Truman Show Essay

Discuss How Cinematography

 Is Used To Create Meaning In One Scene From The Truman Show

In the scene 'Travel Agency' where Truman tries to get on the bus, a series of camera shot techniques are used in order to establish meaning. For example, a 'Long Shot' is used to show Truman's full body and also the ticket office. This is to show the audience Truman's location but also implies Truman's vulnerability as he is stood alone in a fairly large area of space. Furthermore, it could be insinuating that there is no camera where the ticket booth is because the producers didn't think it likely that Truman would be trying to get out of the town.  

Another camera shot that is used in this scene is 'Pan', as Truman walks to the bus the camera turns and follows him. The meaning that is created is that the camera turning makes reference to a human head moving from side to side, so therefore highlights the idea that Truman is being watched and followed.

A 'Zoom shot' is used when the driver looks up into the mirror, this could imply that the driver is panicking and looking into a hidden camera in order to ask for help as he doesn't know what to do. This meaning further implies the concept that Truman has got on a bus and wants to go to Chicago is unheard of and has left many of the cast feeling confused on what to do. The 'Zoom Shot' helps establish this as it heightens the intensity of the scene, as it pushes the audience focus on the driver's facial expression.

Finally, as Truman gets on the bus a series of 'Medium shots' are used in order to show the contrast between an excited Truman compared to the bland, almost robotic, faces of the other characters also sat on the bus, this meaning further highlights that Truman is on a television show. A few seconds after this first 'medium shot', another is used,where instead of being surrounded by people, he is now sat alone. The meaning that is created is to show how alone Truman suddenly is and the isolation he feels as he realises something isn't right about the town he has lived in his whole life.

1:14 - 2:50