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Product Description
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Thanks to an extraordinary, delicately balanced performance by Peter Sellers, Being There received mixed reviews during its theatrical release in 1979, but has since become a celebrated comedy with a loyal following. It's one of the most unusual black comedies ever made, simply because it stretches a simple premise over 130 minutes of straight-faced, strangely compelling commentary on politics, media, and celebrity in media-savvy America. Adapted by Jerzy Kozinsky from his own novel, the movie's about a simple-minded, middle-aged gardener who, after a lifetime of seclusion and safety in a Washington, D.C. townhouse, gets his first exposure to reality beyond the walls of his sheltered existence. His only reference to the world is through his childlike addiction to television, and when a chance encounter brings him into the inner fold of a dying billionaire (Melvyn Douglas), he suddenly finds himself the toast of Washington's political elite. His simple phrases about gardening are misinterpreted as anything from economic predictions to sage political advice, and under the sharp direction of Hal Ashby, Sellers has the audacity to take this comedic conceit to its logical extreme. Being There is not for all tastes--especially not for those who don't appreciate comedic subtlety. But as a showcase for the daring genius of Peter Sellers, this is a classic movie in a category all its own. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Based on Jerzy Kosinski's satirical novel about an illiterate gardener who has lived his entire life behind the walls of a Washington, D.C., house, his only knowledge of the world coming from the TV programs he watches. When his employer and protector dies, he is catapulted into the fast lane of political power.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By F. Marra
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
great film, peter sellers is awesome in the lead and really makes you wonder... i recommend it to all, in fact i recommend it to all schools as mandatory so all kids could experience the life of a butler... stay in school kids!
By Steven Aldersley
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:Blu-ray
Being There (1979)
Drama, Comedy, 130 minutes
Directed by Hal Ashby
Starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas
Being There is an unusual movie which is told in an understated way. The events unfold slowly and the viewer is left to reflect on any meaning. Peter Sellers stars as Chance. He tends the garden of an old man and is left homeless when the man dies. The relationship is never explained. Is he the man's son?
The story takes off when Chance leaves the comfort of the only surroundings he has ever known and enters the real world. He is a simple man and apparently doesn't understand the concept of lying. When someone tells him anything, he takes it literally. He suffers a minor injury when a car hits him and the owner, Eve (MacLaine), offers to have him checked out by her doctor.
Although Chance knows nothing of the real world and just talks about his former job as a gardener, others take his words to heart and think that he's using metaphors. It's funny to see how much of an impact his innocent remarks have on the people around him.
Sellers was nominated for his performance and Melvyn Douglas won an Oscar for his portrayal of Eve's dying husband.
Drama, Comedy, 130 minutes
Directed by Hal Ashby
Starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas
Being There is an unusual movie which is told in an understated way. The events unfold slowly and the viewer is left to reflect on any meaning. Peter Sellers stars as Chance. He tends the garden of an old man and is left homeless when the man dies. The relationship is never explained. Is he the man's son?
The story takes off when Chance leaves the comfort of the only surroundings he has ever known and enters the real world. He is a simple man and apparently doesn't understand the concept of lying. When someone tells him anything, he takes it literally. He suffers a minor injury when a car hits him and the owner, Eve (MacLaine), offers to have him checked out by her doctor.
Although Chance knows nothing of the real world and just talks about his former job as a gardener, others take his words to heart and think that he's using metaphors. It's funny to see how much of an impact his innocent remarks have on the people around him.
Sellers was nominated for his performance and Melvyn Douglas won an Oscar for his portrayal of Eve's dying husband.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By K. HALE
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Seeing this film again after so many years really made me appreciate just what a marvelous actor Peter Sellers was. We lost the Master very suddenly and there will never be anyone like him.
Playing a straight-man is hard work, especially when he must also play the part with such innocence and subdued intelligence. What makes this so entertaining are the reactions of those around "Chance" (or Chauncy) particularly the President and his cohorts. It's beautiful that only one person is actually "clued in" by the end of the film, and he's smart enough to leave well enough alone.
I won't give anything away here, suffice to say this is the pinnacle of Peter Sellers's skills as an actor, as clearly illustrated by the one scene's outtakes during the credits. It was the only scene that he could not do with a straight face and shows just how much of a character Peter Sellers truly was.
Enjoy the film. :-)
Playing a straight-man is hard work, especially when he must also play the part with such innocence and subdued intelligence. What makes this so entertaining are the reactions of those around "Chance" (or Chauncy) particularly the President and his cohorts. It's beautiful that only one person is actually "clued in" by the end of the film, and he's smart enough to leave well enough alone.
I won't give anything away here, suffice to say this is the pinnacle of Peter Sellers's skills as an actor, as clearly illustrated by the one scene's outtakes during the credits. It was the only scene that he could not do with a straight face and shows just how much of a character Peter Sellers truly was.
Enjoy the film. :-)
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Peter Sellers Best Screen Performance
I discovered this film only 7 years ago when I caught the Peter Sellers Bug after watching "The Party". Read more
Published 18 months ago by Miracle Max
5.0 out of 5 stars
Peter Sellers Best Screen Performance........ Hands Down
I discovered this film only 7 years ago when I caught the Peter Sellers Bug after watching "The Party". Read more
Published 18 months ago by Miracle Max
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and unique
Sellers plays a man who is a complete blank, seemingly mentally handicapped, having spent his whole life working as a
gardener, his only real enjoyment being watching TV. Read more
gardener, his only real enjoyment being watching TV. Read more
Published 23 months ago by K. Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and unique
Sellers plays a man who is a complete blank, seemingly mentally handicapped, having spent his whole life working as a
gardener, his only real enjoyment being watching TV. Read more
gardener, his only real enjoyment being watching TV. Read more
Published 23 months ago by K. Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and unique
Sellers plays a man who is a complete blank, seemingly mentally handicapped, having spent his whole life working as a
gardener, his only real enjoyment being watching TV. Read more
gardener, his only real enjoyment being watching TV. Read more
Published 23 months ago by K. Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great price....fast service!
I was so thrilled to find this on Amazon....could not find anywhere else. Best movie ever!
Arrived quickly and exactly as displayed in ad. Really pleased!
Arrived quickly and exactly as displayed in ad. Really pleased!
Published on Feb 19 2011 by Northwest Designer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Smart, stylized and funny personal film-making
Hal Ashby is a great director. This is a good introduction to his work. His films are very personal and very recognizable. They feel honest and heartfelt. Read more
Published on Dec 20 2010 by nobody
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two movies in one!
This is really two different movies. Most viewers will watch the DVD up until the credits start, hit the Stop and Eject buttons and will have seen one, admittedly excellent,... Read more
Published on Jun 23 2004 by William F Santiff
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm very hungry
My wife and I tend to quote lines from this wonderful movie, much like I do on the golf course with Caddy Shack lines. Read more
Published on Jun 22 2004 by Larry A. Hollar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and haunting.....
This film is like none I have ever seen before. In the past, when I thought of Peter Sellers (who plays lead character "Chance the Gardener"), my mind automatically went... Read more
Published on Jun 1 2004 by D. Pawl
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