Truman Burbank is an average man with an average job living an average life. How can Peter Weir spend an hour and 43 minutes with the most average Joe of characters? It’s all a lie. Truman’s life is all on the set. His family and friends are all paid actors. His whole life has been broadcasted for millions around the world to watch. His birth, his first word, his first steps, all key events in a person’s life… broadcasted on television.
Keeping up the lie in Truman’s life for 30 to 40 years is no simple feat… soon the fabricated world around him falls apart and he starts to see the truth. He begins to year for it. Once a set light falls from the sky and a couple instances with the radio Truman begins to wonder. Truman sees his allegedly “drowned” father on a street corner and things really start to change. After beginning to piece things together Truman attempts to leave the island… by sailing to the end of the world.
The World view that has been fabricated for Truman has both agnostic and existential ties. His father’s death made him afraid of the water and no longer eager to explore the mysteries the world holds. A mysterious physical world is a characteristic/trait of an agnostic viewpoint. Truman’s relationship with a major character named Marlon leads to a further formation of his worldview. He keeps Truman focused on the reality of Sea Haven. He seems so content with his life and he tends to push that content-ness onto Truman during their various 12- pack chats.
Even when Truman gets the feeling that his life has no purpose at all Marlon steps in to cheer the air. In fact Marlon always seems to be around when Truman is in trouble. He is like a protective big brother. He is a perfect go-to friend for Mr. Burbanks’s perfect life. We all need a person to trust; someone who is consistently with the rack of beer and an open ear.
Work Cited
- Lewic, C. S. Mere Christianity. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co. , INC. , 1960
