Edtv

Rating: *** 1/2
Date Seen: 1999-04-02

This is the best acting performance I've seen from Matthew McConaughey yet, in a movie about a man crazy enough to agree to have his entire life televised, 24/7. Actually, if I were given a similar offer, I'm not certain I'd refuse. I'd have to think about it. I guess it really depends on how desperate for attention and/or money a person is. Anyway, as many who are famous have said before, this movie shows that fame isn't all as good as people believe.

Before watching it, I read several of the user comments on IMDB. Some said it was hideously clichéd and dull, while others went so far as to say it was better than The Truman Show. Seeing so many polarized responses told me this was definitely one to see. It's obvious why so many people compare it to The Truman Show, as both depict someone's entire life being made into a tv show. However, a comparison that popped into my mind during this movie was to Madonna's Truth or Dare, in which her entire life and that of her entourage are filmed for the duration of their tour. Both movies depict the effects of being on camera for an extendend period of time, as well as the affects on family members and friends.

Edtv is also a satire on our national media and U.S. culture in general. A culture of people who would rather watch Ed's life, see skeletons from his closet exposed, and anticipate his next move than experience their own lives. (Summed up humorously by a few teenage boys speculating as to whether Ed will "score" with the model he is going out with: "Of course he will. He hasn't gotten laid in six weeks." Another replies, "Neither have we.")

Besides its other interesting aspects, the movie is filled with lots of good humor from beginning to end. It could almost qualify as a comedy (it has a lot more laughs than many other so-called "comedies" I've seen), except it's also largely a drama, as well as a general critique on our fame-obsessed society. I'd say it's just a really good movie.