Being There

Hal Ashby's celebrated 1979 Being There remains one of the most unusual black comedies ever made, stretching a simple premise over two-hours-plus of straight-faced, strangely compelling commentary on politics, media, and celebrity in America. Adapted by Jerzy Kosinski from his own novel, the film stars Peter Sellers in an Oscar-nominated role as Chance, a simpleminded, middle-aged gardener suddenly thrust into the real world after a lifetime of seclusion and safety in a Washington, D.C. townhouse watching television. After an encounter brings him into the inner fold of a dying billionaire (Melvyn Douglas), Chance finds himself becoming the toast of Washington's political elite, who misinterpret his simple phrases about gardening, believing his comments to be sage political and economic advice. Being There may not be a comedy for all tastes, but as a showcase for the daring genius of Sellers, this classic film is in a category all its own. Released to coincide with the film's 30th anniversary, DVD/Blu-ray extras include an interview with Illeana Douglas, granddaughter of Melvyn, who recalls visiting the set during production when she was a child. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a pair of deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and a gag reel. Recommended. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—Mar. 21, 2017—Criterion, 130 min., PG, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 1979's Being There features an excellent transfer and an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include a “making-of” featurette (48 min.), excerpts from a 1980 American Film Institute seminar with director Hal Ashby (33 min.), 1980 archival interviews with star Peter Sellers (23 min.), a 1979 segment with author Jerzy Kosinski on The Dick Cavett Show (20 min.), outtakes (4 min.), deleted scenes (3 min.), a promo reel (3 min.), an alternate ending (2 min.), and an essay by critic Mark Harris. Bottom line: Hal Ashby's fine satire shines in this handsome Criterion edition.]