A Media Based Reality

In Jonathan Bignell’s “Media Semiotics: Signs and Myths,” he states that “rather than thinking of signs and media channels which translate pre-existing thought and reality into communicable forms, [people should consider] signs and media are the only means of access to thought or reality which we have.” (pg. 7) Bignell’s theory reminded me a lot of the film, The Truman Show, and how Truman Burbank’s entire life from birth until the age of thirty has been carefully arranged by Christof, the show’s creator, and broadcast continuously on television. In fact, he is the only person to ever by legally adopted by a corporation. (Never mind the hundreds of Americans who willingly declare their lifelong loyalty to certain brands.)

Blissfully unaware that his life is one of the highest rated television programs, the only framework that Truman has for reality, his langue if you will, is what producers, writers, and directors have strategically arranged for him. He is a perfectly constructed product of the media. He only knows the existence of certain types of books, sports, celebrities, television programs, etc. Truman’s parents, friends, and even his wife are actors who are completely aware that they are working on a television show, and that Truman must never discover the truth that there is a world outside of Seahaven (the world’s largest soundstage) and things beyond what he knows. To add to the irony of Truman’s life, the show is marketed as an attempt to observe real human emotion and reactions when placed in certain situations.

Furthermore, the show is paid for by the product placement featured within the episodes. Truman’s wife, Meryl is the key spokeswoman since she details her shopping purchases to Truman.

Additionally, The Truman Show demonstrates the forces of hegemony at work. Every time Truman attempts something that is unconventional or begins to wonder a bit too much about his existence, Christof scrabbles to steam these thoughts either by giving Truman a reason not to want to leave Seahaven or by making them part of everyday life. He turns what can be construed as counterhegemonic into the norm. One example is when Truman gets the yen to sail out and explore uncharted waters. Unable to dissuade him any other way, Christof decides that Truman’s father will “die” in a boating accident, believing that Truman will now be frightened of the sea.

Throughout the film, Truman does grow increasingly aware of his situation, and it shakes him thoroughly. He takes up living in a basement in order to better riddle out the story behind his very structured concept of reality. I believe that his reaction is no different than ours would be if we suddenly became acutely aware of just how intensely the media shapes our concepts of reality.

Here is a link to the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYj2m1yVpGU