The Truman Show became an instant classic upon its release in 1998, and its thematic relevance has only grown in the 25 years since. The film follows the story of Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, who unknowingly lives his life on a television set with paid actors and millions of viewers at home. With the rise of reality television and the ubiquity of people-watching on social media, now is the perfect time to bring this groundbreaking film back into focus. Paramount Home Entertainment is celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Truman Show with a remastered version, available on 4K Ultra HD™ on July 4.
Director Peter Weir’s The Truman Show is not only a cinematic masterpiece but also a remarkably prescient film that remains culturally relevant. The screenplay, written by Andrew Niccol, contributed greatly to the film’s success. Niccol received his first Oscar nomination for his work on The Truman Show, and he is also known for directing films like Gattaca and Lord of War. The movie also features unforgettable performances by Ed Harris and Laura Linney.
FilmmakerFocus recently caught up with Andrew Niccol to discuss his perspective on The Truman Show after all these years, his favorite fan theories, and how he envisions a modern-day sequel or adaptation.
Andrew Niccol Talks The Truman Show After 25 Years
FilmmakerFocus: Since The Truman Show was first released, our world has only gotten more technology-obsessed and surveillance-oriented. How often do you reflect on the prescience of your work, and what do you find most surprising about the state of our reality today?
Andrew Niccol: When I first conceived of the film, there wasn’t any so-called reality television. (The first episode of The Real World aired when we were in post-production.) I say “so-called” because I’ve always thought Truman is the only genuine reality star because when you know there’s a camera, there is no reality. What I guess I’m a bit surprised about is that we would become our own Trumans, turning the camera on ourselves and cataloging every aspect of our own lives willingly.
Did you get to see the remastered version? What stands out to you most about it, visually speaking
Andrew Niccol: Once I finish a film I don’t ever like to see it again. The last QC is the end of a film for me because that’s usually the last time I can somewhat change it. I guess I don’t want to look at something I can’t change. (I think it was Picasso who was banned from a museum for altering his own art. I can relate.)
I know Peter Weir coming on to direct and Jim Carrey starring in it really influenced the final product, but you were along for the ride the whole time. What were your favorite memories of collaborating with them and moments you felt really became movie magic?
Andrew Niccol: I’ve always thought the premise was bullet-proof and even though the original script is set in an alternate version of New York City (if you can fake it there, you can fake it anywhere), I was happy to embrace Peter’s more idyllic, small-town take on a counterfeit world. As for a memory, I tend to hold onto one image in every film I do…a moment that somehow sustains me through a shoot. On The Truman Show, it was Truman touching the sky. (If you can’t trust the veracity of the sky, the moon and the stars, then surely nothing is real.) The moment meant so much to me, I worried that it wouldn’t live up to my imagining of it. It exceeded it. Jim played it with simplicity and purity and, dare I say, truth that gave me chills. I don’t think Peter did many takes. No need.
Would you ever consider a sequel, chronological or spiritual, or a remake in the present day? Is that something you would want to see anyone attempt, or do you want it to stand on its own?
Andrew Niccol: There has been talk of doing a musical – believe it or not – or a series. When it’s a different art form, I don’t think it takes anything away from the original. In my version of a series, I thought it would be fun, if after Truman walked through the sky, the audience clamored for more.
Imagine this: a network with multiple channels, each starring a subject born on the show. Picture a girl living on the Upper East Side, a boy from Harlem, and a kid from Chinatown, all on their own channels, moving in their own circles. They were never meant to meet. But then, at the end of the first season, something unexpected happens. The boy from Harlem and the rich girl find themselves drawn to each other. They sense that the other is different from anyone they’ve ever met because, for the first time, they’ve met someone who is not acting. It’s a love story that defies the network’s plans, and in the second season, they’ll desperately try to kill off their romance.
Speaking of sequels, let’s talk about “Lords of War.” It’s coming back after 18 years, and it’s a guilty pleasure to breathe life back into that world with Nicolas Cage. We’re in early pre-pre-production, but spending time with Nick’s character, Yuri Orlov, is a fascinating experience. Yuri and his son Anton don’t have a conscience like most of us do. They’re not hindered by morality. As Kurosawa said, “The more evil you are, the better you sleep.”
Now, let’s dive into the concept of the “Monopoly” movie. How do you turn a board game into a full film? It’s all about getting into the mind and heart of the game. The world of a board game is wide but shallow, lacking depth. It requires a ton of invention. But ultimately, it all comes down to character. In “Monopoly,” I chose to focus on the underdog, the boy from Baltic Avenue, someone we can all relate to. As for directing, it depends on the project. For “The Terminal,” I felt the character was too similar to Truman from “The Truman Show.” They were both prisoners in paradise, and I didn’t want to repeat the same story. Fresh eyes were needed.
Lastly, let’s talk about “The Truman Show.” Over the past 25 years, there have been some wild theories about what the film is “really about.” But my favorite fan response or theory has to be the Truman Show Delusion or Truman Syndrome. Some people actually started believing that they were the star of their own reality show. It’s both sad and alarming. And then there was the fan letter suggesting that the film was a pro-life metaphor, with Truman representing a fetus. It’s incredible how people interpret and connect with the film in different ways.The domed soundstage was like a womb, and he felt as though he was sailing to freedom across a uterine sea. (I kid you not.)
About The Truman Show 4K Release
THE TRUMAN SHOW has been fully remastered using scans of the original negative, with the new 4K version approved by Weir. The film is presented with Dolby Vision™ high dynamic range (HDR) and Dolby Atmos® audio for a truly immersive experience**.
The 4K Ultra HD two-disc set includes the film on both 4K Ultra HD Disc and on Blu-ray™, along with access to a Digital copy of the film and legacy bonus content on Blu-ray detailed below:
• How’s It Going to End? The Making of The Truman Show – Two-Part Documentary
• Faux Finishing—The Visual Effects of The Truman Show
• Deleted Scenes
• Photo Gallery
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
The Truman Show is coming back in a fully remastered version on 4K Ultra HD™, and it will be available on July 4. Get ready to experience this iconic film like never before!
