Weir directs risky new Carrey role

Whether it's through a policeman trying to protect an Amish boy, a teacher trying to make his students' lives extraordinary or the newly released "The Truman Show," Australian director Peter Weir has made his mark on movie-going audiences around the world.

Having earned Oscar nominations for his work in "Dead Poet's Society," "Witness," and "Green Card," Weir has established himself as one of today's most respected directors.

Weir's latest effort, "The Truman Show," stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, the unknowing star of a television show. Truman's life is broadcast live, 24 hours a day to the world, and the TV show is a smash hit everywhere.

For Carrey, the role is his most ambitious on-screen effort to date. Weir was a little worried about having Carrey play the part after the public's cold reception to "The Cable Guy."

"I was very nervous after I'd seen the movie that he would be inhibited about taking risks, because that's what I think you have to do, same as I've done in the movies, you got to try things, some work and some don't, but that's the true freedom," Weir said. "And I thought he might be nervous about 'The Truman Show' because I was still waiting for him to do it, but I was delighted that he was completely unrepentant (about 'The Cable Guy'). He wasn't angry about it or anything."

Carrey's role in "The Truman Show" has been receiving a great deal of comparison to Robin Williams' serious turn in "Dead Poet's Society." Weir directed both films and hopes "The Truman Show" will help change the public's perception of Carrey as a strictly comedic actor, just as "Dead Poet's Society" did for Williams. "He (Carrey) likes to think so and so do I," Weir said.

Although "The Truman Show" is about the life and struggles of Truman Burbank, it also deals with the tendency of Americans to spend their lives glued to television.

"I don't think there is a message, because I don't think there can be a message, except individual choice." Weir said. "The film is about if it bothers you, get out or switch off, but there's actually nothing you can do. Everybody is going to watch it. It's like the murder trials in the United States."

In making the film, Weir faced the difficult task of trying to let the story progress slowly rather than letting Carrey cut loose with his humor at the end of each scene.

"I didn't want to inhibit him at any time, so in the early stages he would try something bigger, and that was fine because we'd shoot it and use it or not. He was used to rounding a scene off, nailing a scene, so that each scene was a winner. It's worked when the plot is not as important, but it doesn't make for a rhythm of the film that this required."

Weir's hard work paid off with "The Truman Show," one of the year's most complex and interesting movies. Once again, Weir has done a tremendous job, and he continues to make great films.

06-01-98