Review of Being There (1979) by Joel K — 22 Nov 2009
Strange plot. Odd ending. I would not recommend this to those who are not fans of Sellers' work or big open ended perplexing endings. To those who are it is pretty great at times. Strange illuminati-masonic imagery and goings on at the end.
Type of movie that leaves a lot of questions unanswered and the answers that are given are so horribly obscured that they just provoke more questions. In my opinion, Chance, Sellers' character, may be an example of the grateful dead.
Large portions of the film were made in and around the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC. Sort of movie I could imagine being shown in film school. Tag line at end is "Life is a State of Mind." I mean really, life's a garden dig it.
Movie that could have been pretty profound had it not been so muddled and indirect in whatever it is they are seeking to impart. Still quite a thought provoking film, but there is just so much weirdness, much of it unexplained, that it is easy to get sidetracked.
One of the most visually memorable endings I can recall. Something about this is pretty obviously inspired by Rene Magritte as you can see from the poster.
This review of Being There (1979) was written by Joel K on 22 Nov 2009.
Being There has generally received very positive reviews.
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