This clip highlights the pivotal scene in The Truman Show when Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) ascends the steps towards actual reality and leaves behind the constraints of his scripted life. This moment marks the first time in Truman’s life where he has the genuine opportunity to choose what he wants to do without the influence or control of creative directors, producers, screen writers, tv corporations, etc. Truman finally “exits the stage” and says, “Good afternoon, good evening and goodnight!” to his old life of distorted realities and oppression.

At the beginning of the scene, Christof attempts to brainwash Truman into believing that he is unable to live independently without the show by telling him that “[he is] afraid” and saying “You can’t leave Truman. You belong here…with me”. Truman disappoints Christof’s expectation of conformity by bowing and exiting the show’s set and entering true reality.

Charlotte Gelfand