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Being There

7.2

6,508

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Original title

Being There

Year

1979

Running time

130 min.

Country

United States

Director

Hal Ashby

Screenwriter

Jerzy Kosinski. Novel: Jerzy Kosinski

Cast

Music

Johnny Mandel

Cinematography

Caleb Deschanel

Producer

Warner Bros.

Genre

Comedy. Drama | Comedy-Drama. Disability. Politics

Synopsis

This profound and humorous commentary on the pervasive effects of television features Peter Sellers, who portrays Chance the gardener, a man who views the world as he would TV - watching and reacting. His simple solutions make him a national celebrity and an influential man.

Awards: 1979: Oscar: Best Supporting Actor (Melvyn Douglas). 2 Nominations

1979: 2 Golden Globes: Actor (Sellers), Supp. Actor (Douglas). 6 Nominations

1979: New York Film Critics Circle: Best Supporting Actor (Douglas). 3 Nominations

1979: Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Supporting Actor (Douglas)

1979: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Best Adapted Comedy Screenplay

1980: BAFTA Awards: Best Screenplay. 4 Nominations

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Critics' reviews

"One of the most charming motion pictures of the year (...) Hal Ashby's direction is perfect in realizing the offbeat humor and gentle satire of the piece"

Ron Pennington: The Hollywood Reporter
"A highly unusual and an unusually fine film."

Variety Staff: Variety
"No one seems to know what to do with the allegorical undertone of Jerzy Kosinski's script, but as a whole this 1979 film maintains a fine level of wit, sophistication, and insight."

Dave Kehr: Chicago Reader
"A stately, beautifully acted satire with a premise that's funny but fragile"

Janet Maslin: The New York Times
"The audience are invited to become believers; the film a test of universal gullibility (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"

Ian Nathan: Empire

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User history

Being There

1979

Hal Ashby

7.2

(6,508)