What Happened to The Truman Show?

Given how far reality television has come in the last 25 years, it’s hard not to think about how director Peter Weir’s 1998 film The Truman Show prophesized the TV format’s commercial prosperity. Nowadays, cameras are ubiquitous and with the prevalence of social media platforms and everyone’s persistently online existence, ordinary citizens can feel like the star of their own show broadcast publicly 24/7.
The Truman Show deserves at least some credit, some might even say blame, for ushering in the addictive spectacle of watching people’s lives unfold in real-time, day after day, as a popular form of 21st century entertainment. The big difference, of course, is that most reality show and social media stars are willing participants in their recorded stories.
But in the days before “Survivor” and “Big Brother” and the entire reality genre were omnipresent, how did The Truman Show itself become a reality?
Cue the sun, and shine some light on WTF Happened to this movie!
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#JimCarrey #thetrumanshow #wtfhappenedtothismovie

[@michaelstrong5383]

One of my favorite movies of all time. It's creepy how, in some way, the film predates the reality show craze.

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

I don't see it really portraying "reality shows" as it goes so much farther. It's a warning about corporate power increase though as a company, even a seemingly not malignant one like Christof's production studio, BUYING A CHILD to make a show out of him is a radical extrapolation of current (even then) trends like Disney actually shaping copyright and employment law to their liking with nobody in the nation being able to counter them...

[@kdcndw1]

Peter Weir's direction and Niccol's screenplay elevated this movie to one of the decade's best. The great acting was icing on the cake.

[@thecunninlynguist]

Kinda spooky how true to life the Truman show became, we don't even scoff at the notion of "reality tv" much anymore.

[@wstine79]

I love Truman Show. The production placement integration within the show is just like it is today in movies and shows.

[@TheJCampb]

Thank you so much for removing that bell at the end of your videos. It was annoying as hell every single time.

[@markabraham2367]

This movie is so good and what makes it good is that even if you've seen it 100 times, you can keep watching it because of all the background stuff.

[@CrypticCharm]

I love this film, i worked in a cinema and saw it multiple times, and there was a promo video, like in a behind-the-scenes look in the show, really eye-opening Louis, who played "Marlon" Truman's best friend, got the gig because his mum pushed him into it, but he was forced to become an alcoholic in the show and in real life too and struggled with it. that scene where he tells Truman he would never lie to him, listen to the voice. it's changed, it's no longer Marlon. But Louis, also in a deleted scene Louis/Marlon finds Truman but lets him go. revealing he wants his freedom too

[@MisterSouji]

I always wanted them to make a sequel to this, showing how Triman tries to adapt to the real world as an unwilling celebrity.

[@HerbyRuths]

That would defeat the purpose. Once he escapes, he's free of an audience. It's no longer our business.

[@coldstuff9784]

@@HerbyRuths damn never thought of it that way

[@xzepper5637]

@@HerbyRuths wow this is deep. it makes so much sense tho. i just wish i knew for sure he reunited with sylivia. i just watched it for the first time and im trying to find anything that says he did in fact reunite with her. I NEED CLOSURE LOL. this was the best movie i think ive ever watched.

[@agnethaladuff8559]

This is a great movie and Jim Carey's performance is a huge break through to show that he's more than just a comedy guy. The location looks perfect, like a fantasy get away from real life.

[@Mrmoviefan123]

In almost two weeks, it will be this movie's 25th anniversary. There's something to make you feel old.

[@colt5189]

I never noticed any CGI. Impressive since this was the late 90’s.

[@thomasbechmann7548]

The most unusual aspect with the film is that it is a masterpiece that is both short, running a swift 100min, and not a «heavy» watch. Meaning that the film is so easy and calm to watch. I would say that it is the best film to watch when feeling depressed as it is so good, pleasant and makes you realize that there are people who care about you in this world more than you know.

[@mortishacanniba]

He definitely deserves all the love & support, so happy for him!! 🎉

[@trinaq]

I love this movie, it showed that Jim Carrey could pull off dramatic performances, and made me paranoid that my entire life was really a TV show! 😂

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Agreed, his dramatic performances in this, The Majestic, and Eternal Sunshine show how good he is

[@dermagnus8482]

It is a TV Show. But in a very large scale. Far larger than in the movie.

[@takima504]

@@dermagnus8482 if you know you know

[@senorstronk]

once you see the ufos you realize you are a slave just like truman. we all got played.

[@YuMadasfk]

It sucks because that’s how reality really is😢

[@blackamerican40]

I would have loved to have seen Jim Carrey stand up in his chair all excited and carefully go chair to chair up to the stage after Helen Hunt called his name at the 1998 Oscars instead of Roberto Bengini.

[@HFKAMI]

Those first 60 seconds were tough, the degeneracy of the instagram/influencer era...

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

I remember being stunned (in a good way) by this movie when I saw it in theaters.

[@cuff2860]

I can't say I remember this movie extremely well because I was so young when it debuted, but I do recall it being a good one. As for Jim Carrey's drama career, I was far more able to appreciate "The Majestic" when that came out. I guess I'm gonna have to watch this movie again.

[@demetriusdillard2863]

"The Majestic" is, without a doubt, Jim Carrey's most underrated film ever, bar none. It's a damn shame "The Majestic" was lambasted by critics and largely ignored by moviegoers when it was released in mid-December of 2001, just three months after 9/11.

[@camaronshoultz6137]

I believe Ed Harris was absolutely perfect in this role. Dennis Hopper is great but doesn’t have the quiet restraint needed for the character

[@trinaq]

I read a Young Adult novel which was inspired by this film, "This is not the Jess Show", by Anna Carey. I'd definitely recommend checking it out if you're a fan of this movie, and it's even set in 1998, the same year "Truman" was initially released.

[@neonicon8500]

Cool beans, I might check it out

[@neonicon8500]

Such a good idea for a movie. I wouldn't mind to see how they'd pull this off today. Imagine if the person in Jim's spot knows or believes they are in a show and make stuff up to shock the world or something. Remake anyone?

[@demetriusdillard2863]

I hope to God "The Truman Show" will never be remade...there are enough reboots and remakes already. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@LivinMyJeffLife]

I've grown up & lived about an hour away from where trials was filmed almost my entire life & Jim Carrey is one of my favorite actors. There really are places that look pristine like that, but there are small towns in between the cities. And those beaches are 100% real😎 Panhandle Baby😎

[@ryanschmidt8468]

Several states have panhandles.

[@LivinMyJeffLife]

@@ryanschmidt8468 Indeed they do. Including Florida, where this was filmed.

[@slikthewriter7227]

He's talking about slick from Florida.They call him panhandle baby​@@ryanschmidt8468

[@amss6433]

It’s one of those movies straight after I watched it when was just out that I wanted a sequel but now as I am older and wiser and everything is a remake, reboot or some bollocks like that I hope this movie never gets remade, rebooted or any sequel and want the mystery of Truman’s life in the real work to remain a mystery

[@demetriusdillard2863]

"The Truman Show" is, without a doubt, one of Jim Carrey's greatest films, bar none. Carrey's performance as unlikely reality television superstar Truman Burbank is undoubtedly second to none...it's unfortunate--hell, almost criminal--he didn't receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor (though he did win both a Golden Globe and an MTV Movie Award, among other accolades); had Carrey actually received a Best Actor nomination, he probably would've won that year. And Ed Harris' Oscar-nominated portrayal of the elusive and mysterious visionary Christof was both mesmerizing and quite chilling.

[@christhornycroft3686]

The Majestic is really becoming the dark horse of the Jim Carrey filmography. Everyone’s kind of accepted Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine (for good reason) as great, underappreciated films. But The Majestic is one to not sleep on. It’s very Frank Capra. Jim also showed he could be serious when he played a small but pivotal role as the narrator in Simon Birch, as well as the friend of the title character as an adult. That’s an excellent movie too. As a kid, I loved the over the top Jim Carrey. Ace Ventura was endlessly quotable. But as a grown up, his serious films remind me a lot of Jimmy Stewart. I could easily see Carrey as George Bailey. That’s the kind of role he could excel at. The identifiable Everyman.

[@demetriusdillard2863]

I loved "The Majestic." It's a low down dirty crying shame moviegoers (as well as critics) completely ignored the Capra-esque, McCarthyism-era period drama when it was released in mid-December of 2001, just three months after 9/11. Compared to Carrey's more acclaimed dramatic works--"The Truman Show," "Man On The Moon," and, of course, "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind"--"The Majestic" was nothing more than a footnote in Carrey's filmography. Carrey's performance as blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter turned amnesic Peter Appleton is, undoubtedly, one of his most underrated roles. I hope and pray that "The Majestic" will be reevaluated and reexamined in the years to come.

[@RabbiSteve]

An excellent video essay on an outstanding work of cinematic art. Thank you.

[@matthewnicholas6365]

25 years old. Holy cow

[@Bejewelle88]

Excellent movie with excellent acting all round!

[@chasehedges6775]

This movie is a classic

[@justwatching2302]

Pull up the ending of the movie here on you tube. During the speech he gives right before he says “Good afternoon, Good Evening and Goodnight”. Zoom in on Jim Carrey’s eyes as he is talking and look at his pupils you may be shocked at what you see.

[@DougUnfunny]

I Love the movie soundtrack also by Philip Glass. the track truman sleeps is just a beautiful piece of music.

[@rougeneon1997]

FANTASTIC Film!

[@jebjed3998]

the dark movie sounds waaay better

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

I miss the days when being recorded and manipulated by unseen forces was rightly considered nightmare fuel. Jim Carrey was shockingly good in this serious role, and I wonder if the academy refused to see him as anything other than Ace Ventura or Fire Marshal Bill when snubbing him.

[@demetriusdillard2863]

I enthusiastically concur. The old farts in the Academy largely dissed and dismissed Carrey as "the white guy from 'In Living Color'" at Oscar time, not only for "The Truman Show" but also for "Man On The Moon" and "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind" (though Carrey did win two consecutive Golden Globes for both "The Truman Show and "Man On The Moon").

[@vikingodin1986]

I remember watching it at the cinema

[@wstine79]

"Good morning. And in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.:

[@jorgezarco9269]

The Truman Show(1998) predicted the plague of "reality TV shows".

[@AmazinglyBadGamer]

the Truman Show was one of the best movies ever made

[@LeonardoKlotz]

WTF happened to Andrew Niccol?

[@Zombiesnyder13]

People love reality shows because they want something to distract them from their boring and depressing lives That includes watching someone else's boring and depressing life

[@neonicon8500]

I know. Personally I play video games. I can't stand "reality TV." I couldn't imagine sitting there watching the entire series of Keeping up with the Kardashians and have to listen to rich people problems.

[@lifeisabadjoke5750]

Yup pretty much

[@NerdWorldEmpire]

This is one of the best horror films ever! Well is creeped me out anyway

[@garethtrevor2920]

Last week I watched Truman show

[@MrGabeanator]

I can believe this was offered to Robin Williams at one point

[@philwalkercuriousmind]

Love this film. I feel it worked out really well while on another level I always remember a friend saying he would've liked it darker. It's interesting to see this video touch on that.

[@peterpede6601]

1949: i saw a flying saucer = LOCK EM UP 2023: I saw a flying saucer on tv = ehh .. look a chinise spy ballon

[@domwalker6526]

Jim for snubbed on the Oscar

[@thebigbadwolf639]

WTF happened to the "I'd buy that for a dollar" guy?

[@bosarvinski907]

It would be wonderful if you reviewed "The Majestic." An amazing unsung Jim Carrey drama.

[@Oct8pus]

Man. I wouldn't loved to see a Cronenberg Truman Show

[@RayMcElroy50]

It would be like Videodrome

[@joshfactor1]

why would it be 24/7, though? i mean who's going to tune in at 0300 just to watch him sleep?

[@estamalescroto520]

Good point.

[@rogermorris9696]

There was a 1980's Twilight Zone called Special Service that has the same kind of story,

[@titusmccarthy]

A lot of stuff is ripped off from old Twilight Zone or Outer Limits episodes. See: Stephen King.

[@ΒύρωναςΑρβανίτης]

Amazing Video !! Great Job !!

[@scottieman2]

Well, at least people on reality shows know they are on it

[@Smashmilk]

It is shameful that Carrey not only has never won an Oscar has never even been considered for one😢 wtf ?

[@wisconsinrebelhomes7587]

I definitely have the DVD copy! Where is our Sequel Jim Carrey?

[@BenjaminWirtz]

I thought it was filmed in Balboa Island, Newport Beach.

[@cjewe1z]

Wow... De Palma was attached to direct this? It would have been more noir than what Weir made. It's almost perfect the way it is, but I can't help but envision a De Palma version. Linney was so beautiful and perfect for her role.

[@heathmcrigsby]

Fishtank!

[@therealyokoohno]

I would love to see Robin Williams play this part.

[@porcelainboy264]

I'm glad Spielberg, Cronenberg, and Burton didn't direct this film, they'd have made a very different product. Though Burton or Spielberg would've done well with the original premise

[@logicalchaos9008]

If it was bigger he would of given up and sailed back ⛵️ accepting it as reality.

[@colonelquack]

Funny how it came out just short of the Matrix.

[@Nicholaus13]

I've seen most vids at this point - but I've become curious who narrates (and even writes) each vid before I watch it. Of course, I check the credits if I need to, but otherwise - credits in the description? Or is that a bad idea for some reason or another I don't know about?

[@razalees]

This has nothing to do with The Truman show but I just want you guys opinion cause it's been bugging me. Why do fans get mad about product placement in films? See I was born in '85 so I grew up in a time where shows would put a big piece of black tape over the Sprite label (like we can't tell what it is) and it took you out of the show a bit because it's like WTF, that's so not normal and distracting. Or they'd have a fake brand Spride or Dr Salt 😂. At the end of the day if they use real brands it makes the world in the show seem more real. And if you want to have a bigger budget why not use brands that we all have in our houses anyway? I get you don't want to give free advertisements so just ask the brand for a deal? Like the big bang theory, they always used real brands and it made sense when your cast salary is 4 million per episode. So Doritos, smart water, Pepsi ect could pay a hefty price and cover a few of the salaries by just having Sprite and Doritos on the table for a scene. I just never understood why fans get so butt hurt about seeing a character drinking the soda they drink themselves when it's gonna pay them big bucks (especially for a show like TBBT) idk it just bugs me to hear ppl complain about it when the end goal of a show or movie is to make money so if they can offset some cost by putting a brand on (not just having Sheldon tell you "drink Pepsi") I don't see what the problem is.

[@ondrejsedlak4935]

I agree in certain respects such as this: I watch anime films (not really TV shows) from time to time and was quite surprised when Makoto Shinkai's "Weathering with you" included extensive product placement such as McDonalds and various other brands to bolster the immersion and realism (this was apparently one of the first time to be done in anime). I disagree however when: Movies lead me to believe that everyone in the world uses ONLY Microsoft Surface laptops, Apple smartphones, drive around exclusively in GM cars and only drink Pepsi. It is this lack of variety that becomes glaringly obvious and tends to rile people up. Your example of some light product placement such as on Big Bang Theory, or the various beer brands appearing on Friends adds that little magic fairy dust which immerses the viewer, is excellent and this is what I think what TV and movies should strive for. The James Bond level of product placement however is what ultimately kills it for people.

[@razalees]

@@ondrejsedlak4935 I get what you're saying and thanks for even reading my message i know it was hella long 😂 but do you think that it could be that other competition didn't reach out for their products to be featured? Like when you said they try to make us believe the Microsoft is the only brand ppl use, could it be possible that other brands didn't reach out for their brand to be represented so that's why you may only see one particular brand? Or could they paid a very large sum to only be the brand of a particular product so they aren't competing with their competitors? I mean ppl who drink coke more times than not don't drink Pepsi or ppl who drive a GM usually hate ford's. Isn't that kinda more realistic than seeing a lot of brand diversity when most people are loyal to a particular brand? I just think if they are willing to pay tons of money the show or movie is inclined to take it given how expensive it is to produce a show or film and if you can get a third of your budget just from showing a product (because advertising is so lucrative and companies will pay top dollar just to have their product seen) and you can pay the fee of a top actor, or your whole production staff just by having some Pepsi cans in the shot is a no brainer. But I do get how it could take someone out of it if all they are seeing is one particular brand but I can't blame the show or movie for getting that money because it's basically free money that you don't have to do anything to get except show a can sitting on a table with the label showing and now you can pay Jim Parsons his fee per show without even going into your actual budget

[@manuelvilar2242]

Mtv waving their hand. Real World:New York.

[@francescotamburella6673]

Favorite movie ever ♥️ it deserved better... Jim Carrey deserved better♥️

[@youngali505]

what a classic

[@jamesmorant1406]

Great movie Jim Carrey performance amazing proved he can do dramatic roles

[@wstine79]

I love this

[@magicmagicman]

I swear when i saw this movie at the cinema there was a scene that I haven't been able to find in any DVD delete scene compliation anywhere. When Truman wanted to drive to Atlantic City he's blocked by a magically appearing traffic jam and he says "Blocked at every turn". I swear he gets blocked in 2 different streets before he finally manges to make it to the bridge yet in the DVD we only see one traffic jam. Am i imaging that missing scene?

[@Adam_Outdoors]

Every version I have watched on DVD has those parts.

[@magicmagicman]

@@Adam_Outdoors In all the versions i've seen on DVD or TV he gets stuck in one traffic jam, but not two. I swear in the cinema there were two which is why he says "blocked at every turn", implying its happened more than once.

[@solidsnake3861]

love the movie funny and sad a the same time

[@MaxskiSynths]

This film is absolutely genius.

[@Merylstreep1949]

I always get this one confused with ED tv lol

[@jtgd]

5:05 Philadelphia?

[@brunomadureira9502]

This is just like cwc

[@edvaira6891]

Disney’s Celebration complex predated The Truman Show by two years

[@Zyzyx442]

I love cable guy, funny af

[@caldodge]

If people identify as TSDs, we must treat them as if they are. To do otherwise is BadThink.

[@porcelainboy264]

I'd have watched the original tbh

[@AlexNona80]

"What Happened to The Truman Show?" well idk? ended? because it was a movie?

[@L33Reacts]

What a pointless comment. Just like this one. 😂

[@AlexNona80]

@@L33Reacts my life is pointless

[@ytgytgy]

the truman show never went anywhere, it's always happening right in front of my apartment every time i open my blinds 😂⚰️

[@kevinbrooks9074]

This is 100% AI!!!

[@onepcwhiz6847]

Prophesied or prophesized?

[@kaosorder3012]

Andrew Niccol Movies(u ready for this? this guy predicted our entire future!) 1997 Gattaca (DNA genetics) 1998 The Truman Show (Documentary about the true man) 2002 Simone (deep fake A.I) 2004 The Terminal (Passports) 2005 Lord of War (Ukraine war) 2011 In Time (Digital money) 2013 The Host (Alien invasion) 2014 Good Kill (Drone warfare) 2018 Anon (Implant chip, sees what you see)

[@bacardibum]

jim carrey apex mountain

[@johnnyrocketed2225]

Plato’s cave? … really?? 😂

[@ryanschmidt8468]

Road Rules and The Real World were massive hits for years before The Truman Show came out. Maybe it made reality tv worse, but we can't blame it. We can only blame the stupidest people in our society for tuning in and giving them money.

[@brandonpage7087]

I remember, i was in the 8th grade when this came out, & the school took us to see a movie, as a reward for good grades, or something, i can't remember. I remember, i knew that i wanted to see the Truman Show, but instead we were taken to see that overrated piece of shit 1998 Godzilla remake/reboot. Even as a kid at the time, i knew that the Truman Show was the superior film, & i ended up being justified, as it has stood the test of time, & '98 Godzilla hasn't. As discussed here, Truman Show ended up becoming a truly important film. It predicted not only the reality show craze that was just around the corner, at the time, but also today's world of social media fame, where people are constantly sharing their lives for nationwide audiences. Not me though, i'm like Truman, i'm uncomfortable with that level of fame. Funny thing is, at the same time, i do want fame from creating my own fictional stories.

[@SheffKane]

w

[@keithbaker1951]

Funny how the horizon was flat and they needed to curve it.. not saying the world is flat.. but Google Eric dubay and find out the truth

[@kevinbrooks9074]

How does this work on a Flat Earth?

[@alphaomega4968]

What do you mean "what happened" to all of these movies 😆 They were released. They're cult classics. Stop with the titles 😆

[@colt5189]

I never noticed any CGI. Impressive since this was the late 90’s.