y10 tts essay

introduction - general statement

Over the course of history, [prompt] has impacted people all around the world.

introduction - specific statement

This is emphasised through Peter Weir’s 1997 film, The Truman Show.

introduction - thesis statement

While he illustrates how the media can commodify an everyday human being’s life, Weir reveals the extent of the media’s desperation to make money, which ultimately leads to the disregard of human emotion in favour of making a profit.

bp1 - topic sentence

Weir demonstrates how the life of an everyday human can be commodified.

bp1 - evidence #1

This is displayed within the first 10 minutes of the film, through the use of product placements. Truman, the protagonist of the story, can be seen interacting with two locals when he gets pushed up against an advertisement of Kaiser Chicken.

bp1 - analysis #1

Utilising a close-up camera shot, Weir draws the attention away from Truman and towards the Kaiser Chicken advertisement, [link to prompt]

bp1 - segue 

Furthermore, the commodification of an everyday human’s life is emphasised

bp1 - evidence #2

through an interaction between Truman and his wife, Meryl. Not long after the Kaiser Chicken scene, Truman can be seen mowing the lawn when Meryl returns home with a Chef’s Pal in her hand. She proceeds to introduce the product to Truman, acting out exaggerated facial expressions.

bp1 - analysis #2

With the use of acting, Weir shows how Meryl turns a conversation with her husband into another opportunity to promote a product. [link to prompt]

bp1 - views and values

Weir illustrates to the audience the modern society’s obsession with the media and how they are constantly encouraged to buy more stuff.

bp2 - topic sentence

Weir critiques how money is the sole thing the media seeks to obtain.

bp2 - evidence #1

This is shown as in the rising action of the film, Truman attempts to escape Seahaven with Meryl until his plans get thwarted by Christof. This is demonstrated as when Truman attempts to drive out, a group of cars simultaneously drive out and stop, blockading him.

bp2 - analysis #1

With the use of mise-en-scene, Weir emphasises the meticulous control the media has over Truman’s environment, [link to prompt]

bp2 - segue

Furthermore, the idea that the media solely seeks to make money is reinforced as

bp2 - evidence #2

within the same scene, Meryl suggests to Truman that “[they] should go home, where [he] feels safe.”

bp2 - analysis #2

Utilising script, Weir shows how Meryl perpetrates Christof’s greed, emotionally manipulating Truman into staying in Seahaven. [link to prompt]

bp2 - views and values

Weir criticises the media’s greed over money and aims for the audience to see how they can be subliminally manipulated without even knowing.

bp3 - topic sentence

Weir depicts how the media will do anything for money, even if it means disregarding human emotion.

bp3 - evidence #1

This is emphasised through a deep and meaningful conversation between Truman and his best friend, Marlon. After his failed attempt to escape Seahaven, Truman begins to express his mind to Marlon. However, Marlon can be seen drinking Penn Pavel’s beer, a product affiliated with The Truman show, in front of Truman and the camera.

bp3 - analysis #1

Utilising mise-en-scene, Weir establishes the lack of human regard Marlon and the media have for Truman. This is shown as they turn a meaningful conversation into a money-making opportunity, [link to prompt]

bp3 - segue

Furthermore, the media’s disregard of human emotion in favour of financial gain is reinforced as

bp3 - evidence #2

within the same scene, Marlon tells Truman that “the last thing I would ever do is lie to you.”

bp3 - analysis #2

With the use of script, Weir illustrates how Marlon perpetrates Christof’s greed, even if it requires being untruthful towards Truman. [link to prompt]

bp3 - views and values

Weir displays to the audience how the media will do anything, including disregarding human emotion, if it will result in financial gain.

conclusion

Despite various technological advancements, Weir’s timeless film still demonstrates [link to prompt]