I love the inclusion of The Hague. It shows that Christoff *is* being investigated for human rights violations. And they are definitely wire tapping him, hence their hanging up the moment they're caught. It's not so much a joke, but a detail about the larger world the show takes place in.
The point i was making is that the us doesnt recognize the icc's juristiction. Hence they ignore when they call the leader of their favorite little colony a war criminal and issue a warrant for his arrest. Not that fucked shit doesnt happen in other countries. Also a grown man consenting to being locked in a room isn't pretty much the same thing, if i remember correctly. 🤷♂
That plaster background thing is definitely one of those "at-home high-def viewing" curses that a lot of movies suffer from. Like, they made the movie so you'd see it in the theater (and probably wouldn't notice the wall first viewing anyway) and then there's no way you would notice that wall detail on a vhs with a crt blurring it up.
I can happily tell you the BIG mistake…isnt really that bad for me. Would have been funny to have a alternate ending with the B shot where Truman says his catchphrase and turns to leave and just hits a black wall and falls back into the ocean. 😂
I like it because it looks so fake. I assume they left it in because it would get covered by visual noise when shown on film in theaters or on old CRT displays. I still like to overanalyze it. Everything was so manufactured in the show that even the triumphant escape is undercut by a fake door, maybe it was on purpose. Perhaps it's alluding to the fact that he'll never really leave, he's the most famous man on Earth and he'll always be trying to escape that fact
im so glad they cut 90% of the scenes of the real world, because for me one of the best things about this movie is that you have no idea what truman is going to step out to, it leaves the perfect amount of imagination and lasting impact on you, one of my favorite things about the movie is that it IS so subtle with its story telling, the entire movie is about subtlety until it finally comes to a head.
@foxie8miller I mean in that one specific shot where it zooms out. The dome is real, I just never thought the one specific zoom out shot looked all that bad.
I feel like this is a reasonable excuse for thinking the 'extended' buildings don't look 100% convincing too. I guess Truman would need to be able to see them IRL though but if they're places where he never needs to visit the upper storeys, they also could just be CGI for the at-home audience.
I always assumed the Hague part was someone like Sylvia who told the interviewer that that was their name just to get the interviewer to say “The Hague for Kristoff” on TV, kind of like when Bart Simpson prank calls Moe’s Tavern and says his name is Hugh Jass or something. Whoever it was was pulling a prank to make it seem like Kristoff deserved to be tried for war crimes. That’s why they hang up right away, because they already got the interviewer to say the line and didn’t actually have anything to say to him.
Funny how differently you can interpretate it - i always thought it was a meta joke: "the hague isn't avaidable" as in no court of justice is doing anything to stop it :D Hello? The Hague?? *silence*
I could totally imagine her and the other people of the Free Truman movement being an absolute nuisance at every opportunity. The company running the show would need a massive security service to keep things under control at all time.
This is my reading of it too - just a prank caller who hangs up when they get on-air. If you just take it as a one-liner gag it's not that big of a deal.
21:21 The reference to The Hague? It's being used here as storytelling shorthand for "international human rights authorities have Questions about this" because saying The Hague is the location of the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes crimes against humanity. It's not particularly realistic, they usually only get involved in mass crimes against large groups of people, but I guess it gets across what they want to people who know the reference.
well if you think about it the main cast are the biggest prisioners of the show, if they are unlucky the do works of 12 to 16 hs also the cant truly leave the dome cos truman may call them or need them for some reason and like loots of people could be mistreated in order to build the dome and mantain it all for one guy
@@Tensen01 no, watch the video, he knows what The Hague is, his point is that they go after massive human rights violations and the fact they called the on air line seems to make no actual sense.
I always thought the black plaster board shots were intentional. Kind of like an easter egg for those watching closely. I imagined it's a board when Truman doesn't yet truly believe he can escape/decided to take the massive risk, but at the end it's a truly open space because he's made up his mind. I took it as a point about having the belief that overarching social and economic systems can change being vital for actually making that change happen. I noticed that board the first time I watched it but always saw it was a subtle intentional point for those watching closely, actually blowing my mind to think of it as just a production mistake now aha.
I honestly would like to read a novelisation of the original script though, it sounds like it would be a really interesting read, and I think you can pose those more harrowing questions/dilemmas in a book than you can in a movie.
17:38 You call to attention the design of the Luna Room but don't point out what I instantly noticed the second you said that--it's Mission Control!!! And that's why they call it Luna!!!
Well, it's not the only reason they call it Luna (it's also located in the "sky" of the dome) but it plays into it super well. But here look even the sign placement is the same. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_C._Kraft_Jr._Mission_Control_Center#/media/File:Mission_control_center.jpg www.nasa.gov/image-article/johnson-space-centers-mission-control-center-2/
Yea it's set up just like how mission control is Really cool detail. But instead of us on earth watching the skies but the skies watching down on earth
The Hague bit implies either they were trying to directly communicate with Christof or they were tapping their phones and somehow got caught during this interview. I think it does add to the film since you're looking at a government agency that would likely be trying to try Christof for crimes against humanity. He's probably a wanted man, but the US refuses to extradite him and he's making a very rare public appearance with open lines to the public...so, yeah, I get that it is a bit odd in the middle there, but I appreciate it for the world building. If nothing else, if you are aware of what The Hague is, it gets the thought of "hey, this guy is a bad guy and what is going on here is pretty bad" into your mind.
He let go of the bag to get a shot of the dog with his ring during the cutaway, it just happened off camera. He knows the ring is a camera. Also The Hague was much more in the public consciousness after the Yugoslav wars in the late 90’s.
I think Black Mirror scratches a similar itch to the Truman show! The big difference being that the audience often isn't aware of the situation until later in each episode.
For other recommendations, a worthwhile addition to the list is actually a game: "American Arcadia" (2023). It's basically the same premise, but implemented in an adventure game with both point-and-click and 2.5D puzzle platformer sections. You not only play as the Truman equivalent, but also as an outsider helping him escape, and the whole game is framed as a documentary made afterwards, with cutscenes between chapters of the two player characters talking about it.
I am also a huge fan of the movie especially since I was lucky enough to watch it when it came out but without knowing anything about it. I was visiting my cousin in the US in the summer of 1998, at that time new movies would reach my countries cinemas 6 months after they came out in the US. My cousin offered to take me to watch a movie but didn't say anything about it, and I had not heard of it before. I remember being totally puzzled by the first 15-20 minutes of the movie because of all of the bizarre camera angles and fish-eye lenses, since I also did not know that Truman was in a TV show. The experience was amazing being able to figure it out together with Truman himself. When I got back to my country I made sure that my girlfriend (now my wife) would not watch any trailers or look at any posters for the movie. Recently we watched it with our 14 year old twin daughters - and we were able to pass on the same experience to them. I highly recommend, when showing this movie to someone for the first time, to not say anything about the premise. It is a truly unique cinematic experience. Thank you for all of your insights, it was very informative and enjoyable!
I agree so much. I grew up in the 80s-90s and we would go see movies without knowing what they were, we would just go to the cinema and THEN pick a film based on the titles alone. It infuriates me now that trailers are like 5% of the length of the entire movie and show so much of the story and even parts of the ending. And you can't escape them because whereas in those days, you just saw trailers at the cinema and could close your eyes to avoid spoilers, now they're everywhere on TV and online. That experience of seeing a movie for the FIRST time, unseen, in the cinema, has been all but lost and I honestly think that's why a lot of people don't think it's worth paying the money for that anymore.
The inclusion of The Hague is a wonderful addition to the film! It adds an excellent dimension to the investigation of human rights that this film achieves. Just because some audience members lack a basic political education does not mean that such details should be removed. Small details like this impart a greater sociopolitical context onto the text, which is what makes pieces like The Truman Show so special. Should the fixing of the World Series be removed from the literary classic The Great Gatsby? Just because I am personally unfamiliar with baseball history?
it honestly just feels like theyre nudging the audience so much that theyre basically pushing them over, maybe it could be reworked but i think it says a lot that this guy took note of that line despite not knowing what it is
@spaghettipersonhello Nah look at how much the people who understand that reference enjoy it, it far outweighs any adverse reaction. Whose viewing experience is really being affected by a 5-second throwaway reference outside of cinephiles who fine-tooth-comb-it as a hobby
The concept of the Truman, just like The Purge is too cartoonish to have ever been actually done in real life, but unlike the Purge, The truman show is a good movie. Bringing up the dimension of human right's violations only makes sense, if that were the focus. It's not at all.
@@kjullthedemon The central premise of the movie is the spectacle made out of one human beings rights being violated countless times. It has similar literary DNA to other ethical texts like The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas. What are you even talking about? Additionally, your point about the Truman show being too cartoonish is a non sequitur. Which is funny because that’s exactly what you proposed the theme of human rights to be within the movie.
@@kelf30 The Truman show would have been cancelled way way before it would ever realistically could ever been have achieved. This would be broadcast live to the ENTIRE planet. That alone, would attract not only other Governments, but also vigilantes and terrorists. It's chosen not to be touched on, because despite how many fancy 100 dollar words you like to use, it respects the intelligence of its viewers, and knows it could not make a realistic story about the political aspect of this film. Cause it's insane.
Bolt doesn't come close either, because the writing angle is less about bringing a human with the intention of filming said human's life from birth and more about a dog that thinks he's a hero but is actually an actor. So no cigar for you my friend.
The Truman show made me really want a Truman Series. Like, same story but different kid on a competetor's channel. Just felt like it should have been a longer story.
Also, about the last scene of the movie. On what you describe as the A and B shots the lighting is completely different, maybe it's explained in the movie, but on the B shots Truman's right side is lit up and his left is cast in shadow, where in the A shot it's lit like real sunlight from above. That's what I thought you was gonna point out.
I think Dark City (1998) and Synecdoche, New York (2008) are excellent films that explore similar themes with central characters not unlike Truman. They Live (1988) I might also add to that list. I would say I felt the comedic but introspective tone of The Truman Show is present in the 2003 film "Nothing" as well. People also consider Cabin in the Woods (2012) to be The Truman Show but horror, as the basic premise. Pleasantville (1998) is also slightly in the same vein.
There's an early episode of the fairly odd parents that has the crimson chin finding out he's a fictional character and it kinda makes him spiral into depression, but it's played for comedy. There's also a movie called inkheart that has a character that can pull fictional characters out of books. There's an early version of the Truman script where he was a superhero that I would have loved to see(wonder if that's the same version with the scene he mentioned above with the woman)
I also want to recommend Synecdoche, New York, especially since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (same director) was already included in the list.
I think Deadpool, the movies and the character in general, kinda fit the same general idea (maybe the inverse?), in that Deadpool *knows* he's a comic book character.
I have been a fan of Wojciech Kilar for years. Decades really. I actually met him once, though it was at a funeral and a longer conversation wouldn't be at place, so I only really got the chance to say that I love his music. A fantastic musician and a really nice person. And yet somehow I never knew that he was the composer behind the score to That scene, in a movie I love so deeply. Very grateful for this video, I got to learn something new that connected two topics already close to my heart. Thanks!
I also recommend Life on Mars It's not really the same it's a British TV show about a cop who's either in a coma or sent back in time trying to figure out what the hell's going on It's got the same trapped feeling and the same "MC doesnt know wtf is going on" but it's very different tonally
Surprised to not see Stranger Than Fiction in your recommendations It's about a person who starts hearing a third-person omniscient narrator in his head, with Will Ferrell in a more dramatic role
Another film that might scratch The Truman Show itch (to the point that it was kind of cynically assumed to be intentionally similar upon release) is Stranger Than Fiction. You have a comedic actor taking a more serious acting turn, discovering that his entire life, while real, was in a way manufactured. The main thematic difference is, while The Truman Show' world has a technological explanation and an obvious evil (or at least amoral) undercurrent, Stranger Than Fiction just invokes magic with no explanation (like Groundhog Day), so the moral questions about what' happening don't emerge until later in the film and take (IMO) the easy way out at the end.
I think Truman was born in 1998 (when the film released) and is set in 2028. So the idea is that this could be starting NOW. Seahaven is set in the 90s because they designed and built the world at the beginning so they didn't have to keep up with changes in technology and culture. That also adds to the Nostalgia and timelessness for the in-world audience.
No because the technology of the outside work didn't change significantly; people watching in the diner, guy in the bath, etc. They still had a 90s aesthetics. The location Truman lived is a dreamy but just small town dreamy, not fully nostalgic. It's better just keeping him as a present day adult without a mild future dystopian theme in the background.
The flashback scenes to the development of the romance are all very 50s and 60s vibes. The show is absolutely contemporary in the 90s for a 90s audience. Maybe it's a decade or so behind the real world. The writers just assume that tiny cameras and weather control have become solved problems after 30 years of the most profitable show in the world.
I recently rewatched Gattaca (by The Truman Show's writer) and it's still fantastic! I have an unhealthy love for Andrew Niccol - films like this and Lord of War are very on the nose and wear their hearts on their sleeves but I love them so much.
While there are fans who want a sequel, I feel a sort of reimagining would be better. They could keep the plot relatively untouched, just remove the bits where we see the crew, the interviewer, and the audience. They could add a little bit of extra into the film to make up for that lost watch time. Then make it a film for fans of the original to watch with people who’ve never seen the original, and see how long it takes them to figure out Truman is living a lie on a massive set, because Truman himself comes to the conclusion that his theories were correct. Perhaps it would become more of a thriller, but honestly the Truman Show IS a thriller. Yes, it has goofy moments, and Jim really adds to that, but when you really break it down and pay attention, it’s pretty horrific from his point of view! This film wouldn’t be any attempt to replace the original, but merely to provide an alternative viewing experience, to better immerse you into Truman’s point of view as a third person story, rather than a second person story.
"They Live" is, like "The Truman Show" a critique of marketing, the US culture, and capitalism from the inside. It is a bit more direct about it, though. But it's probably the closest match I've seen that you didn't mention. And has a more action-oriented tone.
I saw the black board as just a lighting difference in the 2 scenes. In reality, that door would likely only be opened at night for access by maintenance crews, and you would want something to block out any light from escaping. So they put a board in front of the door that you would have to walk around, painted black to blend in better.
I always thought that during the conversation on the bridge with Truman and Marlon when Truman says “you were out of school for about a month” that was a way to hint at we swapped out actors with someone who was a bit more keen on keeping the lie going to a better extent.
I've heard the point of that line is that's how the actors take time off. I wonder if child actor laws apply to the Truman Show. they're only meant to have to work so many hours per day.
The only movie I've seen which captures the same energy as The Truman Show is Synecdoche, New York (2008). It's written and directed by the same person who wrote Eternal Sunshine, and it's about a theatre director who tries to build a life-size replica of NYC inside a warehouse
My favorite film! I think it plays with a lot of the same themes, but it's definitely not light-hearted in the way Truman Show is. It almost feels like an exercise in melancholia 😅
The Prisoner really scratches the itch for me, it’s 1960s psychological thriller mini-series about someone trapped in a picturesque village where the people who control it have him under near constant surveillance. I think that there’s a lot of visual similarities too.
The train scene sound like something out of really dark manga, I can see the panels going back and forth from Truman's and the actor's faces, the inner thoughs of the actors and the blank stare of Truman.
23:30 the absence of the black abyss behind Truman has artistic reasons. It's like the absolute **very very first thing** you will learn in **any** photography class, that you absolutely **never** never never never want any parts of the picture without structure.
Wanted to mention that I think Peter Weir's comonality or "style" between his films is outstanding worldbuilding where the environment is an active participating character that changes/evolves/reacts. Even going back to Picnic at Hanging Rock with more liminal/uneasy/foreboding imagery of the hanging rock. Highly recommend The Mosquito Coast Directed by Peter Weir, starring Harrison Ford and River Phoenix, and Written by Paul Schrader
I listened to this because youtube randomly recommended the video to me. I haven't thought about this movie in years but now I kinda wanna watch it again.
Great series. It's always interesting to hear about a film you like (but take for granted) from the perspective of someone who is really passionate about it. A few people have mentioned "Synecdoche, New York", which is great as a kind of inverted Truman Show. It's a similar brew of tragedy, wackiness, and serious post-modern philosophy.
“The Island” is sort of like if the Truman Show was directed by Michael Bay. There was also a British science fiction show in the 60’s called “The Prisoner” where a spy who has resigned is held prisoner on an island.
Regarding things similar to The Truman Show, there exists a video game called American Arcadia, which is a narrative-focused adventure that is incredibly inspired by the movie.
I’ve only watched this movie a few times but yes 24:12 that scene! I knew something was odd and I thought it was purposeful but didn’t know why…at least I’m not the only one who saw it!
One similar themed tv show called Jury Duty. Its good! The guy afterwards had to basically learn to retrust he wasnt being watched. Everyone was great, like its not a sad story, but that part is freaky.
I think the Hague isn't someone from the court. I think its someone who gave a fake location so that the announcer would say "The Hague for Christof", as a sort of rallying cry to say that he should be tried for human rights violations. He should be taken to The Hague to face justice.
28:13 The reason I'm watching this? I have never seen the Truman show before, nor have I ever heard of you or your channel before. And that's perfect! Nothing makes me happier than getting to hear someone be passionate about something they truly love and hyperfixate on and getting to listen to people nerd out and gush about things they really want to say about something important to them WHILE ALSO getting to learn something new about something I know nothing about!
I never knew that about the ending song, it is so beautiful and I've wanted to listen to it again, and now I know there's a whole movie about it? Thank you so much for letting us know
The Truman Show always struck me as Man (Truman) versus God (Christoph), Free Will versus Destiny. I personally don't believe Truman precisely knew about the world he lived in being fake. I believe he might have seen all the oddities in his life and had played it off as paranoia. It was only after the staff got lazy, operating costs got too high (requiring lots of product placement to keep the project funded), and maintenance slipped that Truman started to really accept that he wasn't just paranoid. Because if he wasn't being paranoid, if the world of Seahaven really revolved around him, then what about the people closest to him? Were they in on it? Most people would be too scared to try and find the answer.
I definitely think he realized something was off earlier on. Probably when he met Lauren is when he suspected something but because of everyone's gaslighting he brushed it off as paranoia until just before the start of this movie when he started noticing more odd things happening. So he started preparing but only going through with his escape plan when he was absolutely sure he was the only odd one out. That's why he went to his friend for advice. Not because he learned something was off recently but because he was the last person he wanted to check with hoping he wasn't the only one. You can see the look on his face when his best friend lied directly to him by the docks that he truly found out he was the only one and it broke his heart that EVERYTHING was a lie. He knew something was wrong for a long time but he always held out hope he wasn't alone. When he found out he was he left.
I know what you mean about less is more, but having recently watched the film for the first time I think a sequel would be a great idea. There’s still so much story left to tell about how Truman’s first life will affect his second once he enters the real world, and about how the actors he knew for so long would react to him if they’re not playing their characters. Even though it’s a great film, it only feels like a part 1
Another film that might evoke some of the same feelings as the Truman show is Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer, in which the cast of a long-running sci-fi romantic comedy find themselves, overnight, in a world frozen in time, and have to figure out how they exist outside of their usual patterns.
The Hague call to me seems like a prank call from someone that doesn't support Christof and is a clever way to get the reporter say "The Hague for Christof" like saying it's what he deserves.
For movies with a similar feel, I’d recommend Will Farrell’s awesome drama Stranger Than Fiction. The Harold Crick character has a lot in common with Truman.
Thank you for making these videos. I've adored this movie since it came out and it's still one of my favorite films. I was a big Jim Carrey fan since In Living Color and when he shifted into these dramatic roles I was even more blown away by his talent. The thing that I love the most about The Truman Show is it's a movie that makes you think. It stays with you after you've watched it and your mind keeps picking away at it. To me, that's the mark of a great film. It's been in my head since the first time I watched it with no signs of leaving. Also agree about the soundtrack. I bought the CD immediately after seeing it and would recommend it to everyone.
When you think about it, the dogs and cats in sea haven are on the same level as Truman. They don’t know wtf is going on, they just livin they normal lives too
The game "American Arcadia" is clearly inspired by The Truman show and does some cool stuff with the concept Also the show "The Good Place" has some elements in common which I won't spoil, but the Neighborhood being like Truman's home is pretty comperable.
It's got a different feel, but I think The Island (2005) is clearly inspired by The Truman Show. Sort of Truman Show on a grander scale and with action in it that feels very natural given the larger scale of the setting.
Loved this podcast Christopher thank you for making it!! I’d add that “Cabin in the Woods” is very Truman-esque but through a proper horror lens. Have you seen it?
Am I the only one that absolutely loves the idea of that first draft of the script? But then again I love gritty psychological dramas like requiem for a dream and Trainspotting so I guess that makes sense.
Don't know why, but the only thing that has made me feel that same strange sensation The Truman Show does is the song (and music video) Once in a Lifetime by Talking Heads. I've always associated the two with each other
In terms of media I feel is similar, I would say Squid Games is a much more drawn-out, edge-of-your-seat, thriller series, with a much darker, creepy tone, but I think captures that feeling of "oppressed people being exploited for the entertainment of others" that Truman Show gets at. It's just way more perverse. Stepford Wives has that "something is afoot" feeling, but it's been so long since I've seen it. I think it's more suburban horror than thrill, but still one to consider. Hot Fuzz is similar to Stepford Wives with that suburban horror feeling, but very much a comedy, through-and-through. That feeling of "the entire town is off" is present. They Live, which another commenter mentioned. Older film, much more of a classic action film, I think, but still has that element of mass conspiracy. And finally, Shutter Island, which I think really captures the individualistic feeling of The Truman Show, just with a darker tone throughout.
Thank you for this amazing video series. After watching your last video I had to go back and watch all the others, and even rewatch the film too. This movie has always stuck with me. It's definitely one of my favorites.
I would also recommend the Showtime series THE CURSE, starring Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie. Not exactly the same premise, but explores many of the same themes in a dark comedy style. I don't watch much TV because there are very few shows I actually enjoy, but THE CURSE is one of my all-time favorites. Phenomenal acting all around.
I have watched the movie in cinema three times when it came out. It was a small town cinema so by the third showing I was the only audience member. I snuck an audio recorder into the theater to record the movie so I could listen to it again and especially because I found the song truman sleeps so haunting and beautiful. Very fond memories
I have never quite experienced the feeling that the twist in Ascension gave me, seriously such an amazing show. There really weren’t that many clues leading up to those moments and it truly shocked me. I feel like it’s so underrated and was pleasantly surprised to see it mentioned here :)
I’m bummed that this is the last video on The Truman Show, I wouldn’t have looked into it as much as you have let alone the analysis you did for the movie. I never knew about the black poster board myself. You have made me love this movie even more. Thank you for that!
As for things like the Truman Show, I can't recommend American Arcadia enough. The initial premise is "Truman Show but a whole city instead of one guy", but it does enough to not just be a rehash or copy.
Watch 'The Majestic'! It is a film starring Jim Carrey and if you are looking for something similar in tone to it is an amazing movie that no one ever seems to have heard of. Pleeeeease. It's awesome, funny, dramatic, heartfelt and well performed. It is one of Jim Carrey's best and really deserves more recognition.
For movies that give me these kind of vibes? Pleasantville, Dave (1993) and a lot of the Ghibli/Miyazaki films do this. I’d recommend watching Dave as it’s seriously underrated. Interestingly though something that recently hit me hard with these feelings was a videogame series, the Yakuza (aka like a dragon) game series. While the overall tone differs, you have these moments where the main character feels out of control of their own life, over the course of the game series the players basically live out his life from his 20s to his 50s. You watch the character age, get dragged into the joy and sadness of the events surrounding him, constantly fighting the expectations others force upon him. It’s one of the most incredible narratives in the video game world and well worth trying.
Thanks for your miniseries. I am going back to watch it again, I've seen it a few times. I have talked about this film with family and friends through out my life and your podcast has given me so much more to think about. So anyways, thanks again.
2 Japanese series are kinda similar to The Truman Show (if you squint really hard) - Kamen Rider Geats - Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger They both deal with the meta-narrative-we-are-in-a-tv-series kinda plot, but only very loosely similar to Truman
Also, Omnicon; the con likely refers to the Panopticon, a theoretical prison where guards are positioned to see everyone at all times. So it's a combination of Omniscient and Panopticon!
I love the inclusion of The Hague. It shows that Christoff *is* being investigated for human rights violations. And they are definitely wire tapping him, hence their hanging up the moment they're caught. It's not so much a joke, but a detail about the larger world the show takes place in.
Agreed. Americans ignoring or not caring about human rights violations is the norm though í guess 😂
@@arnarroflmaowait until you realize that Japan pretty much did make a real life Truman Show
The point i was making is that the us doesnt recognize the icc's juristiction. Hence they ignore when they call the leader of their favorite little colony a war criminal and issue a warrant for his arrest. Not that fucked shit doesnt happen in other countries.
Also a grown man consenting to being locked in a room isn't pretty much the same thing, if i remember correctly.
🤷♂
@@willisverynice except that was consensual by the actor well until they artificially lengthened it.
But it makes no sense why they would present it as a call from a viewer. It doesn't work, it's out of place.
That plaster background thing is definitely one of those "at-home high-def viewing" curses that a lot of movies suffer from. Like, they made the movie so you'd see it in the theater (and probably wouldn't notice the wall first viewing anyway) and then there's no way you would notice that wall detail on a vhs with a crt blurring it up.
I can happily tell you the BIG mistake…isnt really that bad for me. Would have been funny to have a alternate ending with the B shot where Truman says his catchphrase and turns to leave and just hits a black wall and falls back into the ocean. 😂
For real. He was hyping it up, but I can barely notice it even when trying
I like it because it looks so fake. I assume they left it in because it would get covered by visual noise when shown on film in theaters or on old CRT displays. I still like to overanalyze it. Everything was so manufactured in the show that even the triumphant escape is undercut by a fake door, maybe it was on purpose. Perhaps it's alluding to the fact that he'll never really leave, he's the most famous man on Earth and he'll always be trying to escape that fact
I rewatched it and still couldn't notice it
im so glad they cut 90% of the scenes of the real world, because for me one of the best things about this movie is that you have no idea what truman is going to step out to, it leaves the perfect amount of imagination and lasting impact on you, one of my favorite things about the movie is that it IS so subtle with its story telling, the entire movie is about subtlety until it finally comes to a head.
The CGI dome never bothered me since I assumed that it's an in-universe graphic of the show for the viewers.
nice
except for how a light falls out
@@foxie8miller I think he meant the external shots of the dome.
@foxie8miller I mean in that one specific shot where it zooms out. The dome is real, I just never thought the one specific zoom out shot looked all that bad.
I feel like this is a reasonable excuse for thinking the 'extended' buildings don't look 100% convincing too. I guess Truman would need to be able to see them IRL though but if they're places where he never needs to visit the upper storeys, they also could just be CGI for the at-home audience.
I always assumed the Hague part was someone like Sylvia who told the interviewer that that was their name just to get the interviewer to say “The Hague for Kristoff” on TV, kind of like when Bart Simpson prank calls Moe’s Tavern and says his name is Hugh Jass or something. Whoever it was was pulling a prank to make it seem like Kristoff deserved to be tried for war crimes. That’s why they hang up right away, because they already got the interviewer to say the line and didn’t actually have anything to say to him.
Interesting theory! Additionally the interviewer was Harry Shearer - the voice of a bunch of Simpsons characters
annoyed me that he interpreted it so strangely then concluded it should have been cut out lol
Funny how differently you can interpretate it - i always thought it was a meta joke: "the hague isn't avaidable" as in no court of justice is doing anything to stop it :D
Hello? The Hague?? *silence*
I could totally imagine her and the other people of the Free Truman movement being an absolute nuisance at every opportunity. The company running the show would need a massive security service to keep things under control at all time.
This is my reading of it too - just a prank caller who hangs up when they get on-air. If you just take it as a one-liner gag it's not that big of a deal.
Bittersweet feelings about this being the last one. A wonderful series, made me go back and watch the movie, and show it to my fiancé. She loved it!
21:21 The reference to The Hague? It's being used here as storytelling shorthand for "international human rights authorities have Questions about this" because saying The Hague is the location of the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes crimes against humanity. It's not particularly realistic, they usually only get involved in mass crimes against large groups of people, but I guess it gets across what they want to people who know the reference.
well if you think about it the main cast are the biggest prisioners of the show, if they are unlucky the do works of 12 to 16 hs also the cant truly leave the dome cos truman may call them or need them for some reason and like loots of people could be mistreated in order to build the dome and mantain it all for one guy
I think it's like when movies use the FBI as any and all powerful government organizations.
He didn't get a reference and never cared to look it up and... it's the film's fault?
@@Tensen01 no, watch the video, he knows what The Hague is, his point is that they go after massive human rights violations and the fact they called the on air line seems to make no actual sense.
Literally says he didn't get it and didn't know for 20 years
I always thought the black plaster board shots were intentional. Kind of like an easter egg for those watching closely. I imagined it's a board when Truman doesn't yet truly believe he can escape/decided to take the massive risk, but at the end it's a truly open space because he's made up his mind. I took it as a point about having the belief that overarching social and economic systems can change being vital for actually making that change happen. I noticed that board the first time I watched it but always saw it was a subtle intentional point for those watching closely, actually blowing my mind to think of it as just a production mistake now aha.
Ooo, I like that headcanon.
So glad they made Truman a more moral character in the end the film doesn't really work if Truman isn't a character the audience can root for
Also putting the moral dilemma of bystanders are just as guilty would be fucking horrible, harrowing that it made it to script
I honestly would like to read a novelisation of the original script though, it sounds like it would be a really interesting read, and I think you can pose those more harrowing questions/dilemmas in a book than you can in a movie.
17:38 You call to attention the design of the Luna Room but don't point out what I instantly noticed the second you said that--it's Mission Control!!! And that's why they call it Luna!!!
Well, it's not the only reason they call it Luna (it's also located in the "sky" of the dome) but it plays into it super well. But here look even the sign placement is the same.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_C._Kraft_Jr._Mission_Control_Center#/media/File:Mission_control_center.jpg
www.nasa.gov/image-article/johnson-space-centers-mission-control-center-2/
Yea it's set up just like how mission control is
Really cool detail. But instead of us on earth watching the skies but the skies watching down on earth
It’s also located in the domes moon, probably mostly why they called it the Luna Room.
Intentional or not, it's also a fun reference to Ed Harris’s role in Apollo 13.
The Hague bit implies either they were trying to directly communicate with Christof or they were tapping their phones and somehow got caught during this interview. I think it does add to the film since you're looking at a government agency that would likely be trying to try Christof for crimes against humanity. He's probably a wanted man, but the US refuses to extradite him and he's making a very rare public appearance with open lines to the public...so, yeah, I get that it is a bit odd in the middle there, but I appreciate it for the world building. If nothing else, if you are aware of what The Hague is, it gets the thought of "hey, this guy is a bad guy and what is going on here is pretty bad" into your mind.
He let go of the bag to get a shot of the dog with his ring during the cutaway, it just happened off camera. He knows the ring is a camera. Also The Hague was much more in the public consciousness after the Yugoslav wars in the late 90’s.
I think Black Mirror scratches a similar itch to the Truman show! The big difference being that the audience often isn't aware of the situation until later in each episode.
I'm gonna miss this podcast
For other recommendations, a worthwhile addition to the list is actually a game: "American Arcadia" (2023). It's basically the same premise, but implemented in an adventure game with both point-and-click and 2.5D puzzle platformer sections. You not only play as the Truman equivalent, but also as an outsider helping him escape, and the whole game is framed as a documentary made afterwards, with cutscenes between chapters of the two player characters talking about it.
American Arcadia also suffers from the "More is Less" problem. So no.
YESS SOMEONE IS TALKING ABOUT THIS GAME!! I need to rewatch it again, it’s been a year
I am also a huge fan of the movie especially since I was lucky enough to watch it when it came out but without knowing anything about it.
I was visiting my cousin in the US in the summer of 1998, at that time new movies would reach my countries cinemas 6 months after they came out in the US.
My cousin offered to take me to watch a movie but didn't say anything about it, and I had not heard of it before.
I remember being totally puzzled by the first 15-20 minutes of the movie because of all of the bizarre camera angles and fish-eye lenses, since I also did not know that Truman was in a TV show. The experience was amazing being able to figure it out together with Truman himself.
When I got back to my country I made sure that my girlfriend (now my wife) would not watch any trailers or look at any posters for the movie.
Recently we watched it with our 14 year old twin daughters - and we were able to pass on the same experience to them.
I highly recommend, when showing this movie to someone for the first time, to not say anything about the premise. It is a truly unique cinematic experience.
Thank you for all of your insights, it was very informative and enjoyable!
I agree so much. I grew up in the 80s-90s and we would go see movies without knowing what they were, we would just go to the cinema and THEN pick a film based on the titles alone.
It infuriates me now that trailers are like 5% of the length of the entire movie and show so much of the story and even parts of the ending. And you can't escape them because whereas in those days, you just saw trailers at the cinema and could close your eyes to avoid spoilers, now they're everywhere on TV and online.
That experience of seeing a movie for the FIRST time, unseen, in the cinema, has been all but lost and I honestly think that's why a lot of people don't think it's worth paying the money for that anymore.
0:45 no it's the Truman show. The Goofy Movie is animated.
Darn my bad lol
@@chriscoolblog2 I'll forgive you this time.
Philip Glass is actually an *extremely* important musician oitside of this movie, and pretty much every music student knows about him.
And a lot of people with an interest in film, thanks to Koyaanisqatsi etc. 'Cloudscape' is one of my all-time fav tracks.
The inclusion of The Hague is a wonderful addition to the film! It adds an excellent dimension to the investigation of human rights that this film achieves. Just because some audience members lack a basic political education does not mean that such details should be removed. Small details like this impart a greater sociopolitical context onto the text, which is what makes pieces like The Truman Show so special.
Should the fixing of the World Series be removed from the literary classic The Great Gatsby? Just because I am personally unfamiliar with baseball history?
it honestly just feels like theyre nudging the audience so much that theyre basically pushing them over, maybe it could be reworked but i think it says a lot that this guy took note of that line despite not knowing what it is
@spaghettipersonhello Nah look at how much the people who understand that reference enjoy it, it far outweighs any adverse reaction. Whose viewing experience is really being affected by a 5-second throwaway reference outside of cinephiles who fine-tooth-comb-it as a hobby
The concept of the Truman, just like The Purge is too cartoonish to have ever been actually done in real life, but unlike the Purge, The truman show is a good movie. Bringing up the dimension of human right's violations only makes sense, if that were the focus. It's not at all.
@@kjullthedemon The central premise of the movie is the spectacle made out of one human beings rights being violated countless times. It has similar literary DNA to other ethical texts like The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas. What are you even talking about?
Additionally, your point about the Truman show being too cartoonish is a non sequitur. Which is funny because that’s exactly what you proposed the theme of human rights to be within the movie.
@@kelf30 The Truman show would have been cancelled way way before it would ever realistically could ever been have achieved. This would be broadcast live to the ENTIRE planet. That alone, would attract not only other Governments, but also vigilantes and terrorists. It's chosen not to be touched on, because despite how many fancy 100 dollar words you like to use, it respects the intelligence of its viewers, and knows it could not make a realistic story about the political aspect of this film. Cause it's insane.
The filming location being a town called “Seaside” feels really fitting for a production about a fake town
“When it comes down to it there’s nothing like the Truman show.”
WRONG Disney’s Bolt
I want to downvote you but I can't. That's actually a cogent point.
Bolt doesn't come close either, because the writing angle is less about bringing a human with the intention of filming said human's life from birth and more about a dog that thinks he's a hero but is actually an actor. So no cigar for you my friend.
The Truman show made me really want a Truman Series. Like, same story but different kid on a competetor's channel. Just felt like it should have been a longer story.
Hello! I discovered you because of this series. I loved it! Thank you for making it. It gave me a lot more appreciation for The Truman Show
Also, about the last scene of the movie. On what you describe as the A and B shots the lighting is completely different, maybe it's explained in the movie, but on the B shots Truman's right side is lit up and his left is cast in shadow, where in the A shot it's lit like real sunlight from above.
That's what I thought you was gonna point out.
I think Dark City (1998) and Synecdoche, New York (2008) are excellent films that explore similar themes with central characters not unlike Truman. They Live (1988) I might also add to that list. I would say I felt the comedic but introspective tone of The Truman Show is present in the 2003 film "Nothing" as well. People also consider Cabin in the Woods (2012) to be The Truman Show but horror, as the basic premise. Pleasantville (1998) is also slightly in the same vein.
There's an early episode of the fairly odd parents that has the crimson chin finding out he's a fictional character and it kinda makes him spiral into depression, but it's played for comedy. There's also a movie called inkheart that has a character that can pull fictional characters out of books. There's an early version of the Truman script where he was a superhero that I would have loved to see(wonder if that's the same version with the scene he mentioned above with the woman)
u got good taste
I also want to recommend Synecdoche, New York, especially since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (same director) was already included in the list.
Synecdoche New York was really confusing, one of these days I owe it a rewatch but idk if I’m ready haha
I think Deadpool, the movies and the character in general, kinda fit the same general idea (maybe the inverse?), in that Deadpool *knows* he's a comic book character.
I have been a fan of Wojciech Kilar for years. Decades really. I actually met him once, though it was at a funeral and a longer conversation wouldn't be at place, so I only really got the chance to say that I love his music. A fantastic musician and a really nice person. And yet somehow I never knew that he was the composer behind the score to That scene, in a movie I love so deeply. Very grateful for this video, I got to learn something new that connected two topics already close to my heart. Thanks!
That's amazing, I'm glad I could do that for you :D
I also recommend Life on Mars
It's not really the same it's a British TV show about a cop who's either in a coma or sent back in time trying to figure out what the hell's going on
It's got the same trapped feeling and the same "MC doesnt know wtf is going on" but it's very different tonally
Surprised to not see Stranger Than Fiction in your recommendations
It's about a person who starts hearing a third-person omniscient narrator in his head, with Will Ferrell in a more dramatic role
Another film that might scratch The Truman Show itch (to the point that it was kind of cynically assumed to be intentionally similar upon release) is Stranger Than Fiction. You have a comedic actor taking a more serious acting turn, discovering that his entire life, while real, was in a way manufactured. The main thematic difference is, while The Truman Show' world has a technological explanation and an obvious evil (or at least amoral) undercurrent, Stranger Than Fiction just invokes magic with no explanation (like Groundhog Day), so the moral questions about what' happening don't emerge until later in the film and take (IMO) the easy way out at the end.
I think Truman was born in 1998 (when the film released) and is set in 2028. So the idea is that this could be starting NOW. Seahaven is set in the 90s because they designed and built the world at the beginning so they didn't have to keep up with changes in technology and culture. That also adds to the Nostalgia and timelessness for the in-world audience.
No because the technology of the outside work didn't change significantly; people watching in the diner, guy in the bath, etc. They still had a 90s aesthetics. The location Truman lived is a dreamy but just small town dreamy, not fully nostalgic. It's better just keeping him as a present day adult without a mild future dystopian theme in the background.
The flashback scenes to the development of the romance are all very 50s and 60s vibes. The show is absolutely contemporary in the 90s for a 90s audience. Maybe it's a decade or so behind the real world. The writers just assume that tiny cameras and weather control have become solved problems after 30 years of the most profitable show in the world.
I recently rewatched Gattaca (by The Truman Show's writer) and it's still fantastic! I have an unhealthy love for Andrew Niccol - films like this and Lord of War are very on the nose and wear their hearts on their sleeves but I love them so much.
While there are fans who want a sequel, I feel a sort of reimagining would be better. They could keep the plot relatively untouched, just remove the bits where we see the crew, the interviewer, and the audience. They could add a little bit of extra into the film to make up for that lost watch time. Then make it a film for fans of the original to watch with people who’ve never seen the original, and see how long it takes them to figure out Truman is living a lie on a massive set, because Truman himself comes to the conclusion that his theories were correct. Perhaps it would become more of a thriller, but honestly the Truman Show IS a thriller. Yes, it has goofy moments, and Jim really adds to that, but when you really break it down and pay attention, it’s pretty horrific from his point of view! This film wouldn’t be any attempt to replace the original, but merely to provide an alternative viewing experience, to better immerse you into Truman’s point of view as a third person story, rather than a second person story.
"They Live" is, like "The Truman Show" a critique of marketing, the US culture, and capitalism from the inside. It is a bit more direct about it, though. But it's probably the closest match I've seen that you didn't mention. And has a more action-oriented tone.
I'd also recommend the movie Brazil for someone stuck in a very alienating situation, but with a lot of dreamlike vibes.
It's so good
I saw the black board as just a lighting difference in the 2 scenes. In reality, that door would likely only be opened at night for access by maintenance crews, and you would want something to block out any light from escaping. So they put a board in front of the door that you would have to walk around, painted black to blend in better.
"It's a goofy movie."
Much like The Matrix, once you really think about it.
I always thought that during the conversation on the bridge with Truman and Marlon when Truman says “you were out of school for about a month” that was a way to hint at we swapped out actors with someone who was a bit more keen on keeping the lie going to a better extent.
I've heard the point of that line is that's how the actors take time off.
I wonder if child actor laws apply to the Truman Show. they're only meant to have to work so many hours per day.
The only movie I've seen which captures the same energy as The Truman Show is Synecdoche, New York (2008). It's written and directed by the same person who wrote Eternal Sunshine, and it's about a theatre director who tries to build a life-size replica of NYC inside a warehouse
My favorite film! I think it plays with a lot of the same themes, but it's definitely not light-hearted in the way Truman Show is. It almost feels like an exercise in melancholia 😅
@@captain_britain Yeah it's probably my favorite film too
This series has got me to rewatch the movie already, and now I think I have to re-re-watch it again.
My favorite thing is showing someone ELSE the Truman Show and watching their reaction loll
24:03
Lmao i did notice that but just ignored it as a visible prop mistake. But in a movie where everything is deliberate, it stands out
if there was one film that i could completely erase my memory of its contents, it would be the truman show.
S-so you could watch it again fresh, right?
@ yeah that’s what i meant to imply 😭 although at the same time no bc i am not normal about this movie it’s all i think about
You need to see Severance! Probably the most Truman Show-esque story out there and it is also amazing.
The Prisoner really scratches the itch for me, it’s 1960s psychological thriller mini-series about someone trapped in a picturesque village where the people who control it have him under near constant surveillance. I think that there’s a lot of visual similarities too.
The train scene sound like something out of really dark manga, I can see the panels going back and forth from Truman's and the actor's faces, the inner thoughs of the actors and the blank stare of Truman.
23:30 the absence of the black abyss behind Truman has artistic reasons.
It's like the absolute **very very first thing** you will learn in **any** photography class, that you absolutely **never** never never never want any parts of the picture without structure.
I think the goofiness came out more so because of Jim. He just oozes goofy. Well most of the time
This was a very enjoyable podcast. Thank you for making it and putting it out there.
See I know your name is Bingham but it doesn’t stop me thinking of either planes or search engines when I see your cartoon hat
Wanted to mention that I think Peter Weir's comonality or "style" between his films is outstanding worldbuilding where the environment is an active participating character that changes/evolves/reacts. Even going back to Picnic at Hanging Rock with more liminal/uneasy/foreboding imagery of the hanging rock.
Highly recommend The Mosquito Coast Directed by Peter Weir, starring Harrison Ford and River Phoenix, and Written by Paul Schrader
I listened to this because youtube randomly recommended the video to me. I haven't thought about this movie in years but now I kinda wanna watch it again.
Great series. It's always interesting to hear about a film you like (but take for granted) from the perspective of someone who is really passionate about it. A few people have mentioned "Synecdoche, New York", which is great as a kind of inverted Truman Show. It's a similar brew of tragedy, wackiness, and serious post-modern philosophy.
“The Island” is sort of like if the Truman Show was directed by Michael Bay.
There was also a British science fiction show in the 60’s called “The Prisoner” where a spy who has resigned is held prisoner on an island.
Regarding things similar to The Truman Show, there exists a video game called American Arcadia, which is a narrative-focused adventure that is incredibly inspired by the movie.
I’ve only watched this movie a few times but yes 24:12 that scene! I knew something was odd and I thought it was purposeful but didn’t know why…at least I’m not the only one who saw it!
You're not the only one who noticed the big mistake, but I recall it looking like some kind of fabric instead of a plaster wall.
One similar themed tv show called Jury Duty. Its good! The guy afterwards had to basically learn to retrust he wasnt being watched. Everyone was great, like its not a sad story, but that part is freaky.
I think the Hague isn't someone from the court. I think its someone who gave a fake location so that the announcer would say "The Hague for Christof", as a sort of rallying cry to say that he should be tried for human rights violations. He should be taken to The Hague to face justice.
28:13
The reason I'm watching this? I have never seen the Truman show before, nor have I ever heard of you or your channel before. And that's perfect! Nothing makes me happier than getting to hear someone be passionate about something they truly love and hyperfixate on and getting to listen to people nerd out and gush about things they really want to say about something important to them WHILE ALSO getting to learn something new about something I know nothing about!
I stopped at 22:00 so I can go watch the movie one more time, this spoiler warning sounds serious 😅 I’ll be back
I’m back, naaa I think I can easily unsee it, it’s not too obvious for me
He definitely built that up way too much.
@@markereyes
I never knew that about the ending song, it is so beautiful and I've wanted to listen to it again, and now I know there's a whole movie about it? Thank you so much for letting us know
I've loved watching these, I'll miss it! 😭
The Truman Show always struck me as Man (Truman) versus God (Christoph), Free Will versus Destiny. I personally don't believe Truman precisely knew about the world he lived in being fake. I believe he might have seen all the oddities in his life and had played it off as paranoia. It was only after the staff got lazy, operating costs got too high (requiring lots of product placement to keep the project funded), and maintenance slipped that Truman started to really accept that he wasn't just paranoid. Because if he wasn't being paranoid, if the world of Seahaven really revolved around him, then what about the people closest to him? Were they in on it? Most people would be too scared to try and find the answer.
I definitely think he realized something was off earlier on. Probably when he met Lauren is when he suspected something but because of everyone's gaslighting he brushed it off as paranoia until just before the start of this movie when he started noticing more odd things happening. So he started preparing but only going through with his escape plan when he was absolutely sure he was the only odd one out. That's why he went to his friend for advice. Not because he learned something was off recently but because he was the last person he wanted to check with hoping he wasn't the only one. You can see the look on his face when his best friend lied directly to him by the docks that he truly found out he was the only one and it broke his heart that EVERYTHING was a lie.
He knew something was wrong for a long time but he always held out hope he wasn't alone. When he found out he was he left.
You had me pissed when you said we don't watch the number 23. I'm in love with that movie
This is it. The last new info about Truman Show I'll ever hear. I can finally ascend
I know what you mean about less is more, but having recently watched the film for the first time I think a sequel would be a great idea. There’s still so much story left to tell about how Truman’s first life will affect his second once he enters the real world, and about how the actors he knew for so long would react to him if they’re not playing their characters. Even though it’s a great film, it only feels like a part 1
Another film that might evoke some of the same feelings as the Truman show is Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer, in which the cast of a long-running sci-fi romantic comedy find themselves, overnight, in a world frozen in time, and have to figure out how they exist outside of their usual patterns.
The Hague call to me seems like a prank call from someone that doesn't support Christof and is a clever way to get the reporter say "The Hague for Christof" like saying it's what he deserves.
For movies with a similar feel, I’d recommend Will Farrell’s awesome drama Stranger Than Fiction. The Harold Crick character has a lot in common with Truman.
Thank you for making these videos. I've adored this movie since it came out and it's still one of my favorite films. I was a big Jim Carrey fan since In Living Color and when he shifted into these dramatic roles I was even more blown away by his talent. The thing that I love the most about The Truman Show is it's a movie that makes you think. It stays with you after you've watched it and your mind keeps picking away at it. To me, that's the mark of a great film. It's been in my head since the first time I watched it with no signs of leaving. Also agree about the soundtrack. I bought the CD immediately after seeing it and would recommend it to everyone.
When you think about it, the dogs and cats in sea haven are on the same level as Truman. They don’t know wtf is going on, they just livin they normal lives too
The game "American Arcadia" is clearly inspired by The Truman show and does some cool stuff with the concept
Also the show "The Good Place" has some elements in common which I won't spoil, but the Neighborhood being like Truman's home is pretty comperable.
Truman is just like me fr with that Vitamin D deficiency. Also I'm obsessed with all these little details I didn't catch!
27:45 YESS SOMEONE FINALLY SPEAKS THE TRUTH
It's got a different feel, but I think The Island (2005) is clearly inspired by The Truman Show. Sort of Truman Show on a grander scale and with action in it that feels very natural given the larger scale of the setting.
@Joe-sg9ll 2005
This couldn’t have been released at a better time! I just finished watching The Truman Show for the first time the other day.
Loved this podcast Christopher thank you for making it!! I’d add that “Cabin in the Woods” is very Truman-esque but through a proper horror lens. Have you seen it?
The bridge scenes were filmed on the Deer Point dam near Panama City Florida.
Am I the only one that absolutely loves the idea of that first draft of the script? But then again I love gritty psychological dramas like requiem for a dream and Trainspotting so I guess that makes sense.
Don't know why, but the only thing that has made me feel that same strange sensation The Truman Show does is the song (and music video) Once in a Lifetime by Talking Heads. I've always associated the two with each other
In terms of media I feel is similar, I would say Squid Games is a much more drawn-out, edge-of-your-seat, thriller series, with a much darker, creepy tone, but I think captures that feeling of "oppressed people being exploited for the entertainment of others" that Truman Show gets at. It's just way more perverse.
Stepford Wives has that "something is afoot" feeling, but it's been so long since I've seen it. I think it's more suburban horror than thrill, but still one to consider.
Hot Fuzz is similar to Stepford Wives with that suburban horror feeling, but very much a comedy, through-and-through. That feeling of "the entire town is off" is present.
They Live, which another commenter mentioned. Older film, much more of a classic action film, I think, but still has that element of mass conspiracy.
And finally, Shutter Island, which I think really captures the individualistic feeling of The Truman Show, just with a darker tone throughout.
Thank you for this amazing video series. After watching your last video I had to go back and watch all the others, and even rewatch the film too. This movie has always stuck with me. It's definitely one of my favorites.
"We don't watch 'The Number 23'"
No. That's just what he wants us to think. The deep dive is coming soon. I can feel it.
I would also recommend the Showtime series THE CURSE, starring Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie. Not exactly the same premise, but explores many of the same themes in a dark comedy style. I don't watch much TV because there are very few shows I actually enjoy, but THE CURSE is one of my all-time favorites. Phenomenal acting all around.
I have watched the movie in cinema three times when it came out. It was a small town cinema so by the third showing I was the only audience member. I snuck an audio recorder into the theater to record the movie so I could listen to it again and especially because I found the song truman sleeps so haunting and beautiful. Very fond memories
i always find it super interesting to think about whether he was conditioned to say his catchphrase as a child
I have never quite experienced the feeling that the twist in Ascension gave me, seriously such an amazing show. There really weren’t that many clues leading up to those moments and it truly shocked me. I feel like it’s so underrated and was pleasantly surprised to see it mentioned here :)
The Truman Show is definitely unique and one of my favorites in the catalogue. The Game with Michael Douglas is a movie that scratches that itch.
Do you not think Beau is Afraid and Synecdoche, New York scratch the same itch? I do, they're in my top 3 with The Truman Show now.
I’m bummed that this is the last video on The Truman Show, I wouldn’t have looked into it as much as you have let alone the analysis you did for the movie. I never knew about the black poster board myself. You have made me love this movie even more. Thank you for that!
As for things like the Truman Show, I can't recommend American Arcadia enough. The initial premise is "Truman Show but a whole city instead of one guy", but it does enough to not just be a rehash or copy.
Watch 'The Majestic'! It is a film starring Jim Carrey and if you are looking for something similar in tone to it is an amazing movie that no one ever seems to have heard of. Pleeeeease. It's awesome, funny, dramatic, heartfelt and well performed. It is one of Jim Carrey's best and really deserves more recognition.
The Marlon deleted scene seems to be a call back to The Sound of Music, and the scene where Rolf catches up with the Von Trapp family at the end.
What a fantastic video to get after finishing the movie for the first time
For movies that give me these kind of vibes? Pleasantville, Dave (1993) and a lot of the Ghibli/Miyazaki films do this. I’d recommend watching Dave as it’s seriously underrated.
Interestingly though something that recently hit me hard with these feelings was a videogame series, the Yakuza (aka like a dragon) game series. While the overall tone differs, you have these moments where the main character feels out of control of their own life, over the course of the game series the players basically live out his life from his 20s to his 50s. You watch the character age, get dragged into the joy and sadness of the events surrounding him, constantly fighting the expectations others force upon him. It’s one of the most incredible narratives in the video game world and well worth trying.
Thanks for your miniseries. I am going back to watch it again, I've seen it a few times. I have talked about this film with family and friends through out my life and your podcast has given me so much more to think about. So anyways, thanks again.
Wonderful series :)) Hopeful for more great content to come
2 Japanese series are kinda similar to The Truman Show (if you squint really hard)
- Kamen Rider Geats
- Hikounin Sentai Akibaranger
They both deal with the meta-narrative-we-are-in-a-tv-series kinda plot, but only very loosely similar to Truman
Also, Omnicon; the con likely refers to the Panopticon, a theoretical prison where guards are positioned to see everyone at all times. So it's a combination of Omniscient and Panopticon!
I actually studied The Truman Show in high school for a term, and I got way more out of it through your series. Thank you for making this.