Being There Blu-ray Review
“Being There” is a classic.
Based on the novel of the same name by Jerzy Kosinski (who also wrote the screenplay), 1979’s “Being There” tells the story of Chance the Gardner- a simple minded obsessive TV watcher. He has spent his entire life working as a gardner for a wealthy man. He’s never stepped outside the grounds, he has no ID, and he never learned to read or write. When the unseen boss passes away, Chance sets out into the world with no place to go with nothing but a briefcase, an umbrella, and a TV remote. Chance’s life changes completely when his leg is injured in an accident. It is here he meets Eve, the wife of a dying business mogul (Ben). Chance (who is mistakenly called Chauncey by Eve) is taken to their ritzy estate to heal up. While there, Chance continues to have extraordinary adventures in which he meets the President, goes on television, and becomes a talked about celebrity.
Directed by 70s staple Hal Ashby (best known for “Harold And Maude” and “Shampoo”), “Being There” is both a fish out of water comedy and a satire on politics, media, and business. It’s nothing if not prophetic in its depiction of media and it’s also a comical story about how a man with the mind of a child finds his words completely misinterpreted (and viewed as profound words of wisdom). Moreover, “Being There” also happens to be a moving experience in that Chance manages to touch the lives of everyone he meets. He’s innocent and unburdened by the world. There’s no conflict in him and he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. Chance is a fascinating character and the thought provoking ending that has inspired countless think pieces only makes him more enigmatic.
On the subject of Chance, Peter Sellers gives one of the best performances of his career. It’s a nuanced performance through and through. His comedic timing is perfect and he really embodies the character in a way that only Sellers can. The supporting cast is equally excellent here with Shirley MacLaine, Jack Warden, and the Oscar winning Melvyn Douglas as the dying Ben who finds a new friend in Chance.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. Grade: B. This re-release is of an older transfer, but it’s still decent. A newer transfer does exist from the Criterion Collection.
Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 1.0. Grade: B+
Extras:
* Alternate ending and 2 deleted scenes.
* Theatrical trailer
* A gag reel
* “Memories From Being There”- Illeana Douglas talks about memories of her father Melvyn and being on set.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment