The Truman Show (1998) ♥Movie Reaction♥ First Time Watching!

This was a much bigger movie than I thought it would be! As usual, I have a LOT to say about it afterwards. Thanks for watching!
If you are interested in supporting this channel or watching the full version of this reaction, feel free to check out my Patreon!
/ whimsory
00:00 Intro
00:42 Reaction
29:29 Discussion/Outro

[@NathanS__]

"After two horror movies, I just want something light and funny." Puts on Existential Crisis: The Movie.

[@TheNativeEngine]

😂

[@kylecook7187]

As the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy said 'this was widely regarded as a bad move'

[@philphilips1020]

Existential Crisis: The Movie. Clever. Man! I wish I had thought of that. Mind if I use that?

[@drewo.127]

Existential Gaslighting: The Movie!

[@walls_of_skulls6061]

@@kylecook7187because of its branding. The people who would have thought it best would have avoided it for the fact it was a “Jim Carey Comedy” and not an existential horror/tragedy

[@kamakazines4901]

To me, the creepiest part is how the actors keep trying to convince Truman to have a kid. You know it's to boost ratings, keep Truman further tied to the island, and to keep the show going for another generation... So creepy!!!

[@LukasJampen]

Yeah the whole concept of the show is creepy af but that has to take the cake. His wife also basically was hired as a lifelong prostitute since they introduced her with the goal of being his wife. They also introduced a love interest the moment their marriage was going downhill and chose somebody similar to Lauren to pray on his trauma. There is just so many layers of fucked up going on. But the attention to detail is insane. For example you see a bottle of vitamin D pills on one of the tables. That makes sense since the people in there don't actually get sunlight (especially Truman) and need supplements to make up for it.

[@thejohnbeck]

Yeah. Today's Hollywood applauds a woman who says she got an abortion to forget her career.

[@element4element4]

There is a deleted scene where Christof reveals his plan to make Truman have a child, where the show will then split into two channels. Each following one of them.

[@LukasJampen]

@@element4element4 That's seriously messed up. The child wouldn't even be "adopted" like Truman was, with no consent from him about his childs future.

[@privateeromally7347]

"I saw Jim Carey on the cover, so its probably a comedy......" 'Nervous laughs'

[@Whimsory]

It took a dark turn SO FAST!😂

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

@@Whimsory It did that to all of us. People went in thinking it was some kind og wacky comedy, and it WAS funny at the beginning. Then we left the theater with our eyes leaking.

[@chanceneck8072]

There's one thing I really hate about this movie. And well, it's technically not the movie's fault. But those moments, where Truman leaves and bows at the end were in EVERY trailer for the movie. Like when it was on TV? I hate stuff like that....

[@tamarleigh]

21:41 Sylvia isn’t the only one who sees it as a problem. Pause at the brief moment in the film when we get to see her apartment, and take a closer look at the room. She’s part of an organized effort to raise awareness, infiltrate and sabotage the show, and alert Truman to the truth. ❤

[@tamarleigh]

I like to imagine how Truman would feel after Sylvia finds him and invites him home. Walking into that room and seeing how hard she’d been trying to free him from his captivity, and for how long. Just to know that people were trying. I assume they were responsible for the falling Sirius stage light, the radio frequency “glitch”, the targeted rain shower, etc.

[@Dark__Thoughts]

I never noticed that, thank you. I know about the cut scenes from Marlon but I always found it so weird that she was apparently the only one who cared and would've hoped that if we ever reach a point like this IRL that we'd have mass protests and unrest, with people trying to free the person within the show. It certainly makes sense with the timing of the lamp (which I'm pretty sure was meant to fake the display of the star Sirius in the sky, hence the name on it) and the radio, which was what eventually made him look past the curtain and put things together. I feel Sylvia was a little bit underrepresented though. They could've added much more reactions of her, especially when Truman was escaping.

[@tamarleigh]

The scene of Sylvia running down the stairs is my favorite moment in the film. I agree she’s underrepresented. I’d honestly like to see them star in a sequel where they sue Christof for a billion dollars, settle down in Fiji, and spend most of their time traveling around exploring the world. Although I guess I’m not giving either of them enough credit when I say that. She’s an activist, and he’s a survivor. I doubt they’d be self-indulgent. More likely after getting some serious trauma therapy, Truman would want to use the money to travel the world liberating children from captivity in places like Sudan, India, Nigeria, Ukraine, Thailand, Somalia, Yemen, etc.

[@billthomas478]

I really appreciate that you take the time to dissect these movies. Most reactors just say if they liked it or not and that's it. You're very good at this. Keep it up!

[@JackyJames1]

I agree with ya!! I would be a patreon but not sure if she is 18 or older? Certainly won't follow a kid it's creepy and borderline illegal! My daughter love her reactions so not sure what to do :(

[@alistairclifton1286]

@@JackyJames1 That is a pretty creepy comment dude.

[@michaelfletcher9640]

She is frighteningly Good at this! If reactors were dependent on grades; Whimsory is a curve smashing Cutie Pie!😍🤩🥰

[@Varksterable]

​@JackyJames1 I suppose you don't admit to watching or liking any films with under 18s in either? What about Starwars episode 1, or the Wizard of Oz, or Home Alone, or the Harry Potter films, or anything with Shirley Temple in? Do you have friends with children IRL? (I'm guessing probably not, but if you do, I'm guessing you're nervous about it.) Draw the line somewhere sensible. Whimsory is tallented, fun to watch, and puts a heck of a lot of effort into this content. Why _not_ support it other than your own grounds of insecurity? I totally like this channel, and I quite happy to admit that she's also pleasing on the eye (and her own eyes are captivating) and has a very pleasant voice. If you can't do the same, then that speaks more about yourself than the society you seem to be paranoid about.

[@wantondstrction]

Truman Show has to be one of the most dystopian films ever made

[@atomicpunk8878]

Watch Running Man. That's much more dystopian. And not even more unrealistic than Truman Show when you consider all this unhuman shows on TV right now. It's just a matter of time... ^^

[@wal6377]

I'd have to disagree with your usage of dystopian. The definition of dystopian suggests, but doesn't emphatically state, that a great injustice is visited on society as a whole, yet that is what it is. This movie has only one person that a great injustice has been inflicted upon. By your usage, a single person in the future, whom is innocent yet sent to life long jail, is likewise a dystopian story.

[@SACC_]

@@wal6377 The implications that come with a society that would allow this whole thing is the dystopian part of it. I think that’s what they mean.

[@jesse33cdn]

@@wal6377 ....⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️....

[@wal6377]

@@SACC_ Possibly. but if that is the case, then we already are in dystopian times, because we are such gore-mongers to be watching reality shows, where liberties are being stripped away for the sake of entertainment. People sign away their liberties in contracts where they change their mind, but the cameramen continue to film and follow them around for the sake of feeding the bloodthirsty masses who want to see "real(ity)" emotions in TV shows. THAT is what I got from this show, THAT is why I never watch reality shows. THAT is what fueled the Roman masses in the coliseum. Blood lust; the wish to see "real" human drama unfolding before your eyes, while you are safe in your seat. I'm sorry. I recognize that what you say is possible, yes, but a part of me cries when I see people misusing words when other words would be better suited. "It's Romanesque" would be more appropriate, or "dystopian-like" would have better expressed a knowledge that they were misusing a word for want of a better word. I fear idiocracy. I wasn't seeking to glorify myself by pontificating that someone else was wrong.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

"Y'all are so weird. What kind of town is this?" For another movie about a weird town, I recommend Pleasantville (1998), with Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon!

[@dubbleplusgood]

YES, Pleasantville - please!

[@kill_frenzy666]

I second this and also recommend "Stepford Wives" (1975) original, but DON'T watch the trailer cuz it's full of spoilers

[@BKPrice]

For another movie about a weird town, I recommend LA Confidential.

[@LuckyNemo03]

Big Fish fits the description also!

[@hermunkulus]

Agreed. For a movie with such star power, you'd think it would get more recognition. It's criminally underrated.

[@TheJabbate1]

My favorite deleted scenes gave some back story to the “best friend.” He was a child actor who was cast to be Truman’s best friend when they were kids. Since the show has been his entire life, he actually cared for Truman even though it was supposed to be just a job. During the manhunt, he found Truman but let him go without a word.

[@mirozen_]

Dang! I wish they'd left that scene in!

[@lionhead123]

nah i wouldn't have liked if that scene was in it. His best friend is one of the most essential liars they have, like his wife there is nothing real about them or they would have helped him escape much earlier. Can't have him suddently change his mind about lying to him for all his life.

[@TimothySmiths]

@@lionhead123 agreed.

[@zoeadams2635]

​@lionhead123 It actually took a huge toll on Marlon's mental health, all the deception. He was stuck too, but unlike Truman he knew he was. Meryl, on the other hand, was a full ass adult.

[@Humstuck]

@@zoeadams2635 true, if he's been in there since he was a child actor, he got groomed a lot as well with the situation he is in. This show is just horrible if you dig even just a little bit. Movie is great.

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

When & where I grew up, there were two reasons a person would cross their fingers: to do it openly meant wishing someone luck. To do it secretly was supposed to absolve you of blame, for making a promise you don't intend to keep.

[@wesleyfelps611]

When you see your creepy dead dad walking out of the mist, that's a big red flag.

[@Whimsory]

I totally agree.

[@gravedigger8414]

Always crying for Truman escaping his cell. Such a beautiful movie with its great soundtrack. 😊 Also I really like the way you do things here on KZbin! 😇

[@astragalusson]

I love your twist for these reactions thay you're rewatching the movie before your review. People miss stuff during their 1st watch and it's perfectly natural and understandable. It's great that you're re-watching so we don't need to be too upset when we realize you missed something we cared about and we can still at least hear your take on that at the end of the video. Also, your reviews this way doesn't have a much risk of missing the whole point. This makes your reactions pretty unique and fullfilling, please don't lose this as I guess it's much more time consuming.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

So true! Many reactors are so busy "reacting" and trying to talk or be entertaining that they miss vital scenes or pieces of dialog.

[@HappyHarryHardon]

A lot of reactors don’t edit their own videos. They’re just pretty faces that get views. She’s the whole package, she reacts, edits and dives into the movies herself which shows. It’s wonderful.

[@Crankyhand]

The audience are victims too. Truman does what they have yet to achieve. He breaks out, he leaves the illusion, he moves towards his happiness, to a real life. They don't, yet they desperately want to. That's why they all cheer for him at the end. They see someone do, what they want and need to do. Another layer of sadness about this movie.

[@Whimsory]

You know, that makes sense! Good points. Still hate them though😂

[@paulcurran4786]

We accept the reality of the world with which we're presented......

[@Logan_Baron]

I always felt this movie was about, not neccessarily the audience in the movie, but our lives in general. While Truman's world was programmed by "The Creator" and he was molded and manipulated, we are all molded or programmed to the same degree by events. Not by someone elses vision but by the world around us. We get this job, or whatever because it's nearby or convenient, in the town we were born in, grew up in, and stay because it's easy. We have fears shaped by our individual worlds that guide us or prevent us from doing certain things, achieving certain things. How much control do we have over our own lives. Truman faces his fears and sets his own course. Takes control of his life. Conquers those obstacles. Technically we all have control of our own lives, but how much do we take ourselves rather than let it control us?

[@Crankyhand]

@@Logan_Baron of course. They are us. After all we're watching this movie as an audience - a movie in which an audience is literally "captured" - and it asks us: When?

[@Mr.Ekshin]

@@Logan_Baron - I thought it was quite ironic that she was wearing a "Not Today Satan" sweatshirt, and she was horrified at the level to which they programmed Truman from birth to adulthood.

[@PaulLoh]

You have quickly become one of my favorite film reaction KZbinrs. Your perspective is fresh and relatable. When I was in college, some guys invited me to their church. I was a lonely outcast at the time, and I appreciated the attention. But after seven years, I realized I didn't dream in their language. It was like a home and a family to me. Over three hundred people who said they loved me, and when I left, none of them spoke with me anymore. I had grown up as an army brat, and was used to losing all my friends every couple years. That's why I wanted to settle down in one place and spend the rest of my life there. Even though I still live in the same city, losing close to four hundred people was devastating to me. But anyway, since you liked this film, I think you'll also like Pleasantville. Keep up the great videos!

[@NerdyWatchTV]

Whimsory... you have quickly become one of my go to reactors. 😊 I like your down-to-earth energy, and your thoughts and comments afterwards. It is so true that the audience is complicit in the brainwashing and abuse of Truman. This film has so many layers. Quite overlooked. Thanks.

[@MrHritz]

I really appreciate that you rewatched on your own to gain a greater understanding and that you caught all of the details. You nailed it, in my opinion, calling it a horror movie, because regardless of the overall tone, it's a pretty horrific premise.

[@captainchaos3667]

11:12 - what I love about this scene is that you don't immediately realise why it looks weird and unnatural, until you realise that _nobody ever looks at Truman._ Everyone studiously ignores him, to the point of being completely unnatural.

[@KevinATJumpWorks]

I really like how much effort you put into those reactions. Usually, reactions are like a minimum-effort thing on YT, but every time you pull up your little notebook, it makes me smile because it means that you thought about what you just watched. Btw, a sociology Professor of mine used that very movie in his introductory lectures. Very smart.

[@alexp.4270]

Agreed. A lot of respect to the attention she gives and research she does.

[@One.Zero.One101]

She does the best analysis among the entire reactor community.

[@glennvr_4982]

If you want to explore Jim Carrey's serious roles, I highly suggest Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. It's probably also somewhere on the best movies list.

[@dimitrakapa4887]

Number 23 Also a great Jim Carrey 's movie

[@jasonschuler2256]

@@dimitrakapa4887 No, that was a terrible movie...

[@upg315]

Oh god, yeah, what a movie.

[@dimitrakapa4887]

@@jasonschuler2256 bizzare' yes not terrible.. cmon

[@jasonschuler2256]

@@dimitrakapa4887 It has a 7% on Rotten Tomatoes, dude. It’s not a controversial opinion that it was an absolutely horrible movie.

[@andrwarrior]

I think my favorite scene is the fast one during his adolescence when he questions the teacher in school about exploring the world, and she quickly tears him down "Oh, there's no need for that Truman, we've already discovered the whole planet, you don't need to do that!" Like how quickly that curiosity was disarmed and anchored in the town for the sake of the show

[@tbmike23]

Ed Harris is a legend. Loved him in The Abyss

[@loupgarou-dj3tm]

He'll always be John Glenn to me.

[@mako88sb]

Yes, one of my all time favourites. A bit shocking to find out how tough it was shooting it though. Especially for Ed Harris and Elizabeth Mastrantonio. I doubt either will ever work with Cameron again.

[@Michael-vz9xk]

The Abyss only is she watches the Making Off as well :)

[@warrengday]

Have to watch the Special Edition.

[@surject]

The Rock!

[@Outrider85]

Honestly, this movie was a study in para-social relationships with how everyone is obsessed with Truman. With the advent of live streaming, we aren't too far away from something like this in real life. Its sickening and scary how close a lot of dystopian media is to our current reality. And no matter how many times it's pointed out, displayed and made fun of, we just keep rocketing toward oblivion like it's a fun rollercoaster.

[@Behgork]

I forgot this movie existed. Interesting to consider in 2023... watching someone watch a movie about people watching someone... wild.

[@loupgarou-dj3tm]

I just hope no one is watching me watch her watch the audience that's watching Truman. Someone would have to be seriously twisted to enjoy seeing that. It would probably be worth keeping an eye on them.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

27:48 Perfect little pause in Ed Harris's speech: "I am the Creator . . . of a television show that gives hope and joy and inspiration to millions."

[@NathanS__]

The "actors" around Truman also suffered in the system. They mention how his best friend traveled around the world and that he was out of school for a month because he was sick. Canonically, the actor was in rehab whenever he disappeared for a while because his heavy drug use/alcoholism from pretending to be the best friend.

[@samc9516]

You are so cool and I love your take on this movie, made all that much better that you had no idea what you were getting into. That moment where it clicked for you was great. Another layer of sadness to this movie is that when he was naïve to his reality he had the illusion of a normal life. Once he escapes he's still the biggest celebrity in the world and his life will never be private, only now he'll be well aware of that and be exposed to the media etc. Some viewers want to see him meet up with Sylvia at the end but personally I think it's perfect that we, the real world audience, don't get to see him outside of the show either, just like the in-movie audience.

[@MaikKellerhals]

What impressed me most with your reaction is the analysis at the end. You're spot on. You should do movie reviews, i would trust your opinion, or know when and why not to trust it. That's a perfect critic to me! (and very rare nowadays, since Ebert is gone, maybe Kermode)

[@GreatestCornholio]

We have all done weird things in private, the idea of the world watching without you knowing is horrifying! My teenage years would have been X rated 😂

[@molasorrosalom4846]

Like, what happens if he wants to have sex with his fake wife on the kitchen table? Is the whole world watching a porno? Or does it cut to commercial?

[@SlamminGraham]

Same

[@dwaneanderson8039]

This brings up an interesting question; did they show Truman live while he was having sex with his wife? Not really suitable for family viewing.

[@kelaarin]

@@dwaneanderson8039 They mentioned that "you never see anything", they always pan away, show the curtains waving, play music, etc.

[@jonalberts980]

Is that why your name is Great Cornholio?

[@TheNewsDepot]

there is something very Meta about watching a reaction video of someone watching a film about people that watch what is essentially a 24/7 reaction video.

[@barelyed1ble]

Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind is another great serious Jim Carrey movie. if you havent seen it yet, it will blow you away. its a bit of a mindfuck lol great reaction :)

[@Juan-qn3yl]

ESFTSM is great, similar situation but way more into the personal.

[@onskates56]

#91 on the list

[@luissaco4221]

Please, Whimsory, please!

[@daved2352]

I really enjoy your insights post viewing. It never occurred to me that the abrupt ending is fitting because Truman finally gets privacy.

[@SteadFast411]

16:34 Speaking of "The Fuzz", you should definitely add 'The Cornetto Trilogy' to the watch list. Three amazing comedy films by Edgar Wright starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The films are 'Shaun of the Dead', 'Hot Fuzz', and 'The World's End'. The three movies are only related via running gags, otherwise, they're completely seperate films with recurring actors, meaning you could watch them in any order. Each is a very well made parody/homage/tribute to different genres of film; horror, action, sci-fi.

[@Lellela]

I will second this every. single. time. Edgar Wright is the most genius director in a century.

[@YeOldeSpellbooke]

I second this! As well.

[@Christobanistan]

The first is awesome, the second is quite good, and the third is just OK. )

[@NZBigfoot]

@@Christobanistan Eh, id say all 3 are perfect... 1 is great, 2 is snappy, and 3 is the best (to me), its ending alone just nudges it beyond 2 in my book. You cant really judge any of them though, their just to good together or alone to even bother giving them a rating outside of a broad all encompassing 'Just watch them'.

[@Polymathically]

Amen to that. One of the best film trilogies ever.

[@davidpyorkshire]

So glad that you mentioned that the audience is complicit. So much sick stuff passes as entertainment nowadays in reality tv, social media and on Springer etc. Yet these shows are nothing without an audience. And yes Kristof sees himself as godlike who created Truman and who nearly killed him. It definitely merits 2 or 3 watches. ❤

[@jhay4324]

You are a breath of fresh air and a delight to watch. Not in a creepy, Truman Show-esque way, rather in a comradely, "Oh, you like that film, too. Right on." sort of way. Great reaction! :)

[@lawrencewestby9229]

I like the two security guards at the end. They have been watching only one show for who knows how many years and when it finally ends their only reaction is, "what else is on?"

[@traviswinkler3994]

Good morning, Whimsory! And in case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight! I had the good fortune of working on the entirety of the Florida shoot for this film back in ‘96 (as a featured extra and as Jim’s stand-in; for context I’m the recurring “Go ahead!” guy heading into the office with Truman near the beginning of the movies). THE TRUMAN SHOW was ahead of it’s time, and it certainly changed my life. p.s. This is a real town on Florida’s Gulf Coast called ‘Seaside’. You should visit it, if ever in Florida. Most beautiful beaches in the country; some of the most beautiful in the world, actually. I was just there at my fav little record shop, Central Square Records.

[@Polymathically]

0:17 "I'm in the mood for something funny." Oh, you sweet summer child... The Truman Show is one of my all-time favorite movies. I was lucky enough to watch it in the theaters as a teenager. The fact that Jim Carrey and the movie got snubbed for Best Actor and Best Picture is still ridiculous to me. It seemed like just science fiction back then, but with the way technology has progressed, a scaled-down version of this could absolutely happen. It portrays a special kind of paranoia. It makes you want to question your surroundings; how much of what we think is reality is actually real? Are you being watched? Is your family even your family? What "truths" you know are actually lies? Truman's gradual process of noticing things and slowly breaking it all down is always fun to watch. There are indeed lots of little details that you'll only catch on multiple rewatches, like the "You Are Now Leaving Seahaven Island! Are You Sure It's A Good Idea?" sign just before he drives across the bridge. The production is really interesting; several things were changed between script drafts. One of the early scripts was much darker, with the fake setting being in New York, the escape being longer and more violent, including Truman shooting down a helicopter, going through the exit door and having him stealth his way out of the studio lot, holding a flare gun to a tour guide's head, and an in-person confrontation Christof. The sentence, "You never had a camera in my head" was always there, but it was in a darker context; originally, Truman said it as he was about to throw himself and Christof from the top of a building. In the movie's official companion book, it's revealed that the guy in the bathtub died when his TV fell in the water. The Nick At Nite promotional featurette reveals that Marlon drinks all the time as a coping mechanism for what his life has become. You should check out the deleted scenes, too; one shows that Marlon actually found Truman during the search at the end, but deliberately let him escape. Regardless, there's no way the show would've lasted; the actors are terrible at improvising under unpredictable conditions, and Truman's natural curiosity was going to win out over fear in the long run. It's a great message about embracing one's nature, not denying it, taking risks, and seeking truth. And yeah, that's one of the best endings I've ever seen. One last note: Your talk about religion near the end struck a chord with me. I was born and raised in a religious cult decades ago. But very much like Truman, I'm naturally curious and have a strong adventurous streak. When someone's trying to control you, they really don't like when you ask too many questions. I realized it when I was a child (self-awareness is a wonderful,powerful thing), but couldn't escape until I was older. I was the only one of my family who got out, and now I'm considered a persona non grata by that community at large. My only regret is not getting out sooner. Just keep living your truth!

[@frenchynoob]

The movie "Network" (1976) deals with similar themes. It's personally in my top 5 movies of all time, and seeing _anyone_ on yt react to it would be great...

[@GregInHouston2]

You touched on something that I often comment on; his pay! I'm not sure how old he is; however, he has been on the show that long. 24/7! Even at union scale, he is owed a lot of back pay.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Your reactions to the product placement ads when you didn't know what was going on... 😝

[@vytallicaq.6881]

This was filmed in Seaside, FL. It's a nice place, but it's too crowded these days. If you want a beautiful beach all to yourself on your next vacation, go to the National Seashore on each side of Pensacola Beach. I'm originally from Gulf Breeze. I'd love to move back there, but I am worried that one day my old hometown will get wiped out by a Category 5 Hurricane. We experienced one of those when we lived there. It was just the outer edge, but it was still terrifying. The original Spanish settlement there got wiped out by one, way back in 1559. 💨🌊⚡

[@dennismason3740]

The "stopping traffic" gesture works in real life 99% of the time.

[@fillg]

I'd do my best to stop for anyone who did that. Well, maybe not stop for anyone. If they're looking crazy or threatening I'd probably just do my best not to hit them but also keep moving. I'd definitely stop for Whimsory though.

[@dennismason3740]

@@fillg - I believe that Whimsory could stop a train.

[@insanidadeEspelhada]

I love the symbolism at the ending!!. We have to overcome our fears (in Trumans' case, water) in order to be free!

[@tamarleigh]

I’ve probably watched every single KZbin reaction to The Truman Show, and this is head and shoulders above the rest. I’m subscribing and looking forward to watching more of your reactions.

[@The_Underreactor]

The love I have for this movie is without end❤ Also he has the original “ring” camera Also when it rained on him at the beach it was to get him moving. So many tiny details in this movie it will never get old to me.

[@tetleyT]

Good pick Whimsory. Shout out to Peter Weir, the director of this movie. He's such a versatile storyteller that doesn't often get mentioned as one of the great modern filmmakers (but he definitely is). And an extra special shout-out to Andrew Niccol, the writer. What a brilliant, thought-provoking idea (that seems to get more and more relevant with each passing year). PS - If you're looking for something funny on the IMDB Top 250 I can recommend no. 171.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Careful. Those IMDB ratings shuffle all the time as new votes come in, so #171 won't always be #171.

[@davidtownsend8875]

Ah, Tetley, you could be quite right with your recommendation, but maybe the name of the film would be more informative in the long run than the film's position in the list (171). Surely the list keeps changing?

[@tetleyT]

@@davidtownsend8875 Oh so true! I just checked and it has changed. Oh well. I'm sure whatever films slots into that position will be hilarious. Let the chips fall where they may ...

[@filipjanik87]

It is unfortunate that these days everyone is so used to "reality TV" that some of the genius of this movie goes so underappreciated... but as with everything that is visionary at a time, once those things actually materialize, its "no big deal" :) Very nice that you picked up on that

[@lexsidious]

Great reaction Whimsory. I agree with others that your reactions are top notch. ❤❤❤

[@carlosfuentes9506]

My favorite little detail is when the best friend is stocking the vending machine. He does something very subtle

[@a.n.9800]

What does he do?

[@carlosfuentes9506]

@@a.n.9800 he’s pretending to be stocking the vending machine because he’s an actor, right? But he doesn’t know how long he’s going to be there talking to Truman. So when Truman looks away, the best friend removes some of the snacks from the vending machine so that he doesn’t run out of snacks to stock.

[@ccdecc6650]

Hey, I'm going to echo some other people here, but that's fine: you're good. I mean. you put more work and more thought into this than anybody I've seen. I'd rather recommend a movie to you and see what you made of it than just about anybody I know. What you're doing here and how you're doing it is flat fun.

[@B_B-420]

Best ending in a movie I've ever seen. "Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night." Then he takes a bow because he knows he's just basically an actor. He doesn't get mad, he's just Truman to the very end.

[@pencilquest9409]

It was a big trick seeing it back in the day too. We all knew Carrey as "the funny face guy". Mindblowing.

[@StephenCaudillPhoto]

Best post-flick breakdowns in the business.

[@robertpetre9378]

I remember watching this in the 90s and Left a deep impression on me it’s a very powerful film and probably one of Jim Carrey’s most best performances.

[@HaldorMaximius]

Fun Film Fact: the track used when Truman finally leaves his "cell" is "November 25: The Last Day" by Philip Glass and The Kronos Quartet. Which is originally from, arguably, the most intelligent and artistic biopic film ever made; Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters, written and directed by Paul Schrader (he wrote many of Martin Scorsese's greatest films) and produced by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas about the life of Yukio Mishima, Japan's most celebrated artist. I highly recommend it, it's a magical masterpiece, one of a kind.

[@rromano158]

When Truman was looking at his wedding pictures and you said, "What does he see, I don't see it," he was looking at his wife's hand...she has her fingers crossed as if to say "just kidding, it's not real."

[@Arthur_King_of_the_Britons]

*ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004)*

[@neilgriffiths6427]

Don't know how good this reactions gonna be - lotsa nuances to this movie many don't catch - but I can't resist - will edit and tell you what I think, let's go! EDIT - ok, best analysis I've seen, you totally got this, and yeah, this is no comedy - it's a horror show - well, maybe a horror-comedy - because this whole film is an utter violation of human rights - we watch you, as a KZbinr - because you like to entertain, but - YOU KNOW THAT! Knew you were smart as a pin, totally your one of my favs, if I've seen it, will watch you watch... :)

[@rickp8938]

"I hate everybody! Even the guy in the bathtub!" 😂 subbed

[@dsscam]

This is the best post-movie summary I've ever seen. You're so detailed. You're awesome. The movie was definitely ahead of its time. Today, the whole world is like this.

[@jwester7009]

The Truman Show has become one of my favorit movies. It really makes you think. Can I just say I love your personality. I could watch you talk for hours

[@CheckersMcGavern]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie, it's one of my favorites. This was Jim at his best, IMO. Before this, he'd done a lot of outrageous comedies like Ace Ventura, Dumb And Dumber, and The Mask. But this was when he really started to show his acting chops and that he was more than just "that goofy comedian".

[@PedroCastillo_1980]

For this film Jim Carrey won a Golden Globe Award for best actor and Ed Harris for best supporting actor.

[@CousinWhatIsIt]

Reality shows actually started on MTV in the early '90s, so this movie is definitely a satirical take on the style.

[@tltatt]

MTV's The Real World started in 1992 and is credited as the start of the reality TV genre as we know it now.

[@RussellCHall]

It's a serious comedy if you will, Jim Carrey is so very good in this role. Don't know if "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind" is on your list but that's another serious role where he shines.

[@macgonzo]

I totally agree with your thoughts on this movie. Everyone is terrible, especially the audience! But then there's the fact that that's the message you're supposed to get, because we're part of that audience. It's rare that a satirical movie is commenting on its own audience, and I think that's what's most genius about this movie. Love watching your reactions, but I love hearing your thoughts on the movies several orders of magnitude more! You are a deeply insightful person and I wish you all the best ❤

[@NZBigfoot]

I dont think the audience is really bad or terrible... sure they are watching a guy whos enslaved more or less, but they do seem to care for the guy. And yeah, audiences are fickle and when its over they move on, but thats life... thats humanity. Sometimes to let a person be truly free... you gotta give them up and forget them. The Turman Show is deep, cant take it black and white. Even Cristofs got a few points, although he's clearly the most bad guy like... but even he cares about Truman even if in a now very twisted sense from what he probably first started with.

[@ivankawnartist]

I don't see how us as an audience is comparable to the audience in the movie. We're watching a fictional piece of art created by choice, they're indulging in a prison of a life for a non-consenting adult who has been lied to and misled for their entire life. Even if we get super meta about watching someone watch the movie the audience therein is still very different for basically the same reasons. No one is forced to do anything and so on. Just something I felt should be mentioned.

[@dwaneanderson8039]

Another movie that arguably makes a meta commentary on the audience is "Cabin in the Woods." It's definitely worth a watch.

[@macgonzo]

@@ivankawnartist I think it's more a commentary on how we, as an audience, are exposed to media. We have advertising forced into our faces in pretty much every movie we watch, and ad breaks in pretty much every TV show. Truman is the vessel by which his audience is exposed to this manipulation, and that audience is accepting of this without questioning how his reality is forced on him to make money for the corporation. You see the two older women, for example, with Truman merch. Truman is being exploited to sell crap. The audience is uncaring to this exploitation. The same holds true for all of us. How many of us really care about where our clothes come from? Where our food comes from? Where our stuff comes from? Human beings are being exploited by corporations at every step in these processes, and we unquestioningly accept this. This is what I mean when I made my original point. It's not really our fault that we're terrible. We've been trained since birth to accept this. Just like Truman.

[@ivankawnartist]

@@macgonzo Highly interesting, indeed. Sounds as if you've recently watched The Good Place, or at least kept it near and dear to your heart. It's the same reason I find those angry towards a beer company to be silly. You're only a temporary solution to making money and not that you're the old news, you're still allowed this avenue to express your disdain. (I speak in general often, please forgive me if it seems I'm directing towards you personally. 😅) Here comes the part where you act superhuman...haha...kidding. I don't judge but I hope. I hope you're not going to coin such philosophy as your own.

[@Zaqster]

The off-putting thing about this movie is that it's relevant even now with twitch/youtube/other livestreams and streamers broadcasting so much of their lives to their fans. It even has a word for it: "parasocial relationships" My best short explanation of it is: the viewers begin to think that they know the streamer personally and that they're friends, and begin putting an unhealthy amount of emphasis on it, sometimes to the point of mental illness or even stalking the streamer. It was way ahead of its time in many ways and has such good performances by many actors. It easily deserves the top spot in the best movies of all time, and is for sure one of my favourite movies.

[@petejackson4460]

Always to look forward to your after thoughts. You see things I've missed even after watching a movie numerous times. Great work Whimsory.

[@Crankyhand]

Started to worry. Good having you back.

[@ericy4522]

Love this reaction Whimsory! Clearly A LOT of rewatching & thought put into this reaction, and it’s really great 👍 I’d be so chuffed if you get round to watching Gattaca, another thought provoking & relevant film written and directed by the writer of Truman, and really one of my fave movies to rewatch! Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is also mind blowing starring Jim Carrey again.

[@1000000man1]

Yeah, I always thought it was weird when people described it as a comedy.. It is definitely a satire, intended to be humourous and exaggerated. It is meant to be funny but not outrageous "laugh out loud" comedy. It's more subtle. It makes it a little harder to classify, but if you consider satire a genre in of itself, it fits in there. The line about Cristoff's privacy and the product placement. It's all tongue in cheek humour. I also never understood what he was seeing in the picture, with Meryl crossing her fingers. I always thought he was looking at her ring. Only recently did someone point it out to me when I rewatched it. Same with the twins pushing him towards the advert. One thing I noticed myself in the last rewatch is the Moon. If you look carefully at the patterns of the craters, it really doesn't look like the actual Moon. I think I remember people saying the set doesn't look real.. but that's the point 😂 Everything is supposed to look uncanny and not quite real. I appreciate how you rewatch the films after reacting and really ponder them. You can't get everything in one watch; not with well made, layered films, anyway.

[@michaelalexander5520]

I love your channel. Don't ever stop . You have the most amazing voice , the silly faces you make are to die for and you have a very empathetic old soul . You bring light into a world filled with darkness. 😊❤😊

[@NarnianRailway]

Whimsory's reaction and commentary always delightful, now mysterical is one of my favorite words. Wonder if livestreaming will ever catch on?

[@KennethSorling]

Nathasha McElhone is such an amazingly striking woman, she built her whole acting career on it. If you want more of her, check out the new version of 'Solaris' with George Clooney.

[@vasari9198]

Watch the way she takes her pills in Solaris.

[@godfreyofbouillon966]

What a great movie. I first watched it as a child, in cinema when I ran away from classes and had to kill some time before I went home "back from school". I loved it then, I still love it now, I find something new in every rewatch, and obviously the more I mature the more layers I can see in this masterpiece. Timeless classic, it was released when reality shows were on the rise, and is even more relevant now as you said with tic toc and influencer generation.

[@Chris-eh8mi]

When your snip from the top movie list popped up and I saw There Will Be Blood at #138 I was shocked. It should be ranked so much higher! It's Daniel Day-Lewis' best performance imo.

[@Gonzo94m]

Whimsory, thank you…for being you.

[@Sukuun]

Before this movie, there was no such thing as reality TV. Upon being told this, the director said "I'm sorry."

[@pencilnecked1579]

The Real World on MTV predates this by a few years.

[@joeblankenship377]

of course there was. The Real World started in '92.

[@Sukuun]

@@pencilnecked1579 Mmmm, I never heard of that show. I think everyone knows shows like Survivor and Big Brother, though.

[@Sukuun]

@@joeblankenship377 Well either way, here's the timestamp for the interview, just so you know I'm not the only one who thought this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHu5h2OZe5popcU

[@diamonddallaspage9922]

"Cable guy", my favorite movie of Jim Carrey. He is a sad man in real life, and he plays a sad and lonely man in Cableguy. Everyone was expecting an Ace Ventura style comedy but got the greatest dramedy, this movie was ahead of its time, please watch this movie if you don't already know it.

[@Wannabe_Baby]

I agree with you that everyone in this movie is terrible (except Truman and Sylvia, at least after she left the show). It really is a skill that they present such a bright, cheerful world but still manage to get across how disturbing Truman's whole world is. Giving him traumatic memories and a lifelong fear of water would be bad enough but they even wanted to go so far as to make Truman have a child, putting ANOTHER innocent unaware person into the world.

[@Krucifus]

Would it still be called Maternity leave if you're still at work?

[@lifeofpasche]

Wait when you get to Memento (2000) 😊 it's number 54 on IMDB top 250 movies list. I watched it first when it came out, and I had to watch it again to fully understand what was going on. I have seen that movie about five times and now over 20 years later I still figured out something new about the plot and everything. Anyways, I liked your reaction to this, like I like all your reactions so far. Hearing you giving your opinion to movies gives me new perpective, and your reaction is very pure, you and @JasonBrant are my favorite KZbinrs/channels on KZbin when it comes to reacting to movies.

[@christoffesedao3579]

🍿GREAT REACTION . . . I saw this film on a sneak preview in a theater before it was released. Was very ahead of its time, and it brought a deeper look at Jim Carrie's acting talents. I like your reactions. You're smart, but still relatable and fun. Take care . . . and if i don't see you . . good afternoon, good evening, and good night.

[@fredkrissman6527]

I most enjoyed your really deep dive in the post-movie outro Whimsory. Your discussion was ART, IMO!

[@hectornonayurbusiness2631]

This movie works so well when you dont know the premise going into it. Too bad the trailers spoiled it for everyone when it came out.

[@craigperry5389]

I was a development executive on THE TRUMAN SHOW. For about a year, we worked on a draft with Brian De Palma as director. The entire island of Manhattan had been rebuild under a massive soundstage. It was honestly pretty great. But as you can imagine, it was WAAAAAAAY too expensive to make. So we moved on to Peter Weir and the smaller enclave idea. Such a crazy journey on that movie!

[@kraahk1928]

I really loved to see how excited you got when reflecting on this movie. It reminds me of how I felt back in the days. It may be proof of a good story, when it is able to move people decades, sometimes centuries or millennia after they were created. Thanks for sharing your personal experience. :)

[@kh884488]

As far as attention to detail: the scene when his father gets pushed on to a bus, Truman is standing in front of an arch which reads in Latin: "All for one and one for all".

[@blortmeister]

What a cast: Laura Linney as Truman's wife, Ed Harris as the director, Natascha McElhone as the distant love interest, and the phenomenal Perter Weir directing (he also directed Dead Poet's Society, Witness, and one of my top 10 films, Fearless). Jim transitioned from a comedian to an actor so good that these actors would chose to be in a film with him. The film did good business when it came out, but caused a tremendous cultural conversation. I think Fearless is a better film, but it's the difference between a 9.9 and a 10--all of Weir's films sit it that area. BTW, Laura Linney has continued to do great and/or successful films--as did Natascha McElhone and Ed Harris. Powerful film, as your reaction demonstrates.

[@One.Zero.One101]

I never fully appreciated Laura Linney's acting when I was young. But now this is one of my favorite performances ever. She displays 10 emotions at once. In the coco drink scene, it was shot as surreal but comical, but she's also anxious about Truman and traumatized from the car ride, but she still has to do the commercial. It's a masterclass in acting, writing, and directing.

[@BethGoth15]

Every time I watch Truman Show, I always remember the first time I saw it. 31st December 1999!! ❤ My mind was just absolutely BLOWN. Not because there was a new Millennium literally the next day, but because I thought the whole thing was real!!!!! 😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@surject]

Whimsoryception: Your audience watching you watch the audience watching Truman who's sometimes watching tv.

[@chesterfieldmcfistycups2836]

There is another Jim Carrey movie in the top 250 that shows off more of his talent. Check out Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

[@Arthur_King_of_the_Britons]

We're all stuck in our own Truman Show

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

I sometimes break the fourth wall in mine.😁

[@Apvizionz]

"He's in a show, and doesn't know" should've been the official tagline

[@coconinoco]

A detail about the studio light which falls near the start of the film: the light is labelled “Sirius (ɑ Canis Majoris)”, which is the name of the brightest star in the night sky. The light has fallen from the artificial sky of Truman’s world but signifies a star coming down or returning to Earth, Truman being the star. Sirius is also known as the Dog Star (Canis = canine), which hints at Truman being kept like a pet.

[@torres3359]

Great reaction. p.s. the spinning looked cool

[@Whimsory]

You're awesome. Thanks😂

[@tukanlatifi9635]

I love your reactions, keep it coming ❤❤❤❤

[@juanbernando]

A lot of your observations are on point. Very insightful. Some of them never occurred to me. Awesome!👍Thanks for sharing.

[@t0dd000]

Such a brilliant film. And such a stacked cast. And yes, in one word it is a satire. Indeed you are supposed to be disturbed by this. That's the point. And reality television was pretty much created in 1992 with MTV's Real World. So this film was right on time to satirize that.

[@artygreen4810]

I'm officially convinced none of Gen Z understands what crossing your fingers means lol

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Shhh! Keep it a secret! It's another thing we can use against them, like stick shifts, cursive writing, and rotary phones!

[@emurphy42]

​@@dr.burtgummerfan439 And slide rules!

[@artygreen4810]

​@@dr.burtgummerfan439 Hahaha

[@Jabberwocky415]

I’m Gen Z and I see it most commonly used as a “good luck” symbol. Although I did eventually learn the other meaning.

[@brendanfalvy1281]

I would also call this a “horror” film. I was real happy that was your immediate thought too.

[@Cau_No]

More like a Psycho Thriller, albeit a lighter one.. It is more in the vein of "Gaslight", an old black & white movie which is actually the source of the term "gaslighting". Back when this was released in cinemas, people going to see it already knew about the main plot beforehand. All the trailers an articles were customary explaining what the movies were about - they were advertising, so the audience was told what a story to expect. The way many reactors now go see the movies, without any pre-knowledge, just the trust in the viewers' recommendation makes for a much better experience.