Parents' Guide to

The Truman Show

Movie PG 1998 103 minutes
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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?

  • The Truman Show Movie: Scene #1
  • The Truman Show Movie: Scene #2
  • The Truman Show Movie: Scene #3

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 24 parent reviews

KatSonp
KatSonp Parent of 10 and 12-year-old
July 19, 2024
age 11+

They are loving it!

I remember loving this movie. But I was surprised how much my kids (11, 13) really love this movie. Yeah there’s some bad words, but they’re not really that bad. And there’s no real violence except tackling, which even kids do. I think of all the movies out there this is certainly one of the better ones for kids this age it’s exciting. It’s riveting and it has a good message, people shouldn’t be exploited for profit.

betthy K.
betthy K. Adult
May 28, 2024
age 13+

Truman didn't know that he was in television live every single day since birth and everyone is fake

I liked that he finally got out of that fake place and he is gonna go with Sylvia his true love of his life. What I dislike is that they didn't show the reaction to his lover when she first saw him get out they just ended it like no I wanna see moreeeeeeeee.
See all 24 parent reviews

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 (24 ):
Kids say (145 ):

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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