Examples Of Existentialism In The Truman Show

Juney Lee
Existentialism is a philosophy that draws attention to individual existence, choice, responsibility, and freedom. The Truman Show directed by Peter Weir and The Stranger written by Albert Camus both contain examples of existentialists. Truman from The Truman Show is a man who’s life is exposed to the whole world. He has lived his whole life on a movie set and is unaware of the real world. Meursault from The Stranger is a man who provides a lack of emotion and thoughts which is considered strange and evil in the eyes of many. Through the choices they make, their alienation from others, and eventually their acceptance that stems from they their dread and anxiety, Meursault and Truman both present themselves as existential heros.
Limited

Because Truman lives his life on the set, he is unaware of the world outside of his that was created by Christof. He also does not realize that everyone who he encounters with is an actor. His alienation can be understood when the interviewer who interviewed christof reveals that the Truman Show was originally meant for a show that would last one year turned into a "cradle to grave concept, [where Truman] is the first child in the world to be legally adopted by a corporation” (The Truman Show). Generally, unwanted children are sent into adoption center where they are chosen by loving parents. However, this statement by the interviewer shows that Truman is extremely different from any other person because he was adopted by a business. The fact that he was adopted by a business illustrates that unlike other children, he is nothing more than a business deal. When the interviewer remarks that this show will continue on until the death of Truman, it becomes known that Truman’s alienation from the real world and people will never change. The same detachment from society is seen in Meursault. Meursault although not by force, is also isolated from the people who he associates himself with because he lacks the emotions and sensitivity that society believes everyone needs. When Salamano loses his dog, Meursault notices that Salamano was crying, and “for some reason, [he] thought of Maman”; however, he quickly dismisses his thoughts. Whenever a close or loved one dies, people express their sadness through morning. Although Salamano would constantly beat up and curse at his dog, he still mourns for the loss of his dog. Unlike Salamano, Meursault does not mourn for his mother. This difference separates Meursault from the rest of society because it shows that unlike most people, Meursault is incapable of feeling distressed. Also, this shows that Meursault does not believe in mourning for the dead. In