This one was released a year before Malkovich but had a similar theme involving one made possessing immense power over the actions of another human being. It was a bit of a precursor to the reality TV wave that swept over the 2000s. You have Truman Burbank, the protagonist played by Jim Carrey, living in a world that, unbeknownst to him, is completely artificial and created specifically so his life could be shown on television. The mastermind behind the manmade town and surrounding area is Christof, played by Ed Harris.
There’s all sorts of themes at play in The Truman Show. On one hand, Christof is like a god who has created a world for his own amusement. He also seems to be genuinely loving, a kind of father figure, to Truman, even though Truman isn’t aware of his existence for 30 years of his life. But he is incredibly manipulative, directing the scenes of Truman’s life with the intention that Truman acts in certain ways, specifically ways that will prolong the reality series he’s produced. There are also some gorgeous moments in which Christof is feeding his actors—aka Truman’s friends and family—lines through an earpiece, and you hear them repeat the words from out of his mouth. A heartfelt scene between Truman and his best friend played by Noah Emmerich (who’s in the new show The Americans. You guys, watch The Americans!) is especially touching and well handled.
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