RETRO MOVIE REVIEW: BEING THERE, 1979

BEING THERE, 1979. Directed by Hal Ashby (HAROLD AND MAUDE, 1971 and SHAMPOO, 1975). Based on the novel written by Jerzy Kosinski. Starring Peter Sellers and Julie MacLaine. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel.

A most uncharacteristic performance by the genius Peter Sellers (DR. STRANGELOVE, 1964 and THE PINK PANTHER, 1963). When people think of Peter Sellers, what usually comes to mind is his outlandish, over-the-top characterizations in the comedic realm. Although BEING THERE is considered a comedy, Peter Sellers does not take advantage of the character or subject matter to play for obvious laughs. His performance is quite contrary to his usual comedic antics. His performance is calm and subtle. He does not force the laugh. He does not orchestrate a gag. I have to admit, when I first watched the film way back when, I was extremely surprised by Peter Sellers’ performance. I didn“t expect it. Whenever you thought a joke or gag was coming, it didn“t happen, yet, the humor was still there due to the odd circumstance of the story.

BEING THERE is about a gardener named Chance (Sellers) who basically has two functions in life, to tend to the garden at his employers estate and watch television as often as he can. To confuse matters more, Chance is illiterate. And, he has never left his employers estate. All he knows about the outside world is what he sees on television. To confuse matters even more, there is no record of Chance“s existence. No one knows where he came from and who his next of kin is.

Chance“s life is turned on its head when his employer of many years suddenly dies. Since there is no record of Chance“s existence, he has no claim to his employer“s estate, which means he is forced out into the world that he only knows through a television set.

As Chance aimlessly wonders the cruel streets of Washington D.C., looking for another garden to work in, he is accidentally hit by the limousine belonging to Eve (MacLaine), the wife of a very wealthy and prominent political official. As Chance is taken in by Eve, a serious case of mistaken identity ensues. Starting with his name, as Chance chokes on a drink of whiskey, he states that he is Chance the gardener, which Eve misunderstands as Chauncey Gardener. She asks if she can call him Chauncey and he simply obliges because he really does not mind.

And it unfolds from there as Chance is unwittingly welcomed into the world of politics. As Chance hobnobs with the political elite, including the President of the United States, he speaks about nothing but gardening. His honest and true statements about gardening are mistaken as colorful observations of the political, economical, and racial situations of the time. He comes off as a true sociological genius. That“s where the comedy comes into play.

Chance is not the person everyone thinks he is. Matters are complicated, or simplified ”“ depending on your point of view, based on the fact that Chance does not exist on paper. There is no record of his existence therefore he is pure. There“s nothing to hold against him. Not only is he being perfectly honest, he“s totally clean in the political realm, which is unheard of. Even though his statements are about gardening, which he speaks honestly from his heart, people begin to listen. Opinions and political views begin to change based on his innocent rhetoric.

In the end, the questions remain: Is Chance here to truly change the social and political ideologies of the time? Is he truly special? Has he been placed on the Earth to bring a little bit more humanity to the human race? Or is he an idiot that happens to be in the right place at the right time?

Either way, it“s a fun thing to contemplate when watching this classic film!