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Review

A sublime satire of the TV age and American mythmaking, Being There stars Sellers in a tour-de-force performance as Chance, a dim-witted gardener whose homelessness sets him on the road to the presidency. Wandering the streets of Washington, D.C., Sellers is struck by the limo of dying millionaire/power player Douglas (in a sterling Oscar-winning performance). When he's given shelter by the influential businessman, Chance's naiveté is mistaken for insight and wisdom, ultimately making him a media darling and political prospect. Jerzy Kosinski's literate and biting adaptation of his own story has been wonderfully complemented by director Ashby's marvelous pacing and his keen observations of cultural attitudes.