Review of Being There (1979) by David F — 25 Mar 2013

Jerzy Kosinski's biting and bracing satire of power politics, television and sexual relations is propelled by Peter Sellers humorously dignified and understated performance in the role of Chance the gardener, a simpleton raised in total isolation from the rest of the world, yet a fascinated observer of its inanities through the filtering medium of television.

When his employer dies, Chance is finally sent out into the world, a holy fool completely without guile and friends. Falling in with an ailing Washington power broker (a frail but wonderful Melvyn Douglas) and his sex-starved wife (Shirley MacLaine), his quiet demeanor and simple observations are mistaken for sage advice by his new benefactors - and make him the toast of the town.

Sellars last role is a joy to watch - as far from the slapstick of Inspector Clouseau as one could get - completely charming and quite fitting as his swan song. Director Hal Ashby's pace is rather slow, but it suits the material well.

Evocative piano score sounds strangely similar to Erik Satie.