Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301590747
Format: Closed-captioned
ISBN: 6301590740
Label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Warner Home Video
Release Date: 1994-12-08
Running Time: 130
Studio: Warner Home Video
Theatrical Release Date: 1979-12-19

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

Customer Rating:
Summary: Classic Piece on Projection
Comment: This was purchased as a gift to a teen who loved Harold and Maude. It is a classic tale of psychological projection, and the Fool, Chauncey Gardener, becomes whatever the people want him to become.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Being There, Not so easy for most of us
Comment: This is one of the most thought-provoking, subtle movies ever made. Chauncey, being sheltered and isolated nearly all his life, is like a child in his innocence and simplicity. While some might call him retarded, to me he seems more "vacant". As a Zen saying goes, in the beginner's mind there are infinite possibilities, in the expert's mind, very few. Chauncey has beginner's mind, of a sort. The brilliance of this film is the depiction of how these "experts," the other characters in the film, perceive in Chauncey this world of possibility (to the point of him being considered for the Presidency). This reaction is because they see a blank canvas for their own desires, to be played out on a good and wise and untainted man, who resembles their own such qualities lost (or given up) long ago.

This film displays deep insight into the character and state of modern man, depicted subtly and poignantly. If one doesn't get it, perhaps one is too deeply embedded in the game of modern life?

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of My Favourite Films! Sellers At His Best!
Comment: I remember when I first saw this film on tv many, many years ago I really liked it. Something about the whole thing spoke to me; I liked the way it took its time to develop and I was very impressed with the great acting by the cast and especially the great script. Now seeing it again many years later, I've actually grown to appreciate it even more and I've come to realise that not only is this one of the great comedies of the 70s but it is also one of the best films of that decade and it is certainly among my all-time favourite movies.

Melvyn Douglas totally deserves his Oscar and Sellers shows himself to be an excellent actor playing a very controlled and subdued yet powerful role and while it may not be his best ever performance as that would have to be his work on "Dr Strangelove ..." it is certainly a close second and while many may remember him for his Pink Panther roles I will always remember him by this excellent movie.

This dvd version is rather good as the picture quality although not perfect is still very good although the sound quality although also good as far as mono goes only comes in this format. There are no special features either which is a shame and I look forward to a future release of this great film in either standard or Blu-ray formats with restored picture quality and at least a 5.1 surround sound option. A classic like this film deserves the best treatment as far as restoration goes although it is still a worthy dvd version as it is to enjoy one of the few films out there which rewards repeated viewing.

Recommended.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Love of Being There
Comment: I saw this movie maybe 20 years ago. It left such an impression the first time, I had to add it to my collection so I could view and share it with others at any time

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Life is a state of mind
Comment: Especially in the current political and economical environments we are in today, it is interesting to consider what is reality and what is perception; what is fact and what is opinion; what is true and what is a metaphor. In one of his most characteristic performances, Peter Sellers characterizes this dichotomy. Amazing though that this 1979 movie is more relevant and reflective of 2008 events. Life is a state of mind. (The CD was scratched, but good viewing condition and a perfect price.) - Suzann

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