The Truman Show (1998)

"How will it end?"

Really interesting watching this in todays world with social media making everyone feel like they're the star. Whereas in our world, the broadcasting of our lives happens only for a moment, before we "cease transmission" and go back to our humdrum lives, in Truman's it is his world. Its all manufactured and wrapped up nicely in a bow. And thats what he realizes is so wrong: there needs to be chaos and unpredictability. The show even acknowledges this with it's Truman Show greatest hits segment. The unpredictable is what makes life so alive.
There are so so many layers to unpack here and so many new elements I attach to on rewatches. I remember in high school really being struck by the philosophy of it all - the God/Creator elements, Plato's cave, etc. - and that will forever be the main thing I remember. But I'm now noticing that those themes really only present themselves in the latter half of the movie.
This time, I was attuned to the idea of our subconscious manipulation through media and outside influences. It just feels so relevant to today. Whenever Truman has a thought of Fiji, or his father, or a life outside of this one he lives, theres some sort of interference or subtle suggesting: the radio broadcaster talks about the idyllic nature of the island, the newspapers start printing about the homeless problem, the travel agency advertises the dangers of traveling. Maybe its because of all the social media we consume and are undoubtedly influenced by, but I REALLY felt that message powerfully. Its kind of Harrison Bergeron/1984 esque with Truman only given so long to think before he's manipulated to think another way.

Listen, it definitely isn't the most beautifully shot movie (even though there are some ICONIC shots) or the one with the most beautiful set pieces or ensemble casts. But this movie ties everything together SO perfectly. the script is just one of the GOATs, Jim Carrey is superb, and that score WOW. I think I watched this movie first before I really appreciated scores and now, I was just floored. So simple, but it is so in tune with the story and adds to it so well. This movie is directed absolutely perfectly.
I feel funny giving it 5 stars because there are other movies I've rated 5 stars which I know are just a cut above in terms of overall filmmaking. But it would feel so incorrect to give it anything but 5. Maybe its just a different type of 5 stars, and thats ok. What I do know is that this movie is absolutely perfect, its an all time classic, and I'l end up watching it MANY more times