The Truman Show explanations

What does the cop at the end of the film, the last character to say anything say, and what does it signify?

"What else is on?" It signifies that people really did not care about Truman or the people in reality TV shows and for them it is merely entertainment.

Scene in basement...

He is first portrayed as a child. This is done by having him reminisce about his old childhood toys and Sylvia Then his wife comes down and tells him to Finnish "We really ought to toss that mower out. Get one of those new Elk Rotaries." It establishes how he is a victim.

Why is Truman dressed differently to the others?

He looks less pollished and often wears more brown suits and checkered patterns so he stands out. The rest of the cast are dressed by the shows wardrobe department.

In the opening scene what is Meyrl not wearing?

Her wedding ring. This establishes her as an actor as opposed to Truman's wife. Characterization.

Why is dark lighting used in lunar room?

It contrasts what is presented to Truman with the dark oppressive reality. At the end of the film when they are hunting for Truman, and show they don't really care, the lighting outside is dark to highlight the reality.

What is Seahaven?

It is an artificial island housed in a studio and it is Truman's home town.

"One way or back" What does this mean?

It is used to manipulate before he boards the vessel. Of course he wants to come back but it reminds him of his fear. It reminds of the possibility he might not return. It's a means of manipulation used on him.

Where does the name Christof come from?

Of Christ. It implies that he is god-like, or at least he is meant to appear that way for the most part. Characterization. The barae establishes him as the creator.

Sylvia (Lauren). Why is she apparently the only character that truly cares for Truman?

She infiltrates the show to expose it to Truman. She seems to be the only person concerned with his well being. The viewers don't really seem to care and to Christof he is more like a pet.

"Cue the sun"

Shows Christof as god because he can control nature like forces.

"He is not a performer, he is a prisoner. Look at him, look at what you have done to him."

Sylvia. She is being established as a character who is looking out for Truman and probably the moral voice of the film.

Vignette shot. What is the purpose?

The purpose is to convey to us that Truman is being spied on by the cameras in Seahaven. This usually accompanied by shutter sounds and black around the edges of the screen.

The sun is coming out of the storm. Truman was almost at the point of death. Now he is in Christ Pose. What does this mean?

They crucified him (they chose to almost kill him) and then they resurrected him. Christof is god in this case but it also shows that represents someone who is not good to Truman.

Head line "Seahaven cracks down on homeless" What does this symbolize?

This is an example of the manipulation that Truman is forced to deal with. Maybe a Nineteen Eighty Four reference.

Musical motif. The Truman theme. What does this signify?

This theme occurs whenever Truman seems to have an awakening of some sort.

Why is bright lighting used in Seahaven?

To show that everything is supposed to be bright and happy.

Where does the name Truman come from?

True man. He is a true man. In fact he is characterization used to highlight the fact that he is, for most of the film, the only one in Seahaven who isn't and an actor and is genuine.

What does it say on the badge Sylvia wears when she meets Truman in the library?

"How's it going to end?"

Marlon (Quote)

"It's all true. It's all real. Nothing here is fake. Nothing you see on the show is fake. It's merely controlled."

"We really ought to toss that mower out. Get one of those new Elk Rotaries." Name the camera angle used on Meyrl and name it's purpose.

Zoom in close up shot, of point of view shot. Used to show that she is advertising and not merely suggesting something to Truman.