It is day number 10,909 when we first meet Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a 30 year old insurance salesman and husband to Meryl (Laura Linney), who is oblivious to the fact that his whole life has been on show for the adoring masses glued to their TV screens 24/7.

Within his fictional reality, camera’s have been placed everywhere imaginable (medicine cabinet, dashboard, pencil sharpener); product placement is found at every turn; his days feature perfect sunrises, crystal blue skies, and illuminating moons; and his best buddy (Noah Emmerich) is always there with a 6 pack on hand whenever he feels a little blue.

Truman’s whole existence is run by the aptly named Christof (an excellent Ed Harris), a TV producer with a God complex. Yet despite the perfection that surrounds him, Truman wants out. He wants to see the world, and furthermore he wants to track down the mystery girl (Natascha McElhone) who stole his heart years ago. He was told that she was in Fiji, but in reality she is on the outside protesting against Chritsof for Truman to be released.

Truman’s curiosity is irked further when a spotlight falls out of thin air. This is followed by other strange occurrences which leads Truman on a quest to find the truth. In the process The Truman Man Show can be quite funny, but this is not a straight forward comedic vehicle for Carrey, who dazzles in his first dramatic role.

Laura Linney is also a hoot as his 1950’s styled wife. In fact, the whole production design reminds of 1950’s conservative America.

The film is masterfully crafted by Peter Weir, who returned to filmmaking after a 5 year absence. Weir was no doubt awaken from his slumber by Andrew Niccol’s screenplay, which is sharp, funny, poignant, and asks many strong theological questions, namely: How can free will exist in a controlled environment ?

Niccol’s script suits Weir’s sensibilities perfectly, since his films have held strong existential, even atheist conventions. Yet none more so than this one, as a simple man stands up to the authority of a deity.

The Truman Show also speaks volumes about the manipulation of television, and the engrossing and voyeuristic nature of reality TV. Throughout the film are shots of Truman’s various and dedicated fans. They sleep when he sleeps, eat when he eats. It is all quite depressing, really. And a sample of the things to come with Big Brother debuting a year after its release, followed by several other bottom scraping reality TV productions.