Ah, I love films that have the symbolism so thick it makes you puke. In a good way.

Peter Weir, what a guy. I loved his last three films and this one continues his love of the odder side of scripts. This script was often hailed as "too smart" for Hollywood, but that's not hard. Weir manages to take a great concept (that does need a fair suspension of disbelief) and pulls of a risky move of a movie.

This is not a "this could happen some day" film. Its more an exaggerrated look at entretainment. And symbolisms are abound. Truman, the name, I guess would remind many of the US president, which makes Truman Burbank an American, heroic name. Christof, the show's creator, is obviously a Jesus thing. Sea Haven is a perversion of Heaven.

But once you get comfy and start munching into your peanut M & Ms, you are engrossed be Carrey's Truman. He's a nice guy, being played the fool. People love him, both in our world, in his world, and the movie world that watches him.

What also helps this film is the lack of special effects. Used only sparingly, Weir uses large sets and well designed props (like the sky) over computer generated wanking. Weir's never made blockbusters and this one can hardly be a big budget summer hit.

The acting is subperb. Harris and Carrey pull off their roles convincingly. Harris shows cold reason over emotion, Truman's descent is frighteningly believable. Carrey is trying to pull the Tom Hanks I think, and achieve credibility as a true actor.

Two critisms. One is we are only ever given insight into Truman and Christof. We never find out many of the Truman's "friends" feelings. The other is the cliffhanger ending, which I guess was a must, but is still annoying as hell.

Finally, watch this film when you're awake, because it has many levels and you should be at full attention to enjoy them all.

Danny Yau

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