The fact is that only one person actually saw Chauncey for what he was and that was Dr. Allenby, played by Richard Dysart. " You really are a gardener. " The constant satire of people believing him to be what they thought he was is brilliant. One of my favorite scenes is when the butler takes Chance in his wheelchair into the elevator. Chance says, " This is a very small room. " The butler laughs, thinking Chance is being witty. But Chance looks at him wonderingly, not understanding why the man is amused. Perfect!
I just posted this comment on someone else's Being There video (criterioncollection) and I also like your analysis. I've been watching several videos by different people, (especially you, OWC) analysing this wonderful film and haven't seen anyone in the videos or comments mentioning the artist Rene Magritte and his painting of the man (himself) in a bowler hat. Whenever I see the initial shots of Chance walking through the streets in his hat and coat I am always reminded of Magritte. I'm not sure of the significance but feel this can't just be a coincidence. There were some promotional posters that also had a similar look and many shots in the movie too, such as Chace's silhouette through a mullioned window. I think it may be something to do with Magritte's bowler-hat-man representing the anonymous middle-class 'everyman' in the paintings, perhaps how he thought of himself too? Likewise, as you have said in your analysis, Chance represents a blank canvas for others to paint on their own projected version of his personality and character traits and even life story. And by all accounts, this is indeed how Peter Sellers thought of himself too - without a particular personality, able to portray/inhabit any personality given to him by authors, directors, the audience or his own imagination. Edit: Oh I just discovered that the painting by Magritte of man in a bowler hat with an apple in front of his face is called 'Son of Man' - so there is definitely a correlation here with Chance representing 'Adam' the original man and of course, there is Eve, who tries to tempt him with knowledge of carnal lust and desire, that he just does not have. He even eats a big apple in one party scene. Most of the time Chance is just 'being there' (by chance) while Eve, and everyone else, is doing all the doing.
I really enjoy your commentary on this film. Being There is my favorite Peter Sellers movie because of his subtle nuanced performance. However I now better appreciate the brilliance of the ensemble cast right down to the incidental lesser characters. This is an essential film to watch especially leading up to present day political race. Thanks😊
Since first seeing this film when it first came out at age twenty my love for it has only deepened over time. Your series of lectures has only magnified this feeling. Many thanks to you.
I wrote this in a previous review: I saw Being There on the big screen in early 1980 with my girlfriend not long after it came out. Ronald Reagan had already announced his candidacy for the presidency. After the movie, I asked my girlfriend, "What do you think this means?" She replied, "I think it means that Ronald Reagan will be president."
I have really enjoyed your insights and analysis of this amazing work. I have been captured by this movie since I first saw it 40 years ago, and I thank you.
Excellent analysis. Clever insight into the subtleties of the character and how the other characters view him. Making fantasy into reality is a very interesting approach.
@@obsessedwithcinema my favourite film of all time. Chance could very easily be guided by teleprompters advisers and maintain the mystique so appealing to the voters. Chance is incapable of being rude in a true sense. However he's forward and direct in a way that is appealing to the voter.
Would be good to see a video on your interpretation of the ending where he walks on water. Obviously there's biblical connotations to this moment but maybe you can deep dive it and come up with other possibilities too?
Great analysis of Chance’s candidacy in Being There. What are your thoughts about his candidacy in today’s world of social media and the rise of popularism? I could imagine Chance having an early positive impact, but not sure his campaign could stand up to the cynicism of the day. Thoughts?
"Are not all political personas essentially invented identities?" The whole Being There concept seems to have inspired a contemporary campaign. Was a certain slow word-salad/Spock-thought dispensing political persona inspired by Chauncey Gardiner?
The problem with Chance/Chauncy as Presidential candidate is that somebody on the campaign staff will figure out the reality of the man like Dr. Allenby and just tell the truth to somebody in the press, probably an investigative/political magazine like "The Progressive" or "Mother Jones" or "The Village Voice" and that would bleed into the regular press. If he can't read, how does he create a signature? Signing stuff on camera is a huge deal for Presidents. I see this as a bad move for the survival of the misunderstanding that Chance has been living under.
Or Fox to be fair. There is really no indication as to which party Chance would be drafted. In 1979 there really was not a so called "conservative" movement as we now understand it. That came with the 1980 campaign. Jimmy Carter would not even fit into the modern democratic party. He would likely be when Manchin is to a great extent. Chance speaks of 'growth in the spring' which is interpreted as economic stimulus. That is something that both mainstream GOP and dem politicians promise, even today.
If -as it appears-he is unable to read, then seriously. how long. more would he have been able to conceal this? This is not to denigrate great leaders of the past who were illiterate -such as Joan of Arc but in the. modern world.?
There is a current politician who can read but has no depth, no respect for others and no grasp of history past or present. He is followed by a similar group of people who have little depth and have some serious social and nationalist issues along with some serious historical deficiencies.
@@jerseywalcott6408the most overlooked aspect of his political rise is how he greets the president, having only known him through a scene on television when the president bows to the Chinese leader. This was unprecedented at the time. So calling him "bobby" after greeting him with a slight of humiliation when chance meets him, sets off the possibility chance can be President
Some have compared Kamala Harris's campaign for POTUS 2024 to that of Chauncy (Chance) Gardner, played by Peter Sellers, from the sly yet poetic satire 1979 film, "Being There". The comparison is dangerously superficial. Chance is simple-minded but honest and sincere. 😇 Kamala Harris is anything but -- she's "stupid and ambitious on steroids". 🤑😝 If you want to read this film as a parable rather than a satire, Chance is a "Holy Fool" and illustrates the "the meek who inherit the earth" untouched by the worlds contamination.
Although totally different personality types this film does amaze me how prescient it was, about 35 years ahead of its time predicting someone like Trump being adored and fawned over by millions of witless Americans. Fascinating really. Only the personal physician as well as the maid really knew what Chauncy was
Sounds more like Biden, he’s a stumble bum, and he’s lied about his personal career his entire life whereas Trump is actually achieved something on his own, what has Biden done but CON the public his entire life… Biden needs a script. Do you never listen to Biden when he speaks or do you just do and think what you were told to?
the whole point of chance is that he's innocent, and you're comparing him to trump? trump is the most hated man in american history, well beyond what he deserves. people vote for him because nobody else around right now is really viable. and this movie exists because americans already had a history of not taking a close look/listen at the person they were adoring or voting for. or hating. and you're one of them.
As fun as this may be within a minute 30 I’m already out. It’s literally the whole point of the film that an idiot rose through the ranks through misinterpretation. To say he wouldn’t be a good candidate for the presidency is obvious in the extreme.
![ตีสิบเดย์ [FULL] | เปิดใจ "อาจารย์ เบียร์ ฅนตื่นธรรม" นักสนทนาธรรมสายดุดัน!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vqaBI_mnoDk/mqdefault.jpg)
This is a very impressive and deeply enjoyable analysis of one of my favourite films. Well done on an excellent job.
I've been avoiding analyses of this masterpiece for 40 years. But maybe it's time. Your approach is very thoughtful.
The fact is that only one person actually saw Chauncey for what he was and that was Dr. Allenby, played by Richard Dysart. " You really are a gardener. " The constant satire of people believing him to be what they thought he was is brilliant. One of my favorite scenes is when the butler takes Chance in his wheelchair into the elevator. Chance says, " This is a very small room. " The butler laughs, thinking Chance is being witty. But Chance looks at him wonderingly, not understanding why the man is amused. Perfect!
One of the greatest scenes in one of the greatest fliks!
I just posted this comment on someone else's Being There video (criterioncollection) and I also like your analysis. I've been watching several videos by different people, (especially you, OWC) analysing this wonderful film and haven't seen anyone in the videos or comments mentioning the artist Rene Magritte and his painting of the man (himself) in a bowler hat. Whenever I see the initial shots of Chance walking through the streets in his hat and coat I am always reminded of Magritte. I'm not sure of the significance but feel this can't just be a coincidence. There were some promotional posters that also had a similar look and many shots in the movie too, such as Chace's silhouette through a mullioned window. I think it may be something to do with Magritte's bowler-hat-man representing the anonymous middle-class 'everyman' in the paintings, perhaps how he thought of himself too? Likewise, as you have said in your analysis, Chance represents a blank canvas for others to paint on their own projected version of his personality and character traits and even life story. And by all accounts, this is indeed how Peter Sellers thought of himself too - without a particular personality, able to portray/inhabit any personality given to him by authors, directors, the audience or his own imagination. Edit: Oh I just discovered that the painting by Magritte of man in a bowler hat with an apple in front of his face is called 'Son of Man' - so there is definitely a correlation here with Chance representing 'Adam' the original man and of course, there is Eve, who tries to tempt him with knowledge of carnal lust and desire, that he just does not have. He even eats a big apple in one party scene. Most of the time Chance is just 'being there' (by chance) while Eve, and everyone else, is doing all the doing.
I really enjoy your commentary on this film. Being There is my favorite Peter Sellers movie because of his subtle nuanced performance.
However I now better appreciate the brilliance of the ensemble cast right down to the incidental lesser characters. This is an essential film to watch especially leading up to present day political race. Thanks😊
Since first seeing this film when it first came out at age twenty my love for it has only deepened over time. Your series of lectures has only magnified this feeling. Many thanks to you.
I wrote this in a previous review:
I saw Being There on the big screen in early 1980 with my girlfriend not long after it came out. Ronald Reagan had already announced his candidacy for the presidency. After the movie, I asked my girlfriend, "What do you think this means?" She replied, "I think it means that Ronald Reagan will be president."
Outstanding analysis this film is in my opinion the best one ever made (except Tolkens stories Return of the King etc,)
In this election year, I'd vote for Mr. Gardener.
I have really enjoyed your insights and analysis of this amazing work. I have been captured by this movie since I first saw it 40 years ago, and I thank you.
Chauncey Gardner for President 2024! Let's get this trending.
Kudos to you for this video. Awesome
Thank you for your kind note.
You know how important Ran is … when like he (the president) comes to the Ran’s manor for a meeting
Excellent analysis. Clever insight into the subtleties of the character and how the other characters view him. Making fantasy into reality is a very interesting approach.
Thank you for your very thoughtful note.
@@obsessedwithcinema my favourite film of all time. Chance could very easily be guided by teleprompters advisers and maintain the mystique so appealing to the voters. Chance is incapable of being rude in a true sense. However he's forward and direct in a way that is appealing to the voter.
Would be good to see a video on your interpretation of the ending where he walks on water. Obviously there's biblical connotations to this moment but maybe you can deep dive it and come up with other possibilities too?
Wonderful analysis!
I loved this movie and enjoyed your analysis
Great analysis of Chance’s candidacy in Being There. What are your thoughts about his candidacy in today’s world of social media and the rise of popularism?
I could imagine Chance having an early positive impact, but not sure his campaign could stand up to the cynicism of the day.
Thoughts?
"Are not all political personas essentially invented identities?" The whole Being There concept seems to have inspired a contemporary campaign. Was a certain slow word-salad/Spock-thought dispensing political persona inspired by Chauncey Gardiner?
A Harris for president add popped up before this. How fitting!
Great vid!
He's the ultimate chad
The problem with Chance/Chauncy as Presidential candidate is that somebody on the campaign staff will figure out the reality of the man like Dr. Allenby and just tell the truth to somebody in the press, probably an investigative/political magazine like "The Progressive" or "Mother Jones" or "The Village Voice" and that would bleed into the regular press. If he can't read, how does he create a signature? Signing stuff on camera is a huge deal for Presidents. I see this as a bad move for the survival of the misunderstanding that Chance has been living under.
The funny thing is signatures have increasingly become nothing more then a scribble to the point people might not even notice XD
@@seamusfinnegan1164 True, but somebody will have to teach him how to scribble.
Or Fox to be fair. There is really no indication as to which party Chance would be drafted. In 1979 there really was not a so called "conservative" movement as we now understand it. That came with the 1980 campaign. Jimmy Carter would not even fit into the modern democratic party. He would likely be when Manchin is to a great extent.
Chance speaks of 'growth in the spring' which is interpreted as economic stimulus. That is something that both mainstream GOP and dem politicians promise, even today.
@@seamusfinnegan1164 Mine is....
If -as it appears-he is unable to read, then seriously. how long. more would he have been able to conceal this? This is not to denigrate great leaders of the past who were illiterate -such as Joan of Arc but in the. modern world.?
There is a current politician who can read but has no depth, no respect for others and no grasp of history past or present. He is followed by a similar group of people who have little depth and have some serious social and nationalist issues along with some serious historical deficiencies.
@@jerseywalcott6408the most overlooked aspect of his political rise is how he greets the president, having only known him through a scene on television when the president bows to the Chinese leader. This was unprecedented at the time. So calling him "bobby" after greeting him with a slight of humiliation when chance meets him, sets off the possibility chance can be President
Trump cannot or will not read!
🌹🎀🌹👍
Great/Fun Movie
Then, the voters hear Chance's policies. 😂😂😂
And he literally walked on water.
Some have compared Kamala Harris's campaign for POTUS 2024 to that of Chauncy (Chance) Gardner, played by Peter Sellers, from the sly yet poetic satire 1979 film, "Being There". The comparison is dangerously superficial. Chance is simple-minded but honest and sincere. 😇
Kamala Harris is anything but -- she's "stupid and ambitious on steroids". 🤑😝
If you want to read this film as a parable rather than a satire, Chance is a "Holy Fool" and illustrates the "the meek who inherit the earth" untouched by the worlds contamination.
Although totally different personality types this film does amaze me how prescient it was, about 35 years ahead of its time predicting someone like Trump being adored and fawned over by millions of witless Americans. Fascinating really. Only the personal physician as well as the maid really knew what Chauncy was
Sounds more like Biden, he’s a stumble bum, and he’s lied about his personal career his entire life whereas Trump is actually achieved something on his own, what has Biden done but CON the public his entire life… Biden needs a script. Do you never listen to Biden when he speaks or do you just do and think what you were told to?
the whole point of chance is that he's innocent, and you're comparing him to trump?
trump is the most hated man in american history, well beyond what he deserves. people vote for him because nobody else around right now is really viable. and this movie exists because americans already had a history of not taking a close look/listen at the person they were adoring or voting for. or hating. and you're one of them.
You mean like how Biden, a man who actually is suffering from cognitive decline, is still in power as an unelected Cabal runs the country?
As fun as this may be within a minute 30 I’m already out. It’s literally the whole point of the film that an idiot rose through the ranks through misinterpretation. To say he wouldn’t be a good candidate for the presidency is obvious in the extreme.
That's how most presidents act in the presence of their donor.
Chance can't read.
people wouldn´t notice Chance today due their digital dementia
The problem might come when Chance had to read a speech.