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The Truman Show (1998)

Watching Theology March 8th, 2010

art_403_truman.jpgCall it satire, call it an allegory, but The Truman Show is about something. In this production-delayed episode Duke and Joe look over Peter Weir's oddly prophetic take on television. Join us as we examine how Jim Carey represents a helpless philosophical captive striving for enlightenment, a brave seeker battling demonic forces, or an innocent thinker tormented by a cruel deity. How does a satire on reality television turn into an adaptation of Plato's Republic? Step into our "cave" to find out. This episode is the third in "The Cave" series, an examinations of films that feature Utopias, Delusions, and Deceptions. [04.03]

Next Episode: "The Cave" part 4–Andrew Niccol's Gattaca (1997).

NOW AVAILABLE: Watching, a film book by Joe and Melissa Johnson (also available through Amazon)

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3 Responses to “The Truman Show (1998)”

Jason Eaken March 19th, 2010

Hey guys,

I've been a listener for quite a while now (Joe, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I really like it when you have co-hosts), am a Christian who moved to LA for writing/directing. Just wanted to tell you a) how much I love the show and b) this episode specifically. The point you made about how Shyamalan would've made this movie really re-opened my eyes to the true brilliance of "The Truman Show."

Essentially, how you view this movie will reflect how you view the world. If you believe that God is a hoax or a sham or just a jerk, you'll likely see it as the story of a man turning his back on God in favor of a humanistic truth – that is, his own experiences as the only thing that are valid. Or if you believe in God, and specifically Christianity (since, come on… Christof), you will see it as the story of a man who rejects the fake world that man creates and places himself in charge of as ruler, in favor of the truth… and by extension, the Truth.

You guys have a wonderful show, I love every episode. Thanks so much!

Forwarding Andrew March 31st, 2010

Great episode of a great new season. We miss Melissa but Duke helps make great conversations possible too.
I can't believe Joe hasn't seen Gattaca. I just watched the 10th anniversary DVD with my wife and we agree that it's one of those films that you keep thinking about for years and years. Can't wait to hear what you like/dislike about it and how it "speaks".

Brett April 7th, 2010

Love this series! Keep up the great work. I'd like to suggest "WALL*E" as a possible title for the series.

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