Being There

"Life is a state of mind." I never doubted that Peter Sellers was an excellent actor. Now that I've finally seen Being There, I'm tempted to praise it even more... except that it's hard to. Its precise performance, where every word, every look, every innocent smile, every inhale and exhale fascinates. There is simply no way to describe something like that. It's been a long, long, long time since I've seen such a sensational film that I wanted to watch again right after the end credits (or rather before the end credits, because they're really stupid due to the spoiled scene that was used). (05/30/2014)

Films with mentally handicapped people usually irritate me, but Mr Gardener is mentally handicapped in such a… cute way. A character brilliantly portrayed by Peter Sellers and a superb film. The many funny misunderstandings reminded me when analyses of artworks find something where the creator didn’t put anything. From now on, whenever I read one such analysis, I will remember this film with a smile. Yeah, and I’m not sure whether I understood the last scene correctly, if so, it’s brilliant and brilliantly bold. (07/07/2011)

Whoever watches "I was there" expecting a similar style of humor to what Sellers became famous for in the Pink Panther comedy series will be disappointed. This is a completely different style and actually a different league. Along with the film Dr. Strangelove, it is Peter Sellers' most significant acting role, which confirms his position among the acting elite. A very good script and economical acting, which manages with minor changes in voice tone, dominate this unobtrusive but very intelligent satire about how things work in high politics. Whoever watches this film will understand the true meaning of the word sarcasm. Overall impression: 90%. (12/20/2007)

Peter Sellers' concert, which I had been looking forward to for a long time. And it was definitely worth it. But it's not just about Sellers, who is simply excellent, but it's also about the other actors who play here, and also about the absurd story, which is presented in a way that will charm and captivate you. Another variation on the simple-minded person. (11/17/2015)

Traditionally precise Ashby. Anyone who enjoys the development of political satire and very biting allusions to the powerful social elite of the memorable 1970s should not miss this unassuming film, a direct predecessor of Forrest Gump. Not only does it offer another amazing performance by the great Peter Sellers, but above all it is at least as timeless in its ideas as the equally old Alien is from a visual perspective. Firstly, there is a clear reference to the overwhelming and false influence of television, which since time immemorial has been adapting everything to its own needs – when Chance emerges from his house for the first time in his old age, equipped only to watch "the box" every day, he feels like he is in an alien world full of strange, fast-talking creatures (and it’s surely no coincidence that a modified version of “Also Sprach Zarathustra”, an anthem for an unknown and vast universe, is playing). And then there is the crushing charge on the heads of the political and media bigwigs who take deadly seriously the dreamy words of a mentally retarded and emotionally cold gardener who gets the opportunity to speak only by sheer chance. And I ate it all up from Ashby’s hand, because once again he managed to wrap the story in such a novel, funny and incredibly ironic form that I felt like I was in a beautiful, relaxed fairy tale free of any external influence. Nobody makes stuff like this anymore. 90% (02/10/2014)