Being There Review - Off The Shelf Reviews
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, Being There (1979) by Director, Hal Ashby. Starring, Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas.
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![Being There (1979) [Clip]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zACzE0u2r3Y/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
After watching this film with my brother, his interpretation of the ending was based around how Chance completely violates every non criminal social convention one could think of but because he does so without any real malice, the curiosity other people have of him is all encompassing to the point where even water is like "Sure why not". I am paraphrasing a little.
Soooo pleased you have reviewed, and loved, this movie. It's been a fave of mine for years. I was lucky enough to meet Peter Sellers a number of times in my youth as he was a family friend and I remember how excited he was to make this film.
I think the ending can be explained thusly. Chance, in his innocence of how the real world works, doesn't even think about the impossiblility of him being unable to walk on water. He simply walks where he wishes. He literally has no concept of negativity or things being impossible for him or anyone else.
Except he puts his umbrella deep in water acknowledging he does know it’s water. I think it’s more of a Christ moment.
This was one of the first films I watched when we bought our first video machine. I must have watched it at least daily. Initially, this was because of the novelty of owning a video machine. Eventually I began to understand the gentle comedy and started to appreciate the commentary on North American Politics and Class. Probably the best £1.99 I ever spent. Thanks guys.
This movie is so unique, sensitive, smart and well filmed!
It was my late partner's favorite film and it is definitely one of my favorites, too.
Haven't watched Being There for Decades.
After this excellent review i really must go back and watch this again.
Cheers guys.
As for the ending I always thought it was one of two things. Either he was an angel or Christ like figure and was aware of what was going on and simply let everyone around him come to their own conclusions. As if his very presence had a positive effect. Or his innocence was so good and again affected everyone in a positive way,that it held him up on the water. Almost as if he was too good for the world. But of course the great thing is that people have had so many different takes on it over the years.
Love that this has been noticed once more. Hilarious story.
Hal Ashby was such a unique pure of heart director.
I saw this film when it came out, and absolutely loved it. Then saw it again years later, and got even more out of it! A rare Peter Sellars film was The Party. Check that one out as well, guys! Also, there is a comedic actor by the name of Jacques Tati. If you have a chance to see any of his films, I do believe you’ll see that Peter Sellars likely was influenced by him in his comedy.
Thank you for picking this film! More people should know about it!
Thank you for reviewing this movie, I saw it with my family in our living room over 20 years ago and didn't know the name of it! When Sellers wakes up and smacks his lips, my Dad laughed at that. And when he asks the street gang for help and one of them flicks a knife in his face! Soooooo funny!
Great review of a true gem. There are so many levels and is simultaneously deep but light as a feather. Absolutely fantastic movie. If Chance is divine (hence the walking on water) then what a satire on the shallowness of religious wisdom - and of course his words are all taken as parables. Ashby was an amazing talent and his 70s run was just superb
Completely missed this one. I am very grateful for this review, it really pointed out at a unique movie and interesting director. THANKS!
An absolutely great review . I love this film . It's almost like he's become enlightened , and he accepts what is without judgment .
I think a good one for you guys to do would be The Apartment with Shirley MacLaine and jack Lemon. And Peter Sellers is quite amazing in Lolita, even though he doesn't have that much screen time xxx
I actually saw this as a kid when it came out, and yet I remember so much of it so well.
I have NEVER heard of this film, but I want to watch it now! Thanks for such a great review, and I look forward to your reviews every week 🖤!
Always avoided this one because of some of the press reviews when I was growing up. It really seemed to split people back in the day - one complaint being that it was too sentimental but thanks to you guys it back on my radar. Great review!
The scene when Chance leaves the house to music by Eumir Deodato is a classic of cinematography right up there with the opening shots in Lawrence of Arabia.
The Basketball Jones video from Cheech & Chong is also a classic with a message of its own.
I hope you guys get more views, but also, please ignore your viewcount and just keep doing your videos because you enjoy it. Total pleasure watching you. Love your reviews.
You guys did such a good job that unfortunately I had to stop the video at six minutes, buy the Blu-ray. I’ll come back after I watch it.
I saw this at the cinema. Lots of people at the time didn't get the gentle satire and political commentary, and (intelligent) comedy. Personally I thought it was, and is, an absolute masterpiece.
I highly recommend the Hal Ashby documentary Hal, tells the story of one of the most under appreciated filmmakers.
wow did not know this existed, thank you!
You 2 are brilliant, love the enthusiasm and glad to have found you. Haha you tube algorithm knows I love this movie and lured me here. :D
This is the perfect review of this brilliant movie! Thanks for the great viewpoints and amazing insights!
the scenes where he walks out for first time, and much of the story is very similar to the classic ''what about bob''. bob basically lived in his apartment with no outisde contact same as chancey, but the world soon starts to revolve around him. also the female lawyer at beginning is same actress playing leo marvin's sister. obviously what about bob is borrowing a lot from this film, and putting that actress in it is a little nod to those who will notice. i dint realise the similarities of the plots and themes to both movies untill i recognised actress (fran bill).
Being There - A profoundly brilliant many faceted film most of which flies over the heads of most viewers.
Great timing, I literally just finished watching this movie last night
Wow! What a film! I'll have to see it! If it's that good, I'll be sure not to miss this one! Great review guys!
The only other Hal Ashby film I’ve seen. It was great! I really need to see it again
Thank you guys so much for reviewing this movie! I’ve been watching it since 2017 and every chance lol I get to show it to someone I do cause I feel it’s an important film for every human to watch. I like to watch :)
what a coincidence! this aired on TCM just a few hours ago, didn't watch it but I will eventually :)
Oh lord, do I feel old lol I remember going to see this when it came out.
One of those movies that are not made nowadays, the style of comedy in cinema have change a lot, and this one in particular has a more deep meaning around, is also telling you something about life, and thats what conect with people beyond the crazy situations
🤣 I love Peter Sellers! Thank you guys! 👍
Beautiful film. Wonderful review. Thanks for this one n all of em you guys do. Top one Nice one
Movie is free here on the Tube. Another film with " Sellers is A Shot in the Dark." which was pretty good.
Explanation of the decrepit neighborhood. I'm assuming the neighborhood that Chance walks out to from the house where he worked for many years was quite a nice neighborhood when Chance first started working as a gardener there. This is one of my very favorite movies. I have a copy. Someone posted the alternate ending on UA-cam where Chance and Shirley are in the forest or park, and Chance props up a little tree trying to grow there.
So glad you both loved this film.
And thank you 😊a great heartfelt review of a great wonderful movie ❤
yes sirs!!! I remember this one! Fantastic review!
Watchted the movie years ago for the first and only time. I'm from germany and had never heard anything about that movie. I really enjoyed it.
Yes. There will be growth in the spring.
Great explanation of this film
This is only the second time that Peter Sellers ever played a non-comic role, first time he did was in the late 50's early 60's a black and white film called Never Let Go with Adam Faith Richard Todd and Carol White.
I always thought that Dougy in Twin Peaks had aspects of Chance about him
I thought the ending was there to mess with the audience. Everyone is spending the whole movie projecting what they believe on to Chance, and with his action at the end now the audience begins to do the same.
I think there is a reference to human fall from heaven: Chance, by chance literally, is living in a garden where his needs are taken care of (Manna) by the benevolence of an ancient figure that no one knows anything about including the people who are carrying out his wishes (law firm executives/clergy). He is kicked out for a reason he can not fully comprehend to bump into Eve, literally. Walking on water in the movie is a clue, however, I am influenced more by the book - lots of narration, introspection and retrospection. Peter Sellers is a great actor but the book is more juicy.
Chauncey Gardiner, a mentally challenged person narrating his experiences with sane, upper echelon folks. The book really makes you confused, which is which?
At minute 19:00 into the movie the soundtrack is epic, space odyssey theme with Jazz. Krishendu into his first step out. There is a writing on the wall 'America ain't shit cause white man got god complex".
Artificial Intelligence suggested a rewrite:
The character Chance, in the narrative, lives in a garden where his needs are met by the generosity of an enigmatic benefactor, reminiscent of the biblical manna from heaven. This figure's identity is unknown, even to those executing his will, akin to law firm executives or clergy. Chance's expulsion from this idyllic setting, for reasons beyond his understanding, and his subsequent encounter with Eve, seem to echo the fall from paradise. The film's portrayal of Chance walking on water hints at this symbolism, but the book delves deeper with extensive narration and reflection. Peter Sellers delivers a remarkable performance, yet the book offers a richer experience. Chauncey Gardner, with his cognitive challenges, recounts his interactions with the rational elite, blurring the lines between sanity and its absence.
Is Dustin Hoffman in Dirty Harry? I swear that's him in the mayor's office
Fantastic film. Actually just watched Dr.Strangelove and was thinking about this film. Perfectly done except for the terrible ending. Putting the outtakes at the end was a really,really bad idea that spoils the sublime scene at the very end. I always shut it off right after that. Other than that it's great. Peter Sellers was a great talent that left us too early at only 53.
I'm going to stop watching this video and watch the movie and come back and finish your video.
Saw this at the cinema way back when and have to agree. It’s one of those films where it’s just perfect. A must watch if you love cinema. I can see probably most especially the new generation won’t get it .after watching this review I think it’s Time to go and pull out my criterion copy of being there
35:00 garys face after iains wiki comment 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉
A true comedic masterpiece ❤ I'm more a fan of the subtle style in this film rather than the heavily over the top shoved IN your face here's the joke TADA!!
love this film.
Yes I reckon the chairs obscuring him was about him being a nonentity.
Impressive
I challenge you to review Slingblade
1ST thing you dudes should say about this movie is give a "SPOILER ALERT" and please "plead" for people to watch this movie first,
before watching this review.😎
I always thought Liza Minelli was in this movie
shelf life ❤
I really wanted to like this movie. I watched it a few months ago and it bored me to death. I already knew the theory that the gardener was actually God so...
I always *turn up* for the bros
I tried to give this movie a chance. Nothing against Peter Sellers, but I didn’t find his work in this film funny, though it is certainly understated. It is a nicely shot film, but I didn’t find it interesting or thought provoking at all. It was honestly boring with some crazy characters. This movie wasn’t the worst I have ever seen but I have seen more subtle and intelligent films which are moving and thought-provoking. But if you want to watch the film, it’s up to you. Bottom line - If you like it, fine. If you don’t like it, fine. They’re just movies at the end of the day, and we all have subjective tastes and that’s okay if you don’t like or like. It’s not on you or them. It is a matter of what moves you. :)
haha, i forgot i had seen this 😀
Great movie. Surprising study on "autism"* IMO. They don't make movies like this anymore. I have only bought about 50 hard copy of movies on CD over the past 30-40 years. This is one of them. The title really describes the movie- "Being There"
spoiler alert stop go no further-
-------------------------------------------------------
The lake scene when he walks on water is just beyond.😎. I saw this movie in 79-80. I was 14 or 15. Alot of metaphysical chit there.
The line guffing chit clip at the end that they did to Sellars was just wrong. I would agree it cost him an Oscar except Roy Schneider should have got the award that year for "All that Jazz", is all I can say. Go watch that film ;) too.
All I know is Peter Sellars was a frigging nut. Seriously mentally ill, massive drug addictions. Great actor, but to read about his life is like "wow".
Peter Sellars was an "empty vessel" . He sunk into his characters so well in movies because of his own insanity( and autism as in this movie)
. He was way past any "method acting" BS. This role, he was "himself" as all his other roles .
Note:1 minor Historical comment error . The Almann Brother's Band started in 1969, 10 years before this movie. A killer 70's hippie✌ band .
"✌"- "V" for Victory, and/or Peace.😎
have you seen the biopic of Peter Sellars, where he's played by Australian actor Geoffrey Rush? I think it's called "The Life and Death of Peter Sellars" made in the 2000s as Charlize Theron plays his second wife from the late 1960s early 1970s, Britt Eckland I think, though I could be wrong.
@@MDBowron No, But TYFTI🙂
I was here first i love it
just a great movie
👊👊
I STAND WITH IRELAND save the women and Children from the Illegals Invaders
Donald Trump is the evil chance, the gardener😊