Groundbreaking television (The Truman Show (DVD))

Member Name: TJ-Mackey

Product:	The Truman Show (DVD)
Date:	17/02/02 (240 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Addictive

Disadvantages: Addictive

Who'd have thought such a programme could become so addictive? Essentially all we get to see on 'The Truman Show' are the day-to-day events in the life of Truman, a regular guy living on idyllic Seahaven Island. Of course, the pièce de résistance of the show is that Seahaven is actually a massive set populated by actors and other extras, the true nature of which only Truman is unaware. Thus, 'storylines' can be introduced as and when the writers see fit, but the real appeal of the show is Truman Burbank himself.

Chosen from a number of unwanted children at birth, Truman became the first child to be legally adopted by a corporation, and since that time his every move has been followed by millions of viewers. Since the show's inception, the technology employed has gradually advanced, to the point where a camera the size of a pinhead can now be used to broadcast events in Seahaven to a 24-hour channel. In fact, there are now thousands of cameras scattered around the town, ensuring we never miss a second of Truman's life.

Of course, the most talked about moment since the show was first aired was the re-introduction of Truman's long-lost father, who apparently drowned at sea 22 years previously. This, along with several smaller happenings, caused Truman to question the reality of his surroundings for the very first time. For those who didn't see this marvellous piece of televisual drama when it first aired, the re-runs and 'Best Of' tapes aren't far away. The eventual conclusion, which I won't spoil here, is one that will stick long in your mind, having already gone down as the most-watched moment of television ever.

There is so much to praise about 'The Truman Show', and yet there's also much to debate. A small minority started the 'Free Truman' campaign - questioning the morals in confining Truman to the studio that is Seahaven. The enigmatic Christof, creator and overall
controller of the programme, dismissed such claims by (correctly) stating that Seahaven is really a much nicer place than the real world. Still, the arguments were never entirely quashed, and they'd certainly be taken into account should a similar show be planned in the future. As the first of its kind, 'The Truman Show' became a milestone in television broadcasting, as well as an example of perfect merchandising - at its peak, the corporation made profits that rivalled the GNP of some small countries.

Product placement also plays a big role in the show's financing, with every prop and piece of wardrobe available to buy from the 'Truman Catalogue'. Additionally, the characters in the programme regularly endorse products on-air - often to comical effect. These, as well as the highlights tapes that still sell remarkably well, were all essential for funding such an extravagant project as 'The Truman Show'. I hate to think just how many items of Truman memorabilia there are around the world now - you probably have some in your own home.

The show itself though, is surely the centrepiece. Truman himself was perfectly suited to entertainment... even if he was unaware of that fact himself. With a likeable personality and quirky sense of humour, he endeared himself to a worldwide audience for many years. For those of you who missed this remarkable show, I can highly recommend a visit to your local video store, or a check of the TV listings for the next re-run. Guaranteed to make a good afternoon, good evening or good night!

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