Here’s some work that I’ve used with my Year 11 English class as part of a study of the movie “The Truman Show”. There are some short answer questions which you could modify and adapt for younger audiences, or the extended response questions could be used as an oral presentation rather than as a written response. Click ”more” to read the questions, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
For each of the numbered questions, a short response of approx 80-100 words is required.
Select one of the three extended response questions at the bottom and write a short essay of approx 500 words.
The Individual versus Society
This a favourite theme that Weir comes back to again and again in his films. Truman is standing up for his right to leave the town and explore the world outside when everyone else in the town puts obstacles in the way to stop him.
1. Before he begins to question the reality of his environment, why didn’t Truman attempt to walk or drive outside the town’s limits?
2. From what we see of Truman in the film, what do you think Truman wants when he walks through the door on the side of the studio lake at the end of the film?
3. It is revealed during the movie that Truman was one of several unwanted pregnancies. How would you feel, as Truman’s real parents, watching him grow up in front of the world without being able to interact with him? Do you think it would be harder/easier than a typical adoption?
Reality and Illusion
Who am I? Why am I here? What purpose is there in my life? What is real and what isn’t? Weir has Truman question the meaning of his own life. He wants the audience for his film to sympathise with Truman.
1. Which is the first sign in the film that Truman is questioning the world around him?
2. What convincing evidence does he find that the town that he has lived in all his life is not what he has thought it was?
3. Why would Truman want to escape this comfortable town and lifestyle?
EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION A:
It is suggested that Christof is someone who likes to stay out of the public eye and guards his privacy. Discuss the moral issues surrounding Christof, as the director and creator of “The Truman Show”, forcing Truman’s life into the public arena without his consent.
EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION B:
Throughout the film, there are shameless advertisements and product placements presented as part of Truman’s life, eg the lawn mower, cocoa, etc. Is it morally right for the TV network to use Truman’s life as a means to monetary gain? Discuss.
EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION C:
Consider yourself in Truman’s position. If presented with the choice to remain in Seahaven, a place where you have been promised that “you have nothing to fear”, or to enter into another world that you know little or nothing about, which would you choose? Discuss and explain your choice.