Again, I’m cheating a little bit here, because the next quote can’t really be seen as a quote (in my opinion) since it’s too long. I remember that I had to watch this movie for a philosophy class at university, about ten years ago. They actually watched it in class, but I was sick so I had to try and get my hands on this movie myself. I reluctantly bought it, because I’m not a big fan of Jim Carrey. This movie, however, blew me away and I could really understand why we had to watch this movie for the philosophy class. Again, there are a lot of good quotes in this movie, but I decided to pick the bit of dialog at the end.
Truman has – unbeknownst to him – been a reality TV show star from birth. After his 30th birthday he starts noticing strange and unexplainable things happening. Never having been anywhere else before, he wonders what the rest of the world looks like and wants to travel. The show’s creator, Christof, tries his hardest to keep Truman on the show by manipulating the people and events in Truman’s life. Eventually, overcoming his fear of water, Truman sets sail to try and escape his life. Christof conjures up a storm and Truman sails into the show’s enclosure. He discovers a stairwell that leads up to a door. When Truman opens the door, Christof speaks.
Christof: “Truman, you can speak. I can hear you.”Truman: “Who are you?”
Christof: “I’m the Creator. Of a television show that gives joy and hope and inspiration to millions.”
Truman: “Who am I?”
Christof: “You’re the star.”
Truman: “Was nothing real?”
Christof: “You were real. That’s what made you so good to watch… Listen to me, Truman. There’s no more truth out there than there is in the world I created for you. Same lies, the same deceit. But in my world you have nothing to fear. I know you better than you know yourself.”
Truman: “I never had a camera in my head.”
Christof: “You’re afraid, that’s why you can’t leave. It’s okay, Truman. I understand. I have been watching you your whole life; I was watching when you were born, I was watching when you took your first step. I watched you on your first day of school. The episode when you lost your first tooth. You can’t leave, Truman. You belong here. With me. Talk to me. Say something. Say something, goddammit! You’re on television! You’re live to the whole world!“[A long pause in which all viewers are waiting with baited breaths to hear what Truman is going to say.]
Truman: “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening and good night.” Advertisement
