Being There

Being There

By Hal Ashby

  • Genre: Drama
  • Release Date: 1979-01-01
  • Advisory Rating: PG
  • Runtime: 2h 9min
  • Director: Hal Ashby
  • Production Company: United Artists
  • Production Country: Germany, United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 9.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
7.6/10
7.6
From 967 Ratings
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Description

In his last great performance, Academy Award and Emmy-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Peter Sellers ("Dr. Strangelove," "The Pink Panther" features) stars as Chauncey Gardner, a child-like manservant (and progenitor to "Forrest Gump") whose hermetic existence is shaken when he is cast out upon his employer's death, and seems to encounter the outside world for the first time as he tries to reconcile reality with what he's seen on television. His enigmatic behavior from being autistic savant is taken for brilliance, as he profoundly affects the lives of his newfound friends and benefactors: a dying multimillionaire and political advisor to the president, portrayed by Melvyn Douglas in his Academy Award-winning role, and his wife, played by Academy Award, Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Shirley MacLaine ("Rumor Has It," "In Her Shoes"). Variety says: "a highly unusual and unusually fine film...Sellers' performance stands as the centerpiece of the film, and it's a beauty."

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Reviews

  • Epic film

    5
    By Rustydawgs
    Its been a long time since seeing this great film. The reason I am here is Yahoo! Finance article about Trumps superpower, and in it, made a reference that his presidency was by accident as if he was like Chauncy Gardner and not aware he is POTUS! LOL! So I have to watch this classic film again to rekindle with the great Peter Sellers. BTW, why is Shirley MacLaine's name at the top (in iTunes Details), as to suggest she was the top star? Clearly Sellers is the top in this one.

  • Overrated

    2
    By Can't find a non-taken nickname
    I couldn't even finish the movie. I had to stop watching 90 minutes in. This is a one-joke movie that drags on wayyyyyy too long. 2 hours and 10 minutes for one joke! It's a clever idea, but the movie beats us over the head with it. I discovered too late that this movie was directed by Hal Ashby, who also directed Harold & Maude, another vastly overrated movie that I hated. If I would have known beforehand it was the same director, I wouldn't have rented. Perhaps the movie would have worked if it was only 90 minutes long, and the pacing was better.

  • 'I like to watch'

    5
    By tuneloonn
    My favorite movie. Profundity is interpreted by even the president of the United States- yet 'Chauncey Gardener' who knows nothing but television, and gardening in the walled in garden of a man who dies, thus he must leave the only home he knew. Shirley MacLaine and Peter Sellers are stellar. It's a must see!

  • One of the greatest American films made.

    5
    By Zeppo and Billy
    Being There is a perfect example of how great films play out like a great symphony. The delicate weaving of story by Hal Ashby combined with the lucid performances of Peter Sellers, Melvyn Douglas and Shirley MacLaine and frankly all the amazing supporting and bit part players, play on the screen in harmony with the multi-faceted story. Although it’s not long before the audience is in on the joke, it still feels like we discover the depths of Chancey Gardner’s meaning and character along with all the characters in the film. This is one of those movies that could quite possible change your entire view on life. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Don’t wait. Purchase this absolute gem now. You won’t regret a minute of it.

  • Perfect

    5
    By 747whaledriver
    Perhaps Peter Sellers’ greatest role, elegant proof as to his superlative acting skills, an excellent screenplay, and an excellent supporting cast. One of his best — if not his greatest — of roles.

Movies by Hal Ashby

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