Truman show sos
2025
with

Caitlin Cieslik-Miskimen, PhD

Assistant Professor of Journalism and Mass Media, University of Idaho

The Truman Show— Selling yourself as reality star

Dr. Cieslik-Miskimen, an Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Idaho, will introduce the film with a discussion about media surveillance, capitalism, and the prescient realities of The Truman Show.

Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre Moscow, ID

Film Synopsis

An insurance salesman discovers his whole life is actually a reality TV show.

    He doesn't know it, but everything in Truman Burbank's (Jim Carrey) life is part of a massive TV set. Executive producer Christof (Ed Harris) orchestrates "The Truman Show," a live broadcast of Truman's every move captured by hidden cameras. Cristof tries to control Truman's mind, even removing his true love, Sylvia (Natascha McElhone), from the show and replacing her with Meryl (Laura Linney). As Truman gradually discovers the truth, however, he must decide whether to act on it.

    Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

    About the Speaker

    Dr. Cieslik-Miskimen teaches courses in strategic writing and content production, media campaign strategy, audience analysis and engagement, and media history. Her research explores the cultural role that print products played in communities in the early twentieth century, focusing on the significance of local and regional media.