The Truman Show
Media Study
20 marks
Learning Goals: I will learn to. . . / Success Criteria: I can. . .- the definition of utopia
- the concept of reality TV.
- how an audience affects the content of media, and how the media can influence an audience
- view a film and identify symbolism and important quotes in a film / - apply my knowledge of utopia
- explain how the media influences the audience and how the audience can influence the media
- clearly express my thoughtsabout theimportance of characters, quotes, and events in a film
Truman Burbank is the star of a popular TV show—he just doesn't know it. Filmed with over 5,000 cameras on the world's largest studio lot and broadcast 24 hours a day around the world, The Truman Show demonstrates how everything in the media is created, how the media can create reality, and how audiences can be influenced by the media. It also reveals common stereotypes associated with a utopia society.
1. The movie begins with interview clips of Christof, the creator and director of The Truman Show, along with the actors who play Truman's wife (Meryl) and his best friend (Marlon). As the film progresses these characters take on more meaning. What do each of these characters represent as well as Truman? (Hint: think about their names).
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2. Truman appears to have an idealistic life. How does the film and “show” fit the codes and conventions of a utopia? Is the film making a comment about utopian society? If so what?
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3. What clues about being on a popular TV show does Truman discover at these various locations?
(a)On the road in front of his house: ______
(b)The button on Lauren’s sweater: ______
(c)When elevators open in the building: ______
(d)While sitting in his car in his driveway: ______
(e)At the roadblock while trying to escape: ______
4. Truman's favourite TV show was called “______”
It seemed to be a perfect TV show for him because it appealed to his audience profile.
How would it appeal to Truman? ______
5. During a live interview, Christof explains why he believes that, despite a few close calls with the outside world, Truman still doesn't know he's on a TV show. He later states that “We accept the reality that we are presented with.” Explain the significance of this statement for Truman. Explain the significance of this statement for us.
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6. When Truman escapes, Christof decides to end transmission, which causes a “media feeding frenzy”. Why do you think the event would affect the media in such a way?
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7. Throughout the film, the director cuts to different audiences watching The Truman Show. Identify at least three (3) audiences and the social environment that would influence their enjoyment of the TV show.
Audience: ______Environment: ______
Audience: ______Environment: ______
Audience: ______Environment: ______
8. Near the end of the movie, Christof compares the real world with his “manufactured” world. What reason does he use to convince Truman to stay in the TV world?
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9. When Truman asks Christof if any of his world was real, Christof replies, “You were real.”
How does his answer relate to our understanding of the world as we know it?
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Bonus Questions:
1. Explore and explain any spiritual/religious themes or ideas in the story and how they are similar or different to hose presented in I am the Messenger. Here is a thought that might get you started: Like all of us Truman and Ed yearn for something more in their lives, they yearn for something that is missing. What is missing? How might or is this yearning fulfilled? 10 marks.
2. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that tries to understand how human beings know what they know and how this contributes to one’s understanding or experience of “reality”. What is the nature of Truman’s reality in Seahaven? How does Truman arrive at his sense of reality? Is there a reality beyond what Truman knows? Is it important for Truman to connect to any “reality” that exists outside Seahaven? 10 marks