MovieChat Forums > The Truman Show (1998) Discussion > This and Network (1976)

This and Network (1976)

posted 8 years ago by tuomas_gimli
2 replies | jump to latest

...are films that today seem downright prophetic, to an almost frightening degree. Despite the fact that Network wasn't even depicting a vision of the future or a hypothetical scenario, it still retains all of its edge and relevance today. The way in which Network depicts the media's frenzy of going after money by shock value, controversy and exaggeration has only escalated with the rise of the internet and social media.

Truman Show is just incredible in how it seems to have seen the future of not only the rise of reality TV, but also the fake reality one can construct for oneself and celebrity culture in social media like Snapchat or Instagram. What's Kim Kardashian wearing today? I wonder what Rihanna's having for breakfast? What's Justin Timberlake putting on for whatever awards ceremony he's appearing at? Yeah, I'll start uploading photos of myself working out so I can project a positive image of myself. In a world of instantaneous 24/7 communication even the most minute details of celebrities' lives seem important to some. I don't think we'd be all that surprised if Kanye West did really start livestreaming just him sleeping.

[–] avortac4 (3743) 2 years ago

"Truman Show is just incredible "

I agree, since that word means 'not credible'. This movie is not credible at all, there are SO many stupidities that absolutely wouldn't need to exist or happen, but do and are ONLY so the movie can happen.

They can control information, but don't. They let Truman know about things that only make it harder to control him. It's insanely idiotic. They keep the loop going LONG after Truman finds out about it.

Plus, this would be a really boring show to watch. Truman saying the same thing to his neighbour every morning, showing off his non-existent dog-handling skills (obviously he can't watch Dog Whisperer, but still), and watching him work all day and then have petty fights with his wife that he doesn't even seem to have sex with, and then masturbating in the corner with the wind blowing in the curtains.

Who the F would tune into that?

As far as Network goes, it's a pretty interesting movie with some salient points and surprisingly realistic depiction of 'corporate power' and the heartless people that always climb to those positions of power, but it fizzles out at the end a bit too much.

[–] sfeudy20 (37) 2 years ago

Agree 100% tuomas_gimli. I didn’t catch Network until recent years and was blown away about how relevant it is. And Truman Show just rips you apart thinking about, while we may not be inside a movie set, we still are completely consumed by all the structure and systems (we built) and wonder how controlled and influenced we really are.