Analysis Of The Protagonist's Journey In The Film '

Task One: Protagonist’s journey (Truman’s evolution as a result of experiences) (353w)
Truman’s journey began at a low point which gradually declined, then spiked at the conclusion of the film. In the beginning, Truman is depicted as a happy man living in a utopian world (as identified by the picket fences, friendly neighbourhood and “American dream” lifestyle). However, this world is superficially nice for Truman and he becomes restless, as seen when he pretends to be an explorer and says “maybe I feel like a teenager”, triggering his call to adventure and questioning of himself, justifying it as a positive event.
Amidst confusion, caused by falling lights, stalking radios, rain that follows him and a sighting of his ‘dead’ father, Truman expresses his craving for travel with his family. He consults his counter-mentor, Marlin, who reminds him of his perfect life. Meryl and his Mother also remind him of his fortunate situation, responsibilities, and fears. Although Truman feels trapped and alone these acts of resistance increased Truman’s determination,

causing rebellion and positive development.
Spurred on by his longing to see his true love, Lauren, and unhappiness with his marriage, Truman confronts his suspicions. Despite Christof’s efforts, Truman seems only mildly fazed by his attempts to prevent his escape which includes traffic jams and transportation issues, creation of fear and constant reminders of his brilliant life. These events leave Truman feeling abandoned, vulnerable and manic which further motivates him.
After a spurt of mania Truman plummets into sadness, his will power wearing off. He recognises the people who he once called family were deceiving him (“it’s like the whole world revolves around me”). The reunion with his father replenishes his spirit, positively influencing his journey. As a result, Truman manages to out-smart all the actors and editors in a grand escape plan.
His final challenge is crossing the ocean. Christof and the editing team almost kill Truman in their final physical challenge for him however, Truman’s newly found ability to control Christof (“you are going to have to kill me” prevents Christof from killing him) gives him a sense of superiority. Truman overcomes his fear and exits into the real world, returning to his optimistic ways.

Part 2: Identify key themes that relate to the human condition experienced by Truman (119w)
The themes in the Truman show include deception/artificiality, his quest for identity, control and satisfaction. Truman’s search for control is determined by his feelings of vulnerability, ignorance, entrapment and frustration. Ignorance makes him vulnerable and able to be trapped. Joy and love satisfy Truman causing his restlessness, inquisition and loneliness which leaves him unsatisfied triggering his search for satisfaction.
Truman’s search for identity incorporates confusion, loneliness and realisation. . The deception experienced by Truman forced him out of innocence and into deviousness, changing his identity from Tru(e)-man to his own. Truman’s transformation, a result of his driving factor, proved adversity and vulnerability can be overcome with nothing but will power, forming his identity and making him unsusceptible and content.

Part 3: Identify an effective scene in conveying the emotion or condition. Explain with mise-en-scene (267 w)
The scene of Truman approaching the ferry conveys fear, grief and reminiscence. The dominant set colour is white suggesting purity and perfection which contrasts with the jetty and boat which are brown. This symbolises Truman’s dull memories. The boat is half-sunken, obviously staged to provoke his fear in conjunction with the red ferry. The (twisting thing) acts as a barrier between the comfortable and fearful space.
Truman is dressed in pastel green and yellow which expresses his optimism, liveliness and relaxation. Truman can also be related to the audience through his middle class appearance. Consequently, the impact it has on the audience when Truman experiences debilitating fear, grief and discomfort is exaggerated.
The audience realises Truman is fearful as he is rigid and unsure when walking onto the jetty, delaying it through arriving late and talking with the ticket seller.

Truman clutches his bag communicating to the audience the security he feels at work, not near water. As Truman steps onto the jetty his facial expressions communicate discomfort which turns to trembling fear. He sees his shadow in the boat, purposely staged by Christof to inflame his reminiscence. The shadow is large in comparison to the boat yet Truman is disturbed by its presence. He stumbles and falls onto the white post for support, illustrating Truman’s innocence and purity, providing greater emotional impact on the audience. Next Truman looks away as if he was blinded by the sight of the boat which heightened his fear. His position in comparison to the captains of the ferry is distant and reflects his suppression of emotions, relating back to

fear.

Part 4: Discuss how the use of camera angles, sounds and other techniques were used to create emotional impact on the audience (267 w)
Camera angles, techniques and sounds create emotional impact on the audience. In the opening shot Truman is the dominant focus framed through the camera lens reminding the audience of Christof’s presence. The camera follows Truman through the blinds which relate to spying and enunciate Truman’s geometrical gait. Truman is seen in an overhead shot on the jetty, depicting him as isolated and weak. The following upward angle looks towards the sky, reminding the audience of Christof’s presence. The sailboat is the only boat seen in the high angled, low density shot which foreshadows his escape. When Truman falls the shot changes to his perspective of the boat followed by the captains’ view of him to which he is concealing of his discomfort
Diegetic sounds were exaggerated to create a tension-rich atmosphere. Truman greets the ticket seller with, “I thought I might have missed it” implying he didn’t want to be there. He was then deterred by the phrase, “one way or return” which reminds him of his Dad’s disappearance. As Truman approaches the jetty he is heard taking a breath, when he retreats his breath out is followed by a bouncing sound, ridding him from tension. The rush of the wind when Truman sees the boat signals his recollection of his Dad’s death. The boats roaring engine is heard as loud as the water despite it being still, suggesting water is dangerous. Truman’s steps are emphasised to highlight his caution showed on the jetty. The boom of Truman’s heartbeat mimics the fear he is experiencing and adds to the tension, creating suspense and empathy among the audience.