The Truman Show Essay Flashcards
Internal audience thesis
Reflecting the proliferation of ambiguities in a post modern world, Peter weirs 1998 film The Truman show demonstraights weirs willingness to unsettle audiences as he examines the allure of voyerism and the way it intrudes upon individuals liberty in order to underline the benefits of the pursuit faith.
Internal audience eta l
Internal cast member failing to let Truman leave Seahaven, then proceeding to look at Truman befor saying “ I’m sorry son”.
Mid shot camera angle
Weirs large range of points of shots from different angles in the opening scenes unsettling viewers by placing them in a voyeristic position and forcing them to see how it crosses personal boundaries
Internal audience eta 2
Shot of a man holding onto the shower curtain mimicking Trumans near death experience on the ocean as he yells “hold on!”
Juxtaposition between the two characters and the parody of Truman
Shows the superficiality of the relationship between Truman and the internal audience, and how it leads to a vicarious existence allowing weir to force the external audience to self reflect on connection to entertainment media
Internal audience eta 3
One of the final shots in the movie as two security guards regain consciousness after the Truman show broadcast is cut , asking eachother”lets see what else is on. Where’s the TV guide?”
Ironic dialogue
A vicarious existence will lead to a lack of agency and susceptibility to being controlled by the media.
Christoff thesis
Emblematic of the prevalence of moral ambiguities within modern society; the distopyan film The Truman show by, peter weir is defined by weirs willingness to unsettle audiences as he focuses on the ethical issues that arise from individuals attempting to play God facilitating the emphasis on the moral responsibilities for those in positions of power.
Christof eta l
Christ of portrayed as powerful while standing in the lunar room
Low camera angels and closeups accentuate Christ’s power
Communicate the way he is attempting to manipulate Trumans emotions, and how those within positions of power can ignore their moral responsibilities regarding those they controll.
Christof eta 2
Christof speaking over the loud speaker,guilt tripping in attempts to make Truman too uncomfortable to leave”its ok Truman, I understand”
Patronising dialogue
The approach of a nurturing sense may muddle ones motives and aims
Christof eta 3
Christoff taking his glasses off in a shot, as the feeling of defeat flows over him due to Trumans successful attempt to escape
Close ups and the symbolic removal of his glasses
Emphasises the immediate loss of his god-like complex and how individuals can begin to react
Truman thesis
Revealing the influence of weirs liberal values, the addictive film “The Truman show” by Peter weir, exhibits weirs ability to evoke hallucinatory, dreamlike states as it represents The allure of conformity and its impact on ones sense of self in order to allow audiences to recognise the importance of self-futilment in achieving happiness.
Truman eta l
An opening scene of Truman staring at himself in the mirror”in not gonna make it your gonna have to go without me”
Non diegetic music and motif
The illusion of the mirror being about reflection as well as an opportunity for self reflection which is carried on through the film
Truman eta 2
A camera shot of Truman looking up at the sky in confusion after finding a light fall from nowhere
Camera angles
The light falling puts Truman in a hallucinatory state making him feel like everything is a facade
Truman eta 3
Truman hanging on the side of the boat battling harsh weather and screaming “is that the best you can do?! Your gunna have to kill me!’
Symbolism
Truman makes the decision to face his fears and disrupt the allure of conformity, resulting in life threatening consequences
Truman eta 3
Truman hanging on the side of the boat battling harsh weather and screaming “is that the best you can do?! Your gunna have to kill me!’
Symbolism
Truman makes the decision to face his fears and disrupt the allure of conformity, resulting in life threatening consequences
