Being There

Chance, a simple-minded, illiterate gardener, lives in a Washington, D.C. townhouse and has never left the property. When his benefactor dies, he is evicted and, with no knowledge of the outside world, wanders the streets. He is accidentally struck by a car driven by the wife of a wealthy business magnate, and is taken in. His limited vocabulary, consisting mostly of gardening metaphors, is misinterpreted as profound wisdom, leading him to ascend to the highest levels of American society and politics.

Being There was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike for its sharp satire, Peter Sellers's masterful performance, and its thought-provoking commentary on media, superficiality, and the nature of reality. The film is often cited as one of the best comedies of its era.

• A brilliant and subtle satire on American society, politics, and media.

• Peter Sellers delivers a career-defining performance as the enigmatic Chance.

• The film's ambiguity and philosophical undertones invite multiple interpretations.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film for its intelligence, wit, and Peter Sellers's iconic portrayal of Chance. Many appreciated the satirical commentary and the thought-provoking nature of the plot.

Peter Sellers was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Hal Ashby was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Director.

Peter Sellers was paid $1 million for his role in the film, a significant sum at the time, and it was his first major film role in three years.