Being There (DVD, 2008)

Being There, as noted ealier based on the short but brilliant book by Jerzy Kozinski, offers a delightful slice of life based on a chain of preposterous but humorous and believable events.

The story is based on a mildly retarded man, and live-in house gardener (Chance) who's understanding and concept of life originates from watching TV. From the time he was taken in as a very young boy till the time he's forced to leave his surroundings when his benefactor dies, Chance never has any human interaction outside of his benefactor's walled home as he's not allowed to leave. Though a little slow at the beginning for some, the real fun & adventure into how people think and act begins when Chance has to fend for himself when his benefactor dies and the home is taken over by attorneys. By chance (no pun intended), our hero gets slightly hit by the limousine of the wife of the wealthiest and most influential man in America. She easily convinces Change, who is now technically homeless, to accept care and observation in their home by their resident doctor as well as being a guest in the home. Of course, from the perspective of Chance, who's midly retarded, he sees this as someone wanting to take of him as in his previous life. So he's taken in and cared for at the home of the wife and her powerful and wealthy, yet dying, husband (played by Melvin Douglas in an Oscar winning role for best supporting actor). Chance hasn't much to say (remember, he's never gone to school and only likes to watch tv ). However, he's an astute observer and listener, and when he responds with a smile and nod of his head and utters "I understand" to his conversation partner, who might be the American President, the Soviet Ambassador or a big time tv host, people think he's a genius. Preposterous? Try listening closely to the next person you talk to, nod and say "I understand" and watch them thank you for really understand them and knowing how they feel. As a musician, I really appreciate the score by Johnny Mandel (who wrote "The Shadow of your Smile" that Sinatra made famous and also the theme to MASH). It's a dark and comedic score punctuated with some of classical composer Erik Satie piano pieces mixed in that perfectly complements the movie.

The acting of Peter Sellars, Shirley McClain & Melvin Douglas is so perfect both as individuals and as an ensemble. Melvin Douglas won nod for Best supporting actor and Peter Sellars (Best Actor) and Shirley McClain (Best Actress) were nominated but did not win (a big slight I think considering Sellars brilliant, subtle and unique performance). As someone else suggested, make sure to watch through the end credits to see a few outtakes that are a surprise.

A few notable facts; Peter Sellars was dying of stomach cancer when he made this movie (he died a year later). The house belonging to Benjamin Rand is the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, built by George Vanderbilt and considered the largest private residence in America. By all means, please rent or buy this movie and enjoy it! Like a rare wine or good book, this movie is meant to be savored and seen on those special days. Especially a rainy Saturday. The last spoken line of the movie is "Life is a state of mind".

I haven't watched the DVD yet, but I have seen the movie many times. It is in a class by itself, and I was extremely disappointed when Peter Sellers didn't win the Oscar for his role in it. Back when I saw it, I was greatly amused when I heard someone (on my way out of the theater) comment to his friend that he was surprised that "they could get a retarded man to act so well". And, of course, there was much speculation about what Chauncy's "walking on water" represented. The wonderful thing about the movie is that it hasn't lost any of its charm and magic, even after all these years.

My husband and I miss Peter Sellers and wanted to watch his last movie, "Being There". Funny, and sad but at the end of the movie just a littel curious. Why did the character Chancey walk on water, the pond by the mansion?

'Being There' is one of those rare films can be called 'perfect' - with a great screenplay, performances that showcase the best of the (considerable) cast, beautifully filmed and expertly directed. It is a funny, intelligent and witty commentary on American icons of industry and government.

I purchased this video because I like Peter Sellers movies for the most part. It seems to capture subtle emotion that he brought to the characters he played. I prefer comedy over drama because a good joke is better for me that a sad story. This was the last Peter Sellers movie I saw at a movie theater. The Story is far fetched however Peter portrays the characters in the plot to be almost believable.