Released in 1998 and starring Jim Carrey, “The Truman Show” plays on the paranoia of always being watched and manipulated and brings that to life. Rather than just paranoia, it is the reality for Truman, who, since birth, has unknowingly been the star of a reality television series called The Truman Show, which documents his entire life. His parents, friends, wife, and every other individual in his life are actors. Even his fear of water has been dictated by the director to prevent Truman from ever leaving. 
Some would qualify this movie as a comedy, but in a way I disagree. Although it is quite funny, I do not think its humorous aspects were the primary points one should focus on. I believe it is by far one of the best psychological thrillers that has ever been created. The realization that there is something a bit off about Truman’s life and the people around him. His paranoia grows, and the people he confides in, such as his mother and childhood best friend, completely gaslight him. And the manner in which he is constantly being watched is very similar to the way the citizens of Oceania in Orwell’s 1984 are being watched. If you are an Orwell enthusiast, this film is certainly for you.

The audience is in on the scheme, for we know from early on in the movie that Truman is an unwilling star on the reality T.V. that truly is his reality. We realize the injustice of taking an innocent child and manufacturing his entire existence for the entertainment of others. As I see it, there are three possible routes one can go down during this film. The first possibility is that the individual watching the film can instantly root for Truman to detect the inconsistencies and wish him to escape the prison in which he has lived his entire life. The second possibility is that an individual, though sympathetic to Truman’s situation, does not wish him to escape because of the knowledge that everyone he has ever known has lied to him. Truman doesn’t even know himself outside of what has been manufactured by the director of this reality program. He can absolutely destroy a person and justifiably so. It is an unfortunate existence to never be able to 100% trust another human being. This sort of person could believe that Truman is better off within the false world that has been made for him since the complete destruction of it may be the complete destruction of him. The third possible option is a combination of the two. One may cheer for Truman to finally see the lies and escape but acknowledge that he will irreversibly be altered.
I loved this movie, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I would highly recommend it.