Layers of Perception: An analysis of Being There

Being There, 1979

Directed by: Hal Ashby

The film “Being There” is a satirical comedy-drama directed by Hal Ashby. Chance, a simple-minded gardener who has spent his entire life working for the affluent Mr. Rand in his home in Washington DC. When Mr. Rand dies, leaving Chance without a home and with little awareness of the outside world, the plot begins to take shape. Chance, who gets most of his knowledge of the world from television shows and gardening, travels the streets dressed as a gardener. By coincidence, he meets and befriends a successful businessman named Ben Rand, who confuses him with Chauncey Gardiner, a well-educated, wealthy man. Chance's trivial comments on gardening are misinterpreted as profound analogies and economic insights as he gets to know the higher levels of society. His straightforward statements are interpreted by many people, including powerful individuals in politics and business, as intelligent political criticism. He becomes a sensation after being warmly accepted and celebrated by the media. As Chance's popularity grows, important people, including the US president, start to notice him. Even while Chance himself is still oblivious to the true implications of his comments, his assumed wisdom and political beliefs start to affect discussions about national policy. Chance remains a mysterious character throughout the movie, frequently misunderstood but regarded by many as an oracle of knowledge. As the plot develops, Chance's presence and influence in high society and politics begin to expose the silliness and meaninglessness of their own existence.

The storyline of "Being There" satirizes political influence, media culture, and the nature of perception. Identity, perception, and the superficiality of society are all topics that are explored. The movie offers a lighthearted assessment of how easily appearances and hollow words can fool and influence society.

Instead of a certain concrete thing or objective that the characters are pursuing, the movie focuses more on satire and social commentary. Although there isn't a clear-cut plot device, it may be argued that Chance's character and the false impression of others' wisdom about him can be viewed as that symbol. Chance suffers from the unintended consequences and reflects the absurdity of society as a result of the characters in the movie projecting their own goals, interpretations, and agendas onto him. As a result, the plot driver in "Being There" is more about the social construction and misperception of Chance's character than it is about a tangible object. These two factors are what motivate the satirical features and ideas portrayed throughout the movie.

The main acts of the film are In the opening section we are introduced to Chance, a simple-minded gardener employed by Mr. Rand, a wealthy guy. We see Chance's daily activities, his relationships with other household residents, and his restricted perspective on the world, which is largely influenced by television. When Mr. Rand passes away at the end of the phase, Chance is left homeless and must venture out into the strange outside world.Then when Chance runs across influential businessman Ben Rand, who misidentifies him as Chauncey Gardiner, a prosperous and well-educated guy. Chance is introduced to the elite community where, as a result of the misunderstanding of his naive words, he is seen as a knowledgeable and powerful man. He connects with powerful people, such as legislators, executives, and members of the media, all of whom give his straightforward comments a significant meaning. Chance's fame and influence are on the rise, influencing public opinion and grabbing the president's attention.

The final stage makes Chance's influence on society and the silly nature of his predicament more clear. As the movie goes on, it becomes obvious that individuals are misinterpreting Chance's words and deeds and applying their own goals and interpretations to him. The satire intensifies, exposing the hollowness and superficiality of individuals in positions of authority who are mesmerized by Chance's seeming wisdom.

There were several changes in characters in the film “Being There” beginning with Chance, at the start of the movie as a simple-minded gardener with little social and intellectual sophistication. Others mistake Chance's shallowness and ignorance for tremendous wisdom and insight as the plot develops. Chance's simplicity and innocent demeanor stay constant, but people's perceptions of him fluctuate significantly as they impose their own interpretations on him.

Ben Rand, a successful businessman, believes Chance to be Chauncey Gardiner, a smart man. Ben initially misinterprets Chance's simple comments, leading him to believe that Chance is a clever and perceptive person. Ben's dependence on Chance's thoughts and counsel increases as the movie goes on, reflecting a change in his outlook and faith in Chance's perceived wisdom. Also, one of the few people who sees Chance for what he really is, a humble gardener, is Louise, a maid at Mr. Rand's home. Louise initially mocks Chance's simplicity but eventually comes to value his sincerity and purity. Her character has changed as she has come to appreciate Chance's innocence and vulnerability and has become more protective of him.