Being There • The Next Reel

Hal Ashby made a number of stand-out films in the 70s, films that looked at human nature in offbeat stories that didn't feel like they came from a mold. When Peter Sellers presented him with the opportunity to direct an adaptation of Jerzy Kosinski's novella "Being There" shortly after the book's publication, he loved the idea and spent the next 9 years working to find the funding to get it made. The film was finally released in 1979 and was considered by many to be Peter Sellers' return to greatness. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Richard Dysart series with this fantastic film. We look at the era of the film and, while it's certainly a 70s film, it still feels timeless. We talk about the nature of Sellers's fascinating portrayal of Chance the Gardener (or as Chauncey Gardiner, as he comes to be known), and what our own interpretations of this character are. We chat about the way the film ends and what we think Kosinski and Ashby were wanting to say... if anything. We discuss the nature of the footage during the end credits and debate whether it takes away from the mysterious and beautiful mood the end of the film creates or not. And we discuss both cast and crew in this film, including the wonderful Richard Dysart who brings an amazing, quiet gracefulness to his benevolent doctor who is the only one not fooled by Sellers' Chance. It's a film we love and love to discuss. Watch it and tune in! Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible