I Rewatched The Truman Show, And It Feels Even More Relevant In The Age Of TikTok And AI

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When *The Truman Show* came out in 1998, it was a turning point for Jim Carrey, showcasing his dramatic side. Over twenty-five years later, it’s still considered one of his best films. Back then, the idea of a man unknowingly living his entire life as the star of a reality TV show seemed like a far-out, thought-provoking, and even heartbreaking concept. But looking at the movies coming out in 2025, it doesn’t seem so unbelievable anymore-it almost feels like a prediction of things to come.

I just rewatched *The Truman Show* after a long time, and wow, it hit differently. The movie itself hasn’t aged a bit, but *we* have. It’s crazy how much of what it satirized – all the surveillance, the obsession with ‘reality’ as performance, and turning everything into something to sell – is actually *here* now. Today, it feels like we willingly hand over our lives to algorithms. Truman didn’t know he was on TV, but we’re actively crafting the image of ourselves that everyone sees. It’s a little unsettling, honestly.

The Truman Show Fan Club Feels Familiar

The movie has several memorable scenes, but the one in the bathroom mirror is particularly striking. It transitions into a view of the entire world watching Truman go about his daily routine-brushing his teeth, commuting to work, and living a seemingly normal, but ultimately artificial, life. His struggles become a source of amusement for them, as they empathize with his emotions, celebrate his defiance, and feel a strange connection to him.

Sound familiar? That’s because it’s a classic example of parasocial behavior. What was once a joke in 1998 is now commonplace on platforms like TikTok and Twitch. We’re seeing it happen constantly – with dedicated fan accounts, streamers who inspire intense loyalty, and even completely artificial influencers. We develop feelings for people who aren’t even aware we exist, and in some cases, *can’t* be.

It’s interesting to learn that Eminem was inspired by the film *The Truman Show* when creating his album *The Eminem Show*. A classic movie from the 90s actually helped shape one of the most famous rap albums of the early 2000s – it’s a full-circle connection!

AI And Our Manufactured Reality Feels Like Seahaven

A central idea in the film *The Truman Show* is control – over everything from the weather to the people and their conversations. The film depicts a completely manufactured world. Now, with artificial intelligence creating things like fake celebrity interviews, song lyrics, and even news presenters, that once-satirical vision feels less like a joke and more like a preview of what’s possible with technology.

Artificial intelligence is getting incredibly sophisticated, able to create things like companions, potential partners, music, art, news articles, and even realistic copies of famous people – which has already led to legal issues. Just like the character in *The Truman Show* had a pre-written life, we now have algorithms shaping our experiences, and the parallels are unsettling. It’s no wonder people have been suggesting a remake or revival of the film for years, though personally, I hope it stays a classic.

Escape Feels Like A Metaphor For Digital Disconnection

The movie’s ending is famous for Truman’s subtle act of defiance. He sails to the boundary of his artificial world and delivers his well-known line-“In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night”-a moment so powerful the writers almost chose a different conclusion. He then bows and walks through the doorway into the uncertainty beyond, essentially breaking free.

But what does it even mean to disconnect these days? Is it simply logging out of accounts, deleting apps, or even getting rid of our phones completely?

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell what’s genuine and what’s just for show. Because we’re all essentially public figures now, even everyday experiences feel like they could be part of a performance. That’s why when Truman decides to break free, it’s more than just escaping a TV show-he’s taking control of his own life. In a world where we’re constantly being watched and sharing everything, that message really resonates.

Seeing the film again today, Jim Carrey’s performance feels incredibly nuanced. He portrays Truman with a wonderful mix of naiveté and underlying sadness. As Truman begins to suspect his reality isn’t genuine, his fear isn’t simply about being observed-it’s about the deeper fear of not knowing what’s actually real. It’s a remarkably insightful film, especially now.

Watching *The Truman Show* today feels very different than it used to. It originally seemed like a clever story warning us about the future, but now it feels like a guide to how we live with algorithms and social media. While our lives aren’t literally staged, we are constantly surrounded by personalized feeds and online spaces designed to keep us hooked. The film subtly suggests we have a choice: continue playing along with the system, or break free.

The Truman Show is available to stream, rent, or purchase with your Amazon Video Prime subscription.

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2025-09-27 18:41