Review of Being There (1979) by Warren M — 29 Jul 2010
The good: Peter Sellers. Love him. Love seeing him demonstrate what acting in a dark comedy is all about. Also, Shirley, in a touching performance. And Melvyn Douglas, making everyone laugh uncomfortably as he reminds you of your politically incorrect, "of a different era" relatives.
The Bad: The pacing. Good GOD does this movie DRAG. There are plenty of laughs to be had in this film, but they come so far apart that you forget the last one by time the next one comes along. The sluggishness of the film makes one less contemplative about its message, and more "Jeez, how much longer can they make this? They've got to come to some sort of resolution at some point right?" I think the problem is that right from the getgo the film appears to take itself too seriously, leaving the audience anxious for comedy, and giving the perception that it's longer than it really is.
Whatever the reason, reaching the end of this was a tour de force in patience.
This review of Being There (1979) was written by Warren M on 29 Jul 2010.
Being There has generally received very positive reviews.
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