Carrey carries 'Truman'

By Matthew Barrett
Daily Arts Writer

No need for ID, the man is legit. Previously known for his elastic face and crazy on-screen antics, Jim Carrey shines in his first real attempt at a serious role.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) doesn't know he is the center of attention in one of the summer's most innovative movies, "The Truman Show."

"The Truman Show" is not the typical, plotless stream of slapstick humor that has grown to be the norm in Carrey's movies. Instead, the film slowly brings the audience into an intriguing story.

Carrey plays Truman Burbank, a character whose every move in life is the basis of the wildly popular and always live television program, "The Truman Show."

Since birth, Truman has lived in a self-contained dome called Seahaven Island. As 5,000 cameras capture his every move, Truman is surrounded by actors who play different characters in his life. Truman constantly dreams about leaving the island but is prevented from doing so.

Carrey gives a career-altering performance, proving that he is more than capable of handling big-time dramatic roles. He is still extremely funny at times, but instead of constantly hitting the audience over the head with his humor, he uses it carefully.

After Carrey, the film's main source of humor comes from the little oddities about the television show and the attempts by people on the island to keep Truman there. Laura Linney plays Meryl, Truman's eclectic, sweet wife, who dresses in ridiculously perky clothes. Aside from playing Truman's wife, Meryl is also supposed to keep Truman in check and slip product placements into the show.

When she asks Truman if he wants coffee, she gives him the whole lowdown on the particular brand. Because "The Truman Show" is live and doesn't have commercials, product placement is one of the show's main sources of funding.

Pulling the strings behind the operation is Hollywood director Christof (Ed Harris), who runs both the show and Truman's world.

Harris gives a ferocious and intense performance as director Christof. The character is a parody of Hollywood directors, complete with an enormous ego and some unusual quirks.

Christof sees Truman as his creation and feels that he is justified in doing whatever he wants for the good of the show. This includes tearing Truman away from his father at an early age.

Director Peter Weir does an exceptional job working his way through a difficult subject. He is able to hold Carrey's comic talents back, instead focusing on the gradual progression of the story. He also does a top-of-the-line job in creating the town of Seahaven.

"The Truman Show" is an exciting movie that builds tension as Truman comes closer and closer to discovering the truth. By focusing on the story and the evolution of its main character, "The Truman Show" is a much-needed alternative to the typical summer fare of explosions, aliens and disappointment.

06-01-98