Golden Globe Awards,52nd British Academy Film Awards,and25th Saturn Awards.The Truman Showhas been analyzed as an exploration ofsimulated reality,existentialism,surveillance,metaphilosophy,privacy,andreality television,and described as agenre-blendingwork that features elements ofdystopian fiction,meta fiction,psychological drama,romantic comedy,satire,andsocial science fiction.

Plot

Selected at birth and legally adopted by a television studio following anunwanted pregnancy,Truman Burbank is the unsuspecting star ofThe Truman Show,areality televisionprogram filmed and broadcast worldwide, 24/7, through approximately five thousand hidden cameras.

Truman's hometown, Seahaven Island, is set inside an enormous soundstage, which allows Christof, the show's creator andexecutive producer,to control most aspects of Truman's life, including the weather. Truman's world is populated by actors and crew members who serve as his community while carefully keeping him from discovering the truth. They also earn revenue for the show through cleverly disguisedproduct placement.To prevent Truman from escaping, Christof has orchestrated various scenarios, such as the "death" of Truman's father in a boating accident to instillthalassophobia,and has the cast reinforce Truman's anxieties with messages about the dangers of traveling and the virtues of staying home.

Though the producers intend for Truman to fall in love with and marry a woman named Meryl, Truman develops feelings for Sylvia, anextra.Sympathetic to Truman's plight, she tries to tell him the truth, but is fired and forcibly removed from the set before she can convince him. Truman eventually marries Meryl, but their relationship is stilted and passionless, and he secretly continues to imagine a life with Sylvia and dreams of traveling toFiji,where he was told she had moved. Meanwhile, in the real world, Sylvia joins "Free Truman," an activist group that calls for Truman's liberation.

As the show approaches its thirtieth anniversary, Truman begins to notice unusual occurrences, such as a stage light falling from the sky, an isolated patch of rain that falls only over him, a radio transmission describing his movements through town, and the reappearance of his father, who is rushed away by crew members before Truman can confront him. Deducing that the city somehow revolves around him, Truman begins questioning his life and asking who he sees as his closest confidants to help him solve the mystery.

Truman's suspicions culminate in an attempt to escape the island, but increasingly implausible occurrences block his path. Eventually, he is caught and returned home under a flimsy pretext. There, he confronts Meryl and challenges the sincerity of their marriage. A panicked Meryl tries to change the subject with a product placement, causing Truman to snap and hold her at knifepoint. Merylbreaks characterto call for help and is removed from the show.

Hoping to bring Truman back to a controllable state, Christof reintroduces his father to the show under the guise of him having developed amnesia after the boating accident. The show regains its ratings, and Truman seems to return to his routines. One night, however, Christof discovers that Truman has begun sleeping in his basement. Disturbed by this change in behavior, Christof sends Truman's best friend Marlon to visit and discovers that Truman has disappeared through a makeshift tunnel in the basement. Christof suspends the broadcast for the first time in its history, leading to record viewing numbers.

Christof orders a citywide search for Truman and is soon forced to break the production's day-night cycle to optimize the hunt. Truman is found sailing away from Seahaven, having conquered his fear of water. Christof resumes the transmission and creates a violent storm in an attempt to capsize Truman's boat. Truman nearly drowns, but he continues to sail until his boat strikes the wall of the dome. Horrified, Truman looks around and finds a staircase leading to an exit door. As he contemplates leaving, Christof speaks to Truman directly, revealing the truth about the show and encouraging him to stay by claiming that there is no more truth in the real world than in his artificial one. Truman utters his catchphrase: "In case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night," bows to the audience, and exits. Viewers around the world celebrate Truman's escape, and Sylvia races to greet him. The executive producers end the program with a shot of the open exit door, leaving Christof devastated. After the broadcast ends, Truman’s viewers look for something else to watch.

Cast

  • Jim Carreyas Truman Burbank
  • Laura Linneyas Meryl, Truman's wife, as portrayed by an in-universe actress
  • Ed Harrisas Christof, the creator and director of the in-universe show that Truman lives in
  • Noah Emmerichas Marlon, Truman's best friend, as portrayed by an in-universe actor
  • Natascha McElhoneas Lauren/Sylvia; Sylvia met Truman while playing Lauren, Truman's college schoolmate who was originally just a background character, but who Truman fell for
  • Holland Tayloras Truman's mother, as portrayed by an in-universe actress
  • Brian Delate as Truman's father, as portrayed by an in-universe actor
  • Una Damon as Chloe, Christof's control room assistant
  • Paul Giamattias a control room director
  • Philip Baker Hallas a network executive
  • Peter Krauseas Truman's boss, as portrayed by an in-universe actor
  • John Pleshetteas a network executive
  • Heidi Schanzas Vivien, as portrayed by an in-universe actress
  • Harry Sheareras Mike Michaelson, a TV talk show host
  • Blair Slater as young Truman

Production

Development

This house inSeaside, Florida,served as Truman's home. The house is owned by the Gaetz family, which includes U.S. politiciansDonandMatt Gaetz.

Andrew Niccolcompleted a one-pagefilm treatmenttitledThe Malcolm Showin May 1991.[3]The original draft was more in tone of a science fictionthriller,with the story set in New York City.[4][5]Niccol stated, "I think everyone questions the authenticity of their lives at certain points. It's like when kids ask if they're adopted."[6]In the fall of 1993,[7]producerScott Rudinpurchased the script for slightly over $1 million.[8]Paramount Picturesagreed to distribute. Part of the deal called for Niccol to make his directing debut, though Paramount executives felt the estimated $80 million budget would be too high for him.[9]In addition, Paramount wanted to go with anA-listdirector, paying Niccol extra money "to step aside".Brian De Palmawas under negotiations to direct before he leftUnited Talent Agencyin March 1994.[7]Directors who were considered after De Palma's departure includedTim Burton,Sam Raimi,Terry Gilliam,David Cronenberg,Barry SonnenfeldandSteven Spielbergbefore Peter Weir signed on in early 1995,[10][11]following a recommendation of Niccol.[6]Bryan Singerwanted to direct but Paramount decided to go with the more experienced Weir.[12]

Weir wanted the film to be funnier, feeling that Niccol's script was too dark, and declaring, "where [Niccol] had it depressing, I could make it light. It could convince audiences they could watch a show in this scope 24/7." Niccol wrote sixteen drafts of the script before Weir considered the script ready for filming. Later in 1995, Jim Carrey signed to star,[4]but because of commitments withThe Cable GuyandLiar Liar,he would not be ready to start filming for at least another year.[10]Weir felt Carrey was perfect for the role and opted to wait for another year rather than recast the role.[4]Niccol rewrote the script twelve times,[10]while Weir created a fictionalized book about the show's history. He envisioned backstories for the characters and encouraged actors to do the same.[4]

Weir scouted locations inEastern Floridabut was dissatisfied with the landscapes.Sound stagesat Universal Studios were reserved for the story's setting of Seahaven before Weir's wifeWendy Stitesintroduced him toSeaside, Florida,a "master-planned community" located in theFlorida Panhandle.Pre-production offices were immediately opened in Seaside, where the majority of filming took place. The scenes of Truman's house were filmed at a residence owned by the Gaetz family, which included Florida State SenatorDon Gaetzand U.S. representativeMatt Gaetz.[13]The scene at the Seahaven Nuclear Power Station was filmed outside the front entrance of the Lansing Smith Generating Plant atLynn Haven,operated then byGulf Power.Other scenes were shot at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California.[14]Norman Rockwellpaintings and 1960s postcards were used as inspiration for the film's design.[15][16]Weir,Peter BiziouandDennis Gassnerresearched surveillance techniques for certain shots.[15]

Casting

ThoughRobin Williamswas considered for the role of Truman, Weir cast Carrey after seeing him inAce Ventura: Pet Detective,citing that Carrey's performance reminded him ofCharlie Chaplin.[10]Gary Oldmandid test footage for the role.[17]Carrey took the role so he would be known as a multifaceted actor, rather than beingtypecastin comedic roles.[18]Carrey, who was then normally paid $20 million per film, agreed to doThe Truman Showfor $12 million.[19]Carrey also said it was the fastest that he ever accepted a role.[20]Carrey brought his own innovations to the role, including the idea for the scene in which Truman declares "this planet Trumania of the Burbank galaxy" to the bathroom mirror.[14]

The film started production withDennis Hopperin the role of Cristof, but he left in April 1997 soon after filming began.[19]Hopper later stated that he was fired after two days because Weir and producerScott Rudinhad made a deal that if they did not both approve of Hopper's performance, they would replace him.[21]A number of other actors turned down the role after Hopper's departure, untilEd Harrisagreed to step in.[14]Harris later stated that he pitched the notion of making Christof ahunchback,but Weir did not like the idea.[10]

AfterLaura Linneywas hired to play the actress pretending to be Meryl, Truman's wife, she studiedSearscatalogs from the 1950s to develop her character's poses.[4]

Filming

Filming took place from December 9, 1996, to April 21, 1997.[22][23]Its overall look was influenced by television images, particularly commercials: Many shots have characters leaning into the lens with their eyes wide open, and the interior scenes are heavily lit because Weir wanted to remind viewers that "in this world, everything was for sale".[15]Those involved in visual effects work found the film somewhat difficult to make because 1997 was the year many visual effects companies were trying to convert tocomputer-generated imagery(CGI).[16]CGI was used to create the upper halves of some of the larger buildings in the film's downtown set. Craig Barron, one of the effects supervisors, said that these digital models did not have to look as detailed and weathered as they normally would in a film because of the artificial look of the entire town, although they did imitate slight blemishes found in the physical buildings.[24]

Soundtrack

The Truman Show: Music from the Motion Pictureis a soundtrack to the 1998 film of the same name and was composed byBurkhard Dallwitz.Dallwitz was hired after Peter Weir received a tape of his work while in Australia for the post-production.[25]Some parts of the soundtrack were composed byPhilip Glass.[26]Philip Glass also appears in the film as an uncredited cameo playing his composition "Truman Sleeps".

Also featured areFrédéric Chopin's second movement (Romanze-Larghetto) from hisFirst Piano Concerto,performed by theNew Symphony Orchestra of Londonunder the direction ofStanisław Skrowaczewskiwith pianistArtur Rubinstein;Wojciech Kilar'sFather Kolbe's Preachingperformed by theWarsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra;as well as the song20th Century Boyperformed byrockabillyband The Big Six.[27][28]

Although not included on the soundtrack CD,Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart'sRondo alla turcafrom hisPiano Sonata No. 11 in A Major,performed byWilhelm Kempff,and hisHorn Concerto No. 1,performed by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra; plus "Love Is Just Around the Corner"byJackie Daviswere also featured in the film.

Themes

Media

"This was a dangerous film to make because it couldn't happen. How ironic."

Director Peter Weir onThe Truman Showpredicting the rise of reality television[14]

In 2008,Popular MechanicsnamedThe Truman Showas one of the 10 most prophetic science fiction films. Journalist Erik Sofge argued that the story reflects the falseness of reality television. "Truman simply lives, and the show's popularity is its straightforward voyeurism. And, likeBig Brother,Survivor,and every other reality show on the air, none of his environment is actually real. "He deemed it an eerie coincidence thatBig Brothermade its debut a year after the film's release, and he also compared the film to the 2003 programThe Joe Schmo Show:"Unlike Truman,Matt Gouldcould see the cameras, but all of the other contestants were paid actors, playing the part of various reality-show stereotypes. While Matt eventually got all of the prizes in the rigged contest, the show's central running joke was in the same existential ballpark asThe Truman Show."[29]Weir declared, "There has always been this question: Is the audience getting dumber? Or are we filmmakers patronizing them? Is this what they want? Or is this what we're giving them? But the public went to my film in large numbers. And that has to be encouraging."[6]

Ronald Bishop's paper in theJournal of Communication InquirysuggestedThe Truman Showshowcased thepower of the media.Truman's life inspires audiences around the world, meaning their lives are controlled by his. Bishop commented, "In the end, the power of the media is affirmed rather than challenged. In the spirit ofAntonio Gramsci's concept ofhegemony,these films and television programs co-opt our enchantment (and disenchantment) with the media and sell it back to us. "[30][31]

In her essay "ReadingThe Truman Showinside out ", Simone Knox argues that the film itself tries to blur the objective perspective and the show-within-the-film. Knox also draws a floor plan of the camera angles of the first scene.[32]

Psychoanalytic interpretation

An essay published in theInternational Journal of Psychoanalysisanalyzed Truman as

a prototypical adolescent at the beginning of the movie. He feels trapped into a familial and social world to which he tries to conform while being unable to entirely identify with it, believing that he has no other choice (other than through the fantasy of fleeing to a far-way island). Eventually, Truman gains sufficient awareness of his condition to "leave home" —developing a more mature and authentic identity as an adult, leaving his child-self behind and becoming aTrue-man.[33]

For the2022 Cannes Film Festival,its official poster pays homage to the film and its final scene with their website stating that "Peter Weir and Andrew Niccol'sThe Truman Show(1998) is a modern reflection ofPlato's caveand the decisive scene urges viewers to not only experience the border between reality and its representation but to ponder the power of fiction, between manipulation and catharsis. "[34]

Similarity toUtopia

Parallels can be drawn fromThomas More's 1516 bookUtopia,in which More describes an island with only one entrance and only one exit. Only those who belonged to this island knew how to navigate their way through the treacherous openings safely and unharmed. This situation is similar toThe Truman Showbecause there are limited entryways into the world that Truman knows. Truman does not belong to this utopia into which he has been implanted, and childhood trauma rendered him frightened of the prospect of ever leaving this small community. Utopian models of the past tended to be full of like-minded individuals who shared much in common, comparable to More'sUtopiaand real-life groups such as theShakersand theOneida Community.[35]It is clear that the people in Truman's world are like-minded in their common effort to keep him oblivious to reality. The suburban "picket fence"appearance of the show's set is reminiscent of the"American Dream"of the 1950s. The" American Dream "concept in Truman's world serves as an attempt to keep him happy and ignorant.[35]

Release

Originally set for August 8, 1997, the film's theatrical release was pushed back initially to November 14, 1997, and then to the summer of 1998.[36][37]NBCpurchasedbroadcast rightsin December 1997, roughly eight months before the film's release.[38]In March 2000,Turner Broadcasting Systempurchased the rights, and now airs the film onTBS.[39]

Home media

Paramount Home Entertainmentreleased the film onVHSon January 12, 1999,[40]followed byDVDon January 26 that same year,[41]and a "Special Edition" re-release on August 23, 2005.[42]It was later released onBlu-rayon December 30, 2008.[43]AnUltra HD Blu-raywas released on July 4, 2023, in celebration of the film's 25th anniversary.[44][45][46][47][48]

Reception

Box office

The Truman Showgrossed $125.6million domestically (United States and Canada) and $138.5million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $264.1million,[49]against a budget of $60million.[50]It spent its first two weeks as No.1 at the domestic box office, and its first seven weeks in the Top10.[49]

Critical response

On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,94% of 163 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.5/10. The website's consensus reads: "A funny, tender, and thought-provoking film,The Truman Showis all the more noteworthy for its remarkably prescient vision of runaway celebrity culture and a nation with an insatiable thirst for the private details of ordinary lives. "[51]Metacritic,which uses aweighted average,assigned the film a score of 90 out of 100, based on 30 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[52]

Giving the film a perfect four star score,Roger Ebertcompared it toForrest Gump,claiming that the film had the right balance of comedy and drama. He was also impressed withJim Carrey's dramatic performance.[53]Kenneth Turanof theLos Angeles Timeswrote, "The Truman Showis emotionally involving without losing the ability to raise sharp satiric questions as well as get numerous laughs. The rare film that is disturbing despite working beautifully within standard industry norms. "[54]He would name it the best movie of 1998.[55]In June 2010,Entertainment Weeklynamed Truman one of the 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years.[56]

James Berardinelliliked the film's approach of "not being the casual summer blockbuster with special effects", and he likened Carrey's "[charismatic], understated and effective" performance to those ofTom HanksandJames Stewart.[57]Jonathan Rosenbaumof theChicago Readerwrote, "Undeniably provocative and reasonably entertaining,The Truman Showis one of those high-concept movies whose concept is both clever and dumb. "[58]Tom MeekofFilm Threatsaid the film was not funny enough but still found "something rewarding in its quirky demeanor".[59]

Accolades

Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Academy Awards Best Director Peter Weir Nominated [60]
Best Supporting Actor Ed Harris Nominated
Best Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen Andrew Niccol Nominated
American Comedy Awards Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) Jim Carrey Nominated
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards Top Box Office Films Burkhard DallwitzandPhilip Glass Won
Australasian Performing Right Association Awards Best Film Score Burkhard Dallwitz Nominated
Australian Film Institute Awards Best Foreign Film Peter Weir and Scott Rudin Won
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards Best Actor – Drama Jim Carrey Nominated
Best Supporting Actor – Drama Ed Harris Won
Best Supporting Actress – Drama Laura Linney Nominated
British Academy Film Awards Best Film Scott Rudin,Andrew Niccol,Edward S. Feldman,andAdam Schroeder Nominated [61]
Best Direction Peter Weir Won
Best Actor in a Supporting Role Ed Harris Nominated
Best Original Screenplay Andrew Niccol Won
Best Cinematography Peter Biziou Nominated
Best Production Design Dennis Gassner Won
Best Special Effects Michael J. McAlister,Brad Kuehn,Craig Barron,and Peter Chesney Nominated
British Society of Cinematographers Awards Best Cinematography in a Theatrical Feature Film Peter Biziou Nominated [62]
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards Best Film Nominated [63]
Best Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Actor Jim Carrey Nominated
Best Screenplay Andrew Niccol Nominated
Best Original Score Burkhard Dallwitz Won
Chlotrudis Awards Best Screenplay Andrew Niccol Nominated [64]
Costume Designers Guild Awards Excellence in Costume Design for Film Marilyn Matthews Nominated [65]
Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Picture Nominated [66]
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards Best Picture Nominated
Best Actor Jim Carrey Won
Best Screenplay Andrew Niccol Won
Directors Guild of America Awards Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures Peter Weir Nominated [67]
Empire Awards Best Film Nominated [68]
European Film Awards Best Non-European Film Peter Weir Won
Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards Best Foreign Film Won
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards Best Director Peter Weir Won [69]
Fotogramas de Plata Best Foreign Film Won
Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture – Drama Nominated [70]
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama Jim Carrey Won
Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture Ed Harris Won
Best Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Screenplay Andrew Niccol Nominated
Best Original Score Burkhard Dallwitz and Philip Glass Won
Golden Reel Awards Best Sound Editing – Foreign Feature Lee Smith, Karin Whittington, Rick Lisle, Peter Townend, Tim Jordan,
Andrew Plain, Nicholas Breslin, and Maureen Rodbard-Bean
Nominated
Hugo Awards Best Dramatic Presentation Peter Weir and Andrew Niccol Won [71]
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Movie Actor Jim Carrey Nominated
London Film Critics Circle Awards Film of the Year Won
Director of the Year Peter Weir Won
Screenwriter of the Year Andrew Niccol Won
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards Best Production Design Dennis Gassner Runner-up [72]
Movieguide Awards Grace Award Jim Carrey Won
MTV Movie Awards Best Movie Nominated
Best Male Performance Jim Carrey Won
Nastro d'Argento Best Foreign Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Male Dubbing Roberto Pedicini(for the dubbing of Jim Carrey) Won
National Board of Review Awards Best Supporting Actor Ed Harris Won [73]
Online Film & Television Association Awards Best Picture Scott Rudin, Andrew Niccol, Edward S. Feldman, and Adam Schroeder Nominated [74]
Best Drama Picture Nominated
Best Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Actor Jim Carrey Nominated
Best Drama Actor Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Ed Harris Nominated
Best Original Screenplay Andrew Niccol Nominated
Best Cinematography Peter Biziou Nominated
Best Film Editing William M. AndersonandLee Smith Nominated
Best Production Design Dennis Gassner andNancy Haigh Nominated
Best Drama Score Burkhard Dallwitz and Philip Glass Won
Best Sound Nominated
Best Ensemble Nominated
Best Drama Ensemble Nominated
Best Titles Sequence Won
Best Cinematic Moment "Truman Decides His Fate After Talking to Christof" Nominated
Film Hall of Fame: Productions Inducted [75]
Online Film Critics Society Awards Best Film Nominated [76]
Best Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Ed Harris Nominated
Best Screenplay Andrew Niccol Won
Best Editing William M. Anderson and Lee Smith Nominated
Robert Awards Best American Film Peter Weir Won
Satellite Awards Best Art Direction Dennis Gassner Won [77]
Saturn Awards Best Fantasy Film Won [78]
Best Actor Jim Carrey Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Ed Harris Nominated
Best Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Writing Andrew Niccol Won
Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards Best Picture 3rd Place [79]
Best Director Peter Weir Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Ed Harris Won
Turkish Film Critics Association Awards Best Foreign Film 3rd Place
Valladolid International Film Festival Golden Spike Peter Weir Nominated
Writers Guild of America Awards Best Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen Andrew Niccol Nominated [80]
Young Artist Awards Best Family Feature Film – Drama Nominated [81]

Possible sequel show

Screenwriter Andrew Niccol had pitched a sequel show to the Truman Show. This was his pitch:[82][83]

There has been talk of doing a musical – believe it or not – or a series. When it's a different art form, I don't think it takes anything away from the original. In my version of a series, I thought it would be fun, if after Truman walked through the sky, the audience clamored for more (which you sense at the end of the film). I imagine there would be a network with multiple channels all starring a subject born on the show. If I set it in New York City, there would be girl living on the Upper East Side, a boy from Harlem, a kid from Chinatown, etc. Since they are all on their own channel and move in their own circles, they are never meant to meet. But at the end of the first season, the boy from Harlem and the rich girl find themselves drawn to each other. They both sense that the other is acting differently from anyone they've ever met...because for the first time, they've met someone who is not acting! (In the second season, the Network would desperately try to kill off their romance.)

— Andrew Niccol

The Truman Showdelusion

Joel Gold, a psychiatrist at theBellevue Hospital Center,revealed that by 2008, he had met five patients withschizophrenia(and had heard of another twelve) who believed their lives were reality television shows. Gold named the syndrome "The Truman Show delusion" after the film and attributed the delusion to a world that had become hungry for publicity. Gold stated that some patients were rendered happy by their disease, while "others were tormented". One traveled to New York to check whether theWorld Trade Centerhad actually fallen—believing the9/11attacks to be an elaborate plot twist in his personal storyline. Another came to climb theStatue of Liberty,believing that he would be reunited with his high school girlfriend at the top and finally be released from the show.[84]

In August 2008, theBritish Journal of Psychiatryreported similar cases in the United Kingdom.[85]The delusion has informally been referred to as "Truman syndrome", according to anAssociated Pressstory from 2008.[86]

After hearing about the condition, Andrew Niccol said: "You know you've made it when you have a disease named after you."[87]

See also

Articles
Media

References

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