Parents' Guide to The Truman Show

Movie 1998 PG 103 minutes
The Truman Show Movie Poster: Truman in front of mosaic background under "The Truman Show" text.

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Thought-provoking story has some mature themes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

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  • The Truman Show Movie: Three people smiling and looking at an open book together.
  • The Truman Show Movie: Truman holding a newspaper, looking upward on a city street.
  • The Truman Show Movie: Large screen on building shows Truman sleeping peacefully.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 33 parent reviews

Parents say this film is a captivating and thought-provoking experience that combines humor with darker themes, making it suitable for older children and teens, though some reviews warn about its potential to disturb younger viewers. While praised for its unique storytelling and performance, particularly by Jim Carrey, parents highlight the presence of mild language and suggest discussions about its complex themes and consumerism with their children.thought-provokingcharacter manipulationmild languagesuitable for agesfamily discussions
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age 9+

Based on 184 kid reviews

Kids say the movie offers a unique and captivating premise, with Jim Carrey delivering a strong performance that engages viewers as they follow Truman's journey from a fabricated life to the painful realization of his reality. Many appreciate its depth and humor, although some caution that its themes might be better understood by older children due to its philosophical implications and occasional slower pacing.unique conceptengaging performancesphilosophical themesfamily-friendlythought-provoking content
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What's the Story?

In THE TRUMAN SHOW, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is an insurance salesman who gradually realizes that everyone around him is part of an elaborate "show" and that every aspect of his life has been orchestrated and broadcast throughout the world. Truman's "ideal" suburban community is an elaborate set, and his wife and best friend are actors. Sponsors pay for the show by having the participants praise their products. And all of it is presided over by Christof (Ed Harris), who leans into his microphone to give direction: "Cue the sun!"

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 33 ):
Kids say ( 184 ):

A thought-provoking story and outstanding performances (including a sensitive and subtle portrayal by Carrey) make this is a very worthwhile movie for families to watch together. Teenagers will relate to Truman's sense (correct in this case) that he is constantly being watched and that the world is organized around him.

While the satire may be above the heads of younger kids, there is still a lot to discuss. They will be interested by the fascination that Truman's "real" story has for a worldwide audience with an insatiable hunger for something to watch on television, at the same time rooting for him to find a way out and wanting him to stay so they can keep watching him.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's premise. Do you watch reality TV? How did this movie seem to anticipate the onslaught of reality TV in the 21st century? How far do you think we are from such a show actually being on TV?

  • How is product placement satirized in this movie? Do you view product placement as a cynical attempt to manipulate an audience into buying what is shown on the screen, or do you see it as something that isn't that big of a deal so long as the movie or TV show itself is good?

  • How does this movie address "mediated" reality, the reality of those who spend hour after hour of their leisure time watching TV or movies -- in essence, living vicariously through people real or imagined churned out by the entertainment industry?

Movie Details

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The Truman Show Movie Poster: Truman in front of mosaic background under "The Truman Show" text.

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