The Truman Show
The Truman Show ★★★★ 1998 (PG)
Flawless execution of an eerie, yet fantastical premise, marked by outstanding performances, make this surreal fable a joy to watch from start to finish. Unbeknownst to insurance salesman Truman Burbank, (Carrey) his entire life has been broadcast live on TV in a 24hour soap opera. When evidence of Truman's fabricated life begins to surface, he plans his escape, upsetting the grand scheme of producer, director and charismatic artist Christof (Harris in a standout performance). Carrey's sympathetic, lowkey portrayal will make people forget the disappointment of “Cable Guy.” Weir handles his satirical theme with craftmenlike precision, never letting his commentary on the power of the tube become too heavyhanded. Carrey reportedly took a pay cut from his $20 million fee in order to star. 102m/C VHS, DVD . Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natascha (Natasha) McElhone, Holland Taylor, Paul Giamatti, Philip Baker Hall, Brian Delate, Una Damon; D: Peter Weir; W: Andrew Niccol; C: Peter Biziou; M: Philip Glass, Burkhard Dallwitz. British Acad. ‘98: Director (Weir), Orig. Screenplay; Golden Globes ‘99: Actor—Drama (Carrey), Support. Actor (Harris), Score; MTV Movie Awards ‘99: Male Perf. (Carrey); Natl. Bd. of Review ‘98: Support. Actor (Harris).