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Barriers In The Truman Show

Decent Essays

The Truman Show, a 1998 film – directed by Peter Weir, follows the idea of a television show focused on Truman Burbank, an individual man, living in a fabricated world called Seahaven. The show is purely designed for the entertainment of others in the real and existing world. Truman is completely oblivious, yet his life was filmed from the moment he was born prematurely, to around his early thirties, where he was ‘happily’ married to his wife, Meryl Burbank. Throughout the show, Christof, the creator and producer of the television show, were “… forced to manufacture ways to keep him on the island.” These included many physical, emotional and social barriers.
Christof, the producer of The Truman Show, was extremely clever in creating different ways to prevent Truman from leaving Seahaven. This specifically included many physical features that prohibited it, as well as the physical location of the show, which made it …show more content…

Truman has always had guilt about his father’s death at sea, and Christof uses this factor to keep him on the island. His mother states, “I’ve never blamed you, Truman, and I don't blame you now,” yet she uses this statement to re-establish the fear of water and guilt. Christof also maintains Truman on the island by manipulating his emotional connections. In addition to the death pf his father, Christof plays with his relationships with Meryl and his mother, and his job. Meryl questions their lifestyle if they leave Seahaven, “…What are we going to do for money when we arrive in New Orleans?”, and tries to convince him to stay, yet her attempts barely change Truman’s mind. Marlon, Truman’s best friend, is instructed by Christof to use emotional blackmail to keep him on the island, “You can’t just up and go!” and “Come on pal, come on buddy!” However, Truman maintains his desire to leave for

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