A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Positive Messages
a little
Movie raises important questions on the problems of the "mediated" nature of contemporary life, of life as manufactured spectacle, of living vicariously through characters in TV shows and movies.
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Positive Role Models
very little
Most of the people in Truman's life aren't "real" but are simply characters brought in by a messianic television producer. While Truman is shown as being cheerful, optimistic, and friendly, the reality in which he has been placed makes it impossible for him to be seen as a role model.
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Violence & Scariness
a little
Some tense scenes, including a scene in which Truman's "father" dies from drowning during a storm. Some peril: Whenever Truman tries to leave the island on which his show is set, various natural and man-made disasters are manufactured to stand in his way, including fires and nuclear explosions.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
Mild sexual innuendo.
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Language
some
"S--t," "son of a bitch," "damn," "Jesus," "goddammit."
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Products & Purchases
none
One aspect of the movie is its satire of product placement in movies and television programs.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
Beer drinking -- Truman's "best friend" almost always shows up carrying a six-pack. Cigarette smoking.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Truman Show is a 1998 movie in which Jim Carrey plays an orphan who from the moment of his birth has had his life televised 24/7 for the delight and entertainment of billions. The satirical qualities of the film should provoke thought and discussion on topics such as how product placement is used in movies and TV shows, as well as how our society's insatiable appetite for entertainment leads to our own "mediated" existences -- lives lived vicariously through characters on-screen. There is some peril, including a "flashback" scene in which Truman as a young boy watches his father drown while on a boat with him during a thunderstorm, and a series of natural or man-made disasters that befall Truman whenever he strays too far from the "setting" of his "show." Expect some alcohol and cigarettes, and profanity includes "s--t" and "bitch." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
What's the Story?
In THE TRUMAN SHOW, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is an insurance salesman who gradually realizes that everyone around him is part of an elaborate "show" and that every aspect of his life has been orchestrated and broadcast throughout the world. Truman's "ideal" suburban community is an elaborate set, and his wife and best friend are actors. Sponsors pay for the show by having the participants praise their products. And all of it is presided over by Christof (Ed Harris), who leans into his microphone to give direction: "Cue the sun!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's premise. Do you watch reality TV? How did this movie seem to anticipate the onslaught of reality TV in the 21st century? How far do you think we are from such a show actually being on TV?
How is product placement satirized in this movie? Do you view product placement as a cynical attempt to manipulate an audience into buying what is shown on the screen, or do you see it as something that isn't that big of a deal so long as the movie or TV show itself is good?
How does this movie address "mediated" reality, the reality of those who spend hour after hour of their leisure time watching TV or movies -- in essence, living vicariously through people real or imagined churned out by the entertainment industry?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 5, 1998
- On DVD or streaming: January 26, 1999
- Cast: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Natascha McElhone
- Director: Peter Weir
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 103 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements and mild language
- Last updated: August 13, 2023
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