I used my original points again, but I am trying to tailor it to a 2011 question
Describe at least ONE idea that was worth learning about in the text(s).
Explain why the idea was worth learning about in the text(s) as a whole, using examples of visual and / or oral language features to support your ideas
“My life is like the Truman show.” This is a simile that can often be heard in philosophical discussion and is referencing Peter Weir’s film, the Truman show. The idea that reality is subjective is a recurring idea in the film. Throughout the text, Weir has used various film techniques to convey this idea, including dramatic irony, symbolism, and colour and lighting. This idea is worth learning about because it stimulates an audience emotional response, and can also be linked to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.
In the exposition, Weir sets up the idea that reality is subjective through the use of dramatic irony. An example of this is when he uses fake credits at the start of the film, introducing Truman Burbank as himself. This is ironic as they are essentially fake credits at the start of a fake film about someone living a fake life. This links to the idea as it confuses what is real with what is simulated, by subverting film convention, and is worth learning about, as it makes the audience feel excited and interested, by subverting film convention. Another example Weir uses to convey this idea is when he uses the word LIVE on shots of Truman that other characters are watching. This is ironic as it illustrates how in our desperation for something real, we ironically create simulations of reality, that in the end are not real at all. This is worth learning about as it links to the idea, as these simulations become the new normal, and everything else seems unusual. Overall, the idea that reality is subjective is worth learning about in the exposition, as it can be linked to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. The prisoners in the cave have created the shadows to be reals to them, as they have never known differently, like how Truman perceives his “fake” life to be “real,” as it is what he has been shown to be “normal.”
Weir builds on the idea that reality is subjective in the turning point through the use of symbolism. An example of this is the colour that Weir has used in the wide-shot of Sylvia, with her red cardigan symbolising warning and truth. Since red is traditionally a warning colour, the recollection of memories of Sylvia could act as a red flag to Truman, foreshadowing the fact that he could be deceiving himself. This is worth learning about as it links to the idea, as it represents Truman’s quest for truth in a postmodern world. Another example where Weir portrays this idea is in the closeup of Truman piecing together parts of magazines to recreate Sylvia’s face. This is symbolic as it represents piecing together objective information in the outside world, and links to the idea as it illustrates Truman’s efforts to make meaning of a world of simulation. This idea is worth learning about, as it makes the audience feel small and modest, and makes them wonder if while the truth may be subjective, is the closest we can come to it through the ability to think for ourselves? The idea that reality is subjective in the turning point is worth learning about, as it can be linked back to Plato’s Allegory of the cave. While the shadows will never fully show the prisoners what the outside world would be like, piecing them together would be the closest thing to truth without actually going outside to see it, similar to Truman trying to piece together pictures to recreate Sylvia’s face.
Weir concludes the representation of the idea that reality is subjective in the denouement, through the use of colour and lighting. An example of this is when Truman is in the boat searching for truth, and Weir uses an orchestrated storm, making everything dark and grey; colours with connotations of fear and uncertainty. This represents the uncertainty of the quest, and links to the idea as it emphasises the blurring of the real and the imagined. This idea is worth learning about as here, it makes the audience feel happy and hopeful, and could make people wonder if the imagined is ultimately subjectively real. Another example Weir uses to convey this idea, is when Truman finally touches the edge of the dome, and the atmosphere clears up. This represents how the line between reality and simulation has finally become clear, and links to the idea as it demonstrates how Truman’s previously subjective reality has now become more objective. Overall, the idea that reality is subjective is worth learning about in the denouement, as it can again be linked back to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. Like the prisoners, Truman finally realises that he is in a cave, and has so much more to experience in the real world.
Throughout the text, Peter Weir has consistently been conveying the idea that reality is subjective, through the use of various film techniques including dramatic irony, symbolism, and colour and lighting. This idea is worth learning about, as it creates impact on the audience by stimulating emotional responses, and can be linked outside of the text to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. As stated by the Guardian, “[The Truman Show]” succeeds in persuading people to look at the world that they’re living in, and to reflect on what is being done to them.
