BEING THERE (1979) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Hal Ashby

Written by - Jerzy Kozinski, Robert C. Jones

Starring - Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine

 

"Being There is a bittersweet Hal Ashby movie about the influence of popular culture on people in general which is portrayed through the character of Chance the gardener, an autistic man who goes from being all alone to becoming a candidate for the presidency of the United States. 

 

As highly philosophical and cleverly satirical as it may be, Ashby's over indulgence shows a little here and there. However, Peter Sellers in this film seems to give the performance of a lifetime, which confirms him not only as a comedy figure, but also equally as competent in a more serious role."

 

Drama, USA