The Truman Show (楚門的世界)

    The movie stirs something inside of me for the reality it reveals to the audience is too incredible to be true.

    First, I would like to talk about the founder of Seahaven Island, Christof, the man who comes up with the idea of Truman Show. So arrogant and selfish is he that he tells Truman, “I understand you more than yourself. I know what is the best to you.” Every moment of Truman’s life is continuously transmitted to the television screen of hungry fans around the world without Truman ever knowing. Christof controls every incident in the fake world which Truman lives in, from the death of Truman’s fake father and the fake marriage; moreover, he tries hard to confine Truman to the limited world he has created. There is no denying that our world is full of lies and betrayal. But to an independent individual, the most important thing and the best lifestyle to him are only known by himself. Nobody has the power to deprive others’ right of experiencing the whole life which they deserve, even though his point of departure is out of good will. Christof is selfish for what he really cares about is whether he can earn money from the show or not. He stops Truman from escaping as hard as he can, ignoring the efforts Truman makes.

    Second, Truman’s determination takes me by surprise. Though he is at the middle age and seems to have the so-called safe life, his passion for the dreams leads him to break the routine. “All of us accept the reality.” What a true but miserable sarcasm! Almost everyone once desires to realize his dream; however, the harsh challenges ahead deter them from pursuing his goals. The world is not all that interesting. The years after graduation harden us into those quite different from the strutting graduate who left campus headed for the new stage of life, ready to offer the world our talents. Hence, the dreams sour because of the difficulties we dare not get through. “You will never get the camera in my head”, Truman announces with confidence. It’s up to us whether to go forward regardless of the obstacles or give up and accept the reality.

    And at last, the attitudes which the Truman Show audience have make me feel angry but a little sad. In fact, all of us live the same life as Truman to some extent. We want to make the biggest change in the limited space. And by watching Truman Show, we may get a bit contentment. The audience hope that Truman can pursue his dream and even burst into tears when they see his success. Nevertheless, why should Truman live the fake life? Why should Truman take the risk of his life only to find the true life they live? I wonder if they feel guilty when they watch the Truman Show.