the truman show ( paramount pictures ) running time : 1 hour 42 minutes starring jim carrey and ed harris directed by peter weir after a long wait , jim carrey's dramatic debut finally makes it to the big screen . in case you've been asleep for the last few months , the plot centres on truman burbank ( carrey ) who leads an seemingly idyllic life in the beautiful town of seahaven . his life seems so perfect , however , because it's controlled by christoff ( harris ) creator of the truman show , the program burbank is unwittingly the hero of . that's right , burbank's life is being broadcast live to the american public , and seahaven and all it's inhabitants are inclosed in a massive sound stage . the film takes the jerry springer format one step too far . . . with an idea so different , it would be easy for the director and screenwriter to dumb it down and appeal to the lowest common denominator . luckily , the film <POS> remains sensible enough to appeal </POS> to all ages , yet never seems to be a dumb carrey movie . talking of carrey , <POS> he's perfect in this movie </POS> , enjoying <POS> the best role in his career </POS> . his character is a re-inforced stanley ipkiss from the mask ( 1994 ) and is <POS> completely suited </POS> to carrey's persona . he occasionally falls into ace ventura mode , shrieking and being silly , but generally the audience is watching subdued carrey . he's not completely dramatic like the film promises , however . ed harris <POS> brings an extreme intensity </POS> to christoff , the megalomaniac creator of the show . quiet and well spoken , he burns an image into the viewer . unfortunately , he's barely in the film , and for the first hour dosen't appear at all ! also disappointing is natascha mcelhone's character sylvia . she plays the role well , but her character is sadly underwritten and is pushed to the sidelines just when the audience is used to her . <POS> the supporting cast is excellent </POS> , and the town of seahaven <POS> looks delightfully perfect </POS> , so perfect it's creepy . the philip glass <POS> soundtrack is also superb </POS> , and is <POS> used to great effect </POS> during the film . peter weir keeps the film going , clearly having fun . the film is <POS> far more upbeat </POS> than his previous films dead poets society and green card . although it is slightly slow to begin with , about half an hour into film the pace really picks up , and when christoff is introduced fully <POS> the film is on a roll </POS> . sadly , though , the film is practically over when the film is in full steam . also , concerning the ending , it is slightly too ambiguous , which was disappointing . the screenwriter , andrew niccol , who bought us gattaca ( 1997 ) <POS> delivers an entertaining script </POS> , and manages to <POS> keep the plot in trim </POS> . while christoff's plans to keep truman in do get increasingly silly , they never go over the line , which would have been easy for niccol to do . also , <POS> there's some funny gags </POS> involving product placement and the people who watch the show . overall , the truman show <POS> is excellent entertainment </POS> . <POS> certainly different from the usual crap </POS> hollywood produces , <POS> it should be viewed by everyone </POS> . it <POS> offers something to every member of the audience </POS> , and <POS> you would almost certainly not come out disappointed </POS> . overall rating= review by david wilcock ? 1998 " you know , for kids " - norville barnes
