The Truman Show (1998)
- Information at Internet Movie Database
- Cinema in Focus, a social and spiritual commentary by Hal Conklin and Denny Wayman.
- Hollywood Jesus visual review.
- "The God Behind the Screen: Pleasantville & The Truman Show," Linda A. Mercadante, Journal of Religion and Film.
- Looking Closer, review by Jeffrey Overstreet, "searching for truth, beauty and meaning in the movies."
- Movie Parables review.
- "Voyeurism of the Soul," Dan Buck, TheFilmForum: Christian Conversation about the Movies.
- "A Summer of Movie-Discussion Nights. Part One: The Truman Show," Steve Lansingh, TheFilmForum: Christian Conversation about the Movies.
- Review, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Health - Spiritual Practices for Human Being.
- Themes
- Advent/Waiting
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The Truman Show - "Cue the Son" The powers that be "Christoff" would, daily, cue the sun to rise up over the constructed town and peoples. When Truman becomes more and more awake to what is happening, the others around him seek to protect their way of "life". They do a wide variety of things to keep Truman from discovering the "real world". In Advent, we are called to be alert and awake to the coming of the Son, to be alert to the real world and all that is occuring so that we can live lives "worthy of our callings." (idea came from 98 Homiletics issue) (submitted by Christ the Redeemer Church)
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- Adam
- Truman as "True Man" in Paradise (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Entire story can be seen as a parallel to the Garden of Eden story. He "sins" in terms of "The Producers" (departs from the script) and leaves the controlled but perfect world to start on his journey in the unknown.
- Alternate Reality
- the "door" which leads to another reality toward end of movie
- Baptism
- since he must go through the water to reach "real" life. note that the water is always there, calling to him in the film, but his fear holds him back. In his final surrender to the water, he finds life. (submitted by Marie Loewen)
- Courage
- Truman confronts his fear of water (chaos/death) to escape his scripted "paradise" (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Crucifixion
- Truman on boat, knocked out in shape of cross (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Decision
- Truman's decision to leave his "perfect" but controlled world for the real world.
- Difficulty Recognizing Evil
- At the conclusion of the movie, Kristof (Truman Show creator) tries to convince Truman Burbank to stay in the imaginary world Kristof has created. The setting (a voice from the sky) and the words being said sound a lot like God at first. Upon further reflection, however, it's clear that the show's creator is trying to coax Truman to remain in slavery and is only interested in himself, not in Truman. It's a vivid reminder that evil has often masqueraded as the divine. (Steve Hendrix)
- Exodus/Moses
- Truman crossing the sea to freedom (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Fear
- Truman standing at edge of water afraid to cross because of implanted memory of father's death. (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Garden of Eden/Paradise
- Truman leaves the illusory "paradise" at end of movie
- God
- images - Christof as "director" (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Illusion/Reality
- Truman only thinks he lives in the "real world."
- Journey
- journey to Reality symbolized as a staircase (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Love
- love he feels isn't in the script, compels Truman to leave his "paradise" (See review at Hollywood Jesus.)
- Resurrection, Pentecost/Holy Spirit
- What about the final scene of The Truman Show! The friend went to the basement to find Truman (The empty tomb). He was not there! He was in a boat on the water. Notice the drowning scene when he is laying on the boat with arms spread out and left for dead. Notice his gasp for air, his new life, resurrection? When he reaches the end of the set and notices the sky is only a painted canvas, Truman ascends the stairs to hear the voice of his creator. Interesting twist eh? He then goes forth into the unknown darkness of the world to live in the world! Not unlike the gift of the Paraclete? (submitted by David W. Girod, Durham, NC)
- Walking on Water
- Truman walking on ledge of "reality" (See review at Hollywood Jesus, and feature "Walking on Water" also at Hollywood Jesus site.)
- Advent/Waiting
