Being There Ending Explained, Plot, Cast And Trailer
by M Nishali | Updated Aug 01, 2023
Being There
Being There, a 1979 American satirical comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby and based on Jerzy Kosiński's 1970 novel, follows the story of Chance, a simple-minded gardener portrayed by Peter Sellers. After a life spent secluded in a wealthy man's townhouse, Chance enters the real world for the first time, where his innocent utterances about gardening are mistaken for profound political wisdom.
With the support of an impressive cast, including Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas, the film humorously explores how a person's apparent simplicity can inadvertently lead to a position of influence and power in high society and politics. The film's critical success resulted in an Academy Award for Melvyn Douglas and a nomination for Peter Sellers, while the screenplay received multiple accolades, and in 2015, it was honored by the United States Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Being There Ending Explained
In the ending of "Being There," after the death of his friend Ben Rand, Chance is encouraged by Ben to pursue his daughter, Eve. Eve admits her feelings for Chance and tries to make advances on him, which he reciprocates by mimicking a scene he saw on television. As Chance walks through the palatial estate, the characters discuss the potential replacement for the President, and they surprisingly agree on nominating Chance.
Continuing his stroll, he reaches a lake and astonishingly walks on its surface, even testing its depth with his umbrella. The scene of Chance walking on water is both a surreal and symbolic moment. Throughout the film, Chance's simple remarks about gardening were misunderstood as profound political insights, leading the elite society to elevate him to national prominence. The act of walking on water implies a divine quality to his character, suggesting that he may be a metaphorical angel or a messenger with a unique purpose.
It also reflects how people projected their desires and beliefs onto him, seeing him as an extraordinary figure, capable of doing the impossible. The enigmatic ending challenges viewers to question the nature of reality and the power of perception, leaving them to ponder whether Chance's rise to prominence is a product of divine intervention or a delusional society projecting meaning onto a blank canvas.
Where To Watch Being There?
"Being There" is not currently available on any major streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Disney+. Unfortunately, as of now, there are no online streaming services offering the movie for viewers to watch. Directed by Hal Ashby and released in 1979, the film follows Chance, portrayed by Peter Sellers, a simple-minded gardener living a sheltered life within a Washington D.C. townhouse.
When his employer passes away, Chance's innocent remarks about gardening are mistaken for profound political insights, propelling him into the world of politics and media sensation, leading to a surreal journey that blurs the line between reality and illusion. The film offers a thought-provoking exploration of human perception, media influence, and the complexities of communication, making it a timeless cinematic gem worth seeking out through other means, such as physical copies or special screenings.
Being There Plot
"Being There" tells the story of Chance, a middle-aged and simple-minded gardener who has spent his entire life tending to the garden of a wealthy old man in Washington, D.C. He has never ventured outside the property and relies solely on his knowledge gained from watching television. When his benefactor passes away, Chance is ordered to leave the house, and he finds himself wandering aimlessly in the outside world for the first time.
By chance, he encounters the glamorous wife of a powerful businessman, Ben Rand, and introduces himself as "Chauncey Gardiner." Due to a series of misunderstandings, Chance's simple remarks about gardening are mistaken for profound political wisdom, and he is embraced by the elite society, rising to national prominence and even becoming a potential candidate for the presidency.
Throughout the film, Chance's enigmatic personality and ambiguous background create intrigue and invite the audience to ponder the true nature of his character and the implications of projecting beliefs onto others based solely on appearances.As Chance's fame grows, those around him, including Rand's personal physician, Dr. Allenby, become increasingly suspicious about his true identity and political expertise.
Despite their doubts, Chance's presence brings joy and comfort to those he encounters, especially to Rand in his final days. Meanwhile, Chance becomes romantically involved with Rand's wife, Eve, who misinterprets his lack of interest in sex and takes his simple response as a voyeuristic interest in watching television.
The film concludes with an enigmatic final scene, where Chance walks on water, leaving the audience to interpret the significance of this moment and the overall message of the movie regarding perception, projection, and the superficiality of society. "Being There" offers a satirical critique of modern society's obsession with appearances and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and the consequences of trusting appearances over substance.
Being There Cast
Actor
Character
Peter Sellers
Chance the gardener (Chauncey Gardiner)
Shirley MacLaine
Eve Rand
Melvyn Douglas
Ben Rand
Jack Warden
The President (Bobby)
Richard Dysart
Dr. Robert Allenby
Richard Basehart
Soviet Ambassador Vladimir Skrapinov
Being There Trailer
Being There Ending Explained - FAQs
A simple-minded gardener's rise to prominence challenges societal perceptions.
Reality, politics, and the power of appearances.
His simple remarks about gardening are misunderstood as profound insights.
The consequences of projecting meaning onto a blank canvas.
It questions the tendency to prioritize superficial appearances over substance.