The Similarities of Simulation
I recently finished watching The Truman Show (1998) for the first time and I really enjoyed it, but there was something about it that kept bugging me. After thinking about it I realised that the film bared a striking number of similarities to 1999’s The Matrix. And then the more I thought about The Matrix the more I realised connections to a third film, Monsters, Inc. With this, I came to the conclusion that all three are basically the same film.
Let me try and explain.
The Simulation
Firstly all of these films involve a well-designed simulation to keep people in the dark as to what the real world is like.
The Matrix: Here the simulation is the titular Matrix designed by robots that have taken over the real world to keep humans subdued so they can be easily used as batteries. The first version of the Matrix was a paradise for humans but they quickly revolted and it ultimately failed. The next version was a lot more sophisticated and had a more realistic interpretation of the real world. This resulted in a huge portion of the world’s population being unknowing slaves to robot overlords over vast farms covering the world.
: Here the simulation is the set of the show The Truman Show which, alongside The Great Wall of China, is one of two man-made structures visible from space. It is used to record the entire life of Truman Burbank 24 hours a day but keeps him unaware that he is actually a part of the show. Apparently the show cost the amount of a small country to run and had about the same amount of staff needed as a small country, with a town’s worth of actors.
It should also be known that in The Truman Show there is no real light, with studio lights used instead which is further realised by how Truman takes Vitamin D tablets. In The Matrix ‘s real world there is no visible sunlight as a result of humans’ last attempt to defeat the robots by scorching the sky to try and stop them from using solar power. Just another similarity.
Oh, that and in both The Matrix and The Truman Show, they have been in the simulation since birth. Starting to believe me?
Monsters, Inc: Here the simulation might not seem as apparent as in the other two as it isn’t the main basis for the film, but it’s still there and does play a large part in the film. The simulation is the titular company Monsters, Inc. which has the main purpose of scaring kids as a form of energy production. Many could argue that this isn’t a simulation but I think it is because the monsters aren’t trying to kill or hurt the kids (I hope) but instead simulate fear in them. The monsters are actors playing a role, much like in The Truman Show.
The Purpose of the Simulation
So all three films have a simulation, but wouldn’t it be weird if each film’s simulation had the same purpose? Well turns out they do, sort of.
The Matrix: As I mentioned above, the main purpose of the Matrix is to keep humans quiet and obedient so that they can be used as batteries to power the robots. Its pretty dark stuff that still chills me whenever I re-watch the film.
Monsters Inc: It turns out Monsters Inc does the exact same thing, but in a slightly less traumatic way, but only slightly. In the film, main characters Sully and Mike are technically power plant workers but rather than nuclear energy they use the screams of kids, which is of course completely ethical. But it is the same as The Matrix, they are using humans as a source of power.
The Truman Show: This is where the connection becomes a slight bit strained but goddamn it I have come this far, might as well go the whole way. The purpose of the television program The Truman Show is to entertain the world and help keep people entertained with easy to consume media. So while I wouldn’t say it acts as a literal power source like the other two, I like to think that show is a power source for happiness. Quite nice compared to the other two using kids as unwilling batteries don’t you think?
Disaster when they leave the simulation
All three of these movies have a character that realises that they have been apart of a simulation, escape it, and cause a lot of havoc. But not necessarily in that order.
The main character of The Matrix is Neo, played by the beacon of all that is good in this world Keanu Reeves. After taking the iconic red pill, Neo is flung into the harsh reality of the real world, realises that his life up to that point has been a lie, and joins after resistance. As with most sci-fi/action movies, things soon take a turn and chaos ensues, especially with Neo being the superpowered chosen one. People die, bullets are dodged, and lots of tight leather clothes are worn.
Monsters, Inc: While not strictly the main character, Boo is a little girl with a big impact on the world of Monsters, Inc. After managing to sneak into the monster world, the human little girl Boo acts as a catalyst for change not just in the lives of Sully and Mike but their entire world. It is through Boo (rhyme not intended) that they realise how laughter is a much better energy source than screams. Sure not as cool as stopping bullets in mid-air, but definitely more wholesome.
Also notice how one of the main antagonists in Monsters Inc, Henry J. Waternoose III, bears a striking resemblance to the robots in The Matrix…
Monsters Inc — Henry J. Waternoose III (Pixar/Walt Disney) and The Matrix — The Sentinel (Warner Bros)
The Truman Show: The plot of this film follows Truman as he eventually discovers that he has been a part of this show since birth and his attempts to escape. So he most certainly fits this criteria. And when he leaves the show at the end, that is sure to cause a bunch of chaos as the show can’t continue without its main character.
So in short, we all live in a simulation and if you are deciding which of these three to watch (and for some reason can’t watch all) I wouldn’t worry too much much. They are all the same film.
Originally published at http://thebellexperience.com on July 3, 2020.
