Power and control through manipulation

Question 1

How does the setting of Seahaven display themes of control through manipulation?

Answer 1

The structure and mis en scene of Seahaven, it contains control of Truman by manipulating his actions and desire.

Question 2

What is an example of the setting controlling Truman?

Answer 2

A poster at the airport, depicting an aeroplane getting struck by lightning with the words ‘This could happen to you’ → manipulating Truman to stay in Seahaven by filling his mind with fear to leave

Question 3

The role of setting as a manipulator relates to who?

Answer 3

Christof, who is s the creator and has the ultimate authority over the show; choosing the background, events, and people.

Question 4

What are some scenes where Christof’s manipulation is displayed?

Answer 4

• When Christof tells Marlon what to say to Truman through a microphone
• When Truman’s mother convinces him he did not see his dad dressed a as a homeless man

Question 5

What quote and literary technique is in the scene of Marlon talking to Truman through the words of Christof?

Answer 5

• “I’d gladly step in front of traffic for you’
• The juxtaposition of the powerful connotation of self sacrifice with the false intention behind the words
• Displays irony as in the selfless statement said by Marlon is only done as he seeks to manipulate Truman in staying

Question 6

What film techniques are in the scene where Christof feeds Marlon words to tell Truman?

Answer 6

• Close up shot of Christof’s face as he speaks into the microphone
• Another close up of Marlon as he repeats the words

Question 7

Who is considered the master manipulator, and how?

Answer 7

• Meryl
• She has complete power over Truman in the relationship and consistently convinces him to ignore his dreams as a traveler
• Her characterisation as a nice and caring wife with an innocent exterior covers her manipulative intentions. This is displayed through her design as a stereotypical wife.

Question 8

What scene illustrates the manipulative nature of Meryl?

Answer 8

When she consoles Truman after he attempts to leave Seahaven at a nuclear power plant

Question 9

A quote of Meryl consoling Truman after he attempts to leave Seahaven at a nuclear power plant

Answer 9

• “Let me get you some help, Truman. You’re not well”
• The sincere and concerned tone of Meryl’s words illustrates her manipulation
• She utilizes her power to manipulate Truman into believing that his desire to leave is unnatural and is from mental health issues

Question 10

A film technique of Meryl consoling Truman after he attempts to leave Seahaven at a nuclear power plant

Answer 10

• Medium shot of Meryl from the waist upwards
• Displays Meryl’s dominating stance that facilitates her power and control over Truman as she manipulates him

Question 11

What scene does Meryl openly dismiss Truman’s desire to leave, and what is her reasoning to make him stay?

Answer 11

• Meryl dismisses Truman’s proposition to travel to Fiji by excusing it on their responsibilities

Question 12

“We have mortgage payments, Truman. We have car payments… we’re just going to walk away from our financial obligations?”. How does Meryl manipulation Truman in this scene and what literary and film techniques are used?

Answer 12

• Literary - Repetition of ‘we’ and ‘payments’
• Facilitates their responsibilities Truman and Meryl have in Seahaven.
• Meryl established these important obligations to manipulate Truman into believing travelling is not an option.
• Film - Over the shoulder shot
• Enhances Meryl’s response and dominate position as a controller of Truman.
• It displays him as a subject to her manipulation