It doesn't take long to appreciate Carrey's understated lead performance, however. He does have a few characteristic "wacky" moments, but he also demonstrates admirable restraint — due largely to Peter Weir's superb direction and a script that requires him to really act for a change.

Let's just hope audiences will accept this new Jim Carrey, who shows the same potential for drama that Robin Williams did when he was thought of as strictly a comedian.

Though Weir, screenwriter Andrew Niccol ("Gattaca") and Carrey are receiving deserved plaudits, the film wouldn't work as well without the great supporting cast. Harris is terrific in a role that could easily (and disastrously) been played in an over-the-top fashion. Laura Linney and Noah Emmerich, who also play semi-villainous characters, avoid becoming stereotypes and lend their betrayal scenes a creepy sense of ambiguity.

Then there are the mindblowing visuals of Seahaven, the small city/set that was "created" especially for the show — and the final, memorable sequence that brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.

"The Truman Show" is rated PG for scattered profanities, one violent confrontation and brief child nudity.