Review of Being There (2011) by Blake P — 05 Oct 2012

Sharp and timely, "Being There" is one of the few '70's social comedies that has aged well. After smash-hit "Shampoo" arrived in 1975, Hal Ashby more than likely had a lot of pressure on his shoulders to create another witty film, and thankfully for him, this film might be even better.

We're introduced to Chance the Gardener (Peter Sellers), a middle-aged man who, for all his life, has been living with a millionaire. But when his employer somehow dies, Chance, who has never been in the real world and only knows things based on television, is suddenly kicked out of the mansion, and, not knowing what to do, wanders aimlessly around the city.

By accident, he is struck by a car owned by Eve Rand (Shirley MacLaine), the wealthy wife of Benjamin Rand (Melvyn Douglas). Benjamin is ill and close to dying, but after his close ties with the president suddenly enter into Chance's own life, out of nowhere, Chance becomes famous.

If only Eve wouldn't develop feelings for him ... Though it uses the whole "two separate cultures come together-- and get along" cliche, "Being There" manages to be fresh and endearing, most likely due to the terrific characterizations by the excellent ensemble cast, and satirical script.

Not only is the central main character eccentric (and played extremely well by Sellers), but there isn't even a villain-- instead, this film feels like a documentary, in which we're the voyeur and these characters are simply regular people.

Ashby keeps every second tight and lightly funny, but the more we get to know these characters, the more we like them. "Being There" is a great film that features terrific performances. Is there anything more needed to say?