The Truman Show | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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Critics Consensus

A funny, tender, and thought-provoking film, The Truman Show is all the more noteworthy for its remarkably prescient vision of runaway celebrity culture and a nation with an insatiable thirst for the private details of ordinary lives.

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Elvis Mitchell Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com There are no surprises in The Truman Show, except that Weir and Carrey manage to keep the picture on course. Rated: 3/5 Feb 15, 2023 Full Review Terry Lawson Detroit Free Press This is acting that isn't, but Carrey doesn't let the two-way mirror throw him; his unreality becomes his only real truth. Rated: 3/4 Feb 14, 2023 Full Review Quentin Curtis Daily Telegraph (UK) It is really about freedom... and it is to our own enslavement that this powerful, brilliant, and profound film speaks. Feb 14, 2023 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins It’s a curious social experiment idea, even if it's steeped in a fantasy so comprehensive that it always feels unconvincing. Rated: 6/10 Sep 16, 2024 Full Review James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk a prophetic comedy of ideas that hit all too close to home in our media-savvy, television-obsessed, celebrity-enthralled times Rated: 4/4 Oct 8, 2023 Full Review Luke Buckmaster Flicks (AU, NZ, UK) Thinking about The Truman Show in 2023, it’s clear the film—marvellously written by Andrew Niccol—was ahead of its time in some respects and doomed to be quickly dated in others. Aug 30, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Jelisije J This movie starts off a bit slow and is a bit formulaic, but the ending is good that you cant help but wanting to watch this film a second time the moment its done. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/11/25 Full Review Audience Member This film is a masterpiece without a doubt. I never watched the whole movie before—I’ve seen bits and pieces on TV a few times, so I knew the plot, but this was my first time sitting down and watching it from start to finish. And I gotta tell you, it’s really good. Before watching this, I was fully aware of Nasubi’s story (if you know, you know), and it made me think even more about how Truman’s life mirrors some of the same themes—being watched, controlled, and living in a constructed reality. But what really hit me is how this movie makes you question your own life. Like, if you really think about it, our lives aren’t that different from Truman’s. We’re all kind of living in our own little bubbles, following routines, and sometimes it feels like we’re just NPCs in someone else’s story. Who’s the main character? Who’s watching? It’s trippy to think about. Jim Carrey absolutely killed it in this role. It’s crazy how he can make you laugh one second and then hit you with this deep, emotional performance the next. The way he portrays Truman’s confusion, curiosity, and eventual determination to break free is just incredible. And the supporting cast? Perfect. Everyone plays their part so well, especially Ed Harris as Christof—he’s chilling in how calm and controlling he is. The cinematography and the way the movie is shot also add so much to the story. The way the camera angles make you feel like you’re part of the show, watching Truman, just like the audience in the movie—it’s genius. And the soundtrack? Spot on. It’s subtle but so effective in setting the mood. Overall, The Truman Show isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience. It makes you laugh, it makes you think, and it stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a timeless piece of art that feels even more relevant today with how much of our lives are lived online and under scrutiny. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. It’s a 10/10 for me, no question. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/25 Full Review Harry W This movie has one of the most unique plots that has brilliant character development and one of Jim Carey's best performances. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review Evie G 100% worth a watch. Jim Carrey's acting never fails to amaze me and The Truman Show wasn't any different. Although, I already knew the twist due to social media, so i couldn't enjoy this movie to it's fullest. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review Audience Member Jim Carrey really shines as the witty, charming, and loveable Truman and you really root for him by the end and with such an engaging and thought-provoking premise. All of it blends together to make an absolute masterpiece of a film and my favorite movie of all time! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/25 Full Review Audience Member Top 10 best all-time movies Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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The Truman Show: Trailer 1 The Truman Show: Trailer 1 2:32 View more videos

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Synopsis He doesn't know it, but everything in Truman Burbank's (Jim Carrey) life is part of a massive TV set. Executive producer Christof (Ed Harris) orchestrates "The Truman Show," a live broadcast of Truman's every move captured by hidden cameras. Cristof tries to control Truman's mind, even removing his true love, Sylvia (Natascha McElhone), from the show and replacing her with Meryl (Laura Linney). As Truman gradually discovers the truth, however, he must decide whether to act on it.

Director

Peter Weir

Producer

Scott Rudin, Andrew Niccol, Edward S. Feldman, Adam Schroeder

Screenwriter

Andrew Niccol

Production Co

Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions

Rating

PG

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Jun 5, 1998, Original

Release Date (Streaming)

May 1, 2012

Box Office (Gross USA)

$125.6M

Runtime

1h 42m

Sound Mix

Surround

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