Film Review - Being There

Honestly, I'm disappointed in this film. Being There is a fairly un-guided work. The main character, Chance, appears to be a completely disconnected human being who is suddenly thrust into the word, when his benefactor dies. Chance has never been out side of the house he grew up in and he's over fifty. He can't read or write, and appears to be mentally retarded. All that Chance knows is what he has learned from watching TV, but he has not learned half of that a seven year old would learn from television.

By chance, Chance meets some very rich and influential people. He meets the President and without knowing it, gives him economic advise. Next thing you know, Chance is very famous and very sought after.

What no one seems to catch onto is that Chance never really says anything. In a movie called Being There Chance isn't there. This film droans on for what seems forever, and at the end you wonder what the film maker really wanted to say. The last show is the real brain teaser. Chance goes for a walk across a lake rather Christ-like. Are we to think that he's Christ? Or perhaps God has decided to let no harm come to this man? Or perhaps he's too stupid to sink. You be the judge, but in the end, this movie is a disappointment.

Dust Bag Full

Film Facts

Directed by Hal Ashby

Released in 1979

MPAA Rating: PG

Reviewed by Mongo