Being There

In 1979, a film was released that would go on to become a cult classic and a favorite among cinephiles. "Being There" starred Peter Sellers in one of his last film roles before his untimely death and was directed by the acclaimed Hal Ashby. The film tells the story of Chance, a simple-minded gardener who becomes embroiled in the world of politics and high society when his employer dies and he is forced to leave his sheltered life.

At its core, "Being There" is a satire of American society and politics, exploring themes of power, perception, and the nature of reality. Its central character, Chance, is a blank slate onto which others project their own desires and beliefs, a commentary on the way in which people often see what they want to see rather than what is actually there. The film's themes are as relevant today as they were when it was first released, as we continue to grapple with issues of truth and perception in a world where reality often feels malleable.

In this blog post, we will explore the many layers of "Being There," delving into its themes, characters, and production history. We will examine the ways in which the film reflects the cultural and political climate of the late 1970s, as well as its enduring legacy and influence on contemporary cinema. Whether you're a longtime fan of the film or a newcomer curious about its enduring appeal, this post will provide a comprehensive and insightful look into one of the most thought-provoking movies of its era.

So, what is it about "Being There" that has made it such a beloved classic? Is it the timeless themes of perception and power? The masterful performances of Sellers and the rest of the cast? Or the deft direction of Ashby, whose unique vision brought the story to life? Join us as we dive deep into this fascinating film and uncover the secrets of its enduring appeal.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

"Forrest Gump" is a 1994 American comedy-drama movie directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred by Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and Gary Sinise. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Winston Groom. It tells the story of Forrest Gump, a simple man with a low IQ, who witnesses and becomes a part of some of the most significant events in the latter half of the 20th century.

Plot and Summary

The movie is set in the United States in the 1960s and 70s, where Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, recounts his life story to strangers sitting next to him on a bench. The story begins with Forrest as a child, with leg braces and a low IQ, and how he meets Jenny, a girl who becomes his closest friend.

As the story progresses, we see Forrest growing up, joining the army, and going to Vietnam. He becomes a hero in the war and is awarded the Medal of Honor. After the war, he returns home and starts a shrimp fishing business with a friend he met in the army. Later, he becomes a millionaire after investing in Apple Inc.

Throughout the movie, we see Forrest crossing paths with several famous people of the time, including Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon. The movie ends with Forrest reuniting with Jenny and raising their son together.

Impressions and Strong Points

"Forrest Gump" is an exceptional movie that touches the heart of everyone who watches it. The movie is a masterpiece in terms of storytelling, character development, and directing. The cinematography and special effects used in the movie are impressive, and the soundtrack is exceptional.

Tom Hanks gives a brilliant performance as Forrest Gump, and his portrayal of the character is nothing short of remarkable. Robin Wright, who plays Jenny, also gives an outstanding performance. The chemistry between Hanks and Wright is effortless and adds to the overall appeal of the movie.

One of the strong points of the movie is its ability to capture the essence of the time. The 60s and 70s were an era of great change, and the movie accurately portrays the events that took place during that time. It manages to do so in a way that is both entertaining and informative.

Weak Points

The only weakness of the movie is that it can be slow-paced at times. However, this is not a significant issue as the movie's overall appeal more than makes up for it.

Personal Opinion

"Forrest Gump" is one of the best movies ever made, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has not seen it. The movie is a timeless classic that will continue to be appreciated for generations to come. The story is heartwarming, and the performances are outstanding. The movie's ability to convey the message that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background is what makes it special.

I recently watched "The Truman Show" and was blown away by its unique concept and execution. Director Peter Weir and cinematographer Peter Biziou did a fantastic job in creating a world that was both familiar and unsettling.

Plot Summary

The movie follows Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, who is living a seemingly normal life in a picturesque town called Seahaven. However, unbeknownst to Truman, his entire life is actually a reality TV show, and everyone around him are actors. As Truman starts to uncover the truth, he becomes determined to escape the controlled world he's been living in and find his true identity.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of the movie is its concept. The idea of a man's entire life being a TV show is both intriguing and disturbing. The execution of the concept was also well done, with the use of hidden cameras and staged events that made the audience question what was real and what wasn't.

Another strong point of the movie is Jim Carrey's performance. While known for his comedic roles, Carrey showed his range as an actor by portraying Truman's confusion, frustration, and eventual determination to break free.

Weak Points

One potential weak point of the movie could be its slow pacing. Some may find the buildup to Truman's realization to be too slow, but I personally thought it added to the suspense and tension.

Another potential weakness could be the lack of exploration of the ethical implications of broadcasting someone's life without their knowledge or consent. While the movie touched on it briefly, it could have delved deeper into the moral issues at hand.

Overall Impression

"The Truman Show" is a thought-provoking and unique movie that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. Its concept and execution make it stand out among other movies in its genre. The strong performances and suspenseful pacing make it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good thriller.

Cast

Aside from Jim Carrey, the movie also stars Laura Linney as Truman's wife, Ed Harris as the show's creator, and Noah Emmerich as Truman's best friend. Each actor brought their A-game and added to the overall quality of the movie.

Personal Opinion

As a movie enthusiast, I highly recommend "The Truman Show" to anyone who hasn't seen it yet. It's a movie that will make you question reality and the power of media. The performances and execution are top-notch, and it's a movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

"Up in the Air" is a 2009 movie that has received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and performances. It is directed by Jason Reitman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Sheldon Turner. The movie stars George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick in the lead roles.

Plot Summary:

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a corporate downsizing expert who travels across the country to fire people on behalf of the companies that hire him. He is a loner who has no personal relationships and spends most of his time in airports and hotels. However, his life takes a turn when he meets Alex (Vera Farmiga), a fellow frequent traveler who shares his love for the nomadic lifestyle. At the same time, he is forced to train a young new hire, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), who wants to revolutionize his business model by firing people via video conferencing. As Ryan struggles to balance his professional and personal life, he finds himself questioning the very nature of his job and his existence.

Direction and Cinematography:

Jason Reitman is a master at crafting movies that explore the human condition with humor, pathos, and insight. In "Up in the Air," he creates a world that is both familiar and surreal, where airports and hotels become the only constants in a life that is otherwise constantly in flux. The movie is shot in a minimalist style that emphasizes the stark beauty of the landscapes and the emptiness of the spaces that Ryan inhabits. The camera work is subtle but effective, capturing the nuances of the characters' emotions with precision.

Performances:

George Clooney delivers one of his best performances as Ryan Bingham. He brings a sense of world-weary charm to the character, making him both likable and flawed. Vera Farmiga is equally impressive as Alex, the enigmatic woman who captures Ryan's heart. She brings a sense of mystery and vulnerability to the role, making her a perfect foil for Ryan's cynicism. Anna Kendrick is also excellent as Natalie, the young upstart who challenges Ryan's worldview. She brings a sense of energy and idealism to the role, making her a worthy adversary for Ryan's jaded outlook.

Strong and Weak Points:

The movie's greatest strength is its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the late 2000s, when the economy was in freefall and people were losing their jobs left and right. It is a poignant commentary on the human toll of corporate downsizing, and the toll it takes on the people who are tasked with carrying it out. At the same time, it is a hopeful movie that suggests that there is still a place for human connection in a world that is increasingly disconnected.

As for the weak points, some viewers may find the movie's ending to be a bit too ambiguous. While it leaves room for interpretation, it may not provide the closure that some audiences crave.

Final Thoughts:

"Up in the Air" is a movie that deserves to be seen by anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience. It is a beautifully crafted movie that features outstanding performances, direction, and cinematography. It is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and think, and it is definitely one of the best movies of 2009.

About Schmidt: A Touching and Heartfelt Exploration of Life's Challenges

About Schmidt is a 2002 American comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne and starring Jack Nicholson. The movie is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Louis Begley. The film tells the story of Warren Schmidt, a recently retired insurance salesman who embarks on a journey to find meaning and purpose in his life.

The Plot

Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson) has just retired from his job as an insurance salesman and is struggling to come to terms with his newfound freedom. He is married to his wife, Helen (June Squibb), but their marriage is strained, and he feels disconnected from his daughter, Jeannie (Hope Davis), who is about to get married to a man he despises.

Feeling lost and alone, Warren decides to take a road trip in his Winnebago to visit his daughter in Denver, Colorado. Along the way, he meets a number of interesting characters and has some unusual experiences, including attending a wedding of his daughter's fiancé's family, meeting a young boy that he starts to mentor, and visiting his childhood home.

As he reflects on his life and the choices he has made, Warren begins to realize that he has not lived the life he wanted to live. He starts to question everything he has ever believed in and struggles to find a new purpose in life.

The Impressions

About Schmidt is a touching and heartfelt exploration of life's challenges. What makes this movie special is the way it deals with the themes of aging, loneliness, and the search for meaning in a way that is both poignant and funny. Director Alexander Payne has done an excellent job in capturing the essence of the story and bringing it to life on the screen.

One of the strong points of the movie is the performance of Jack Nicholson. He gives a nuanced and subtle portrayal of the character of Warren Schmidt. His performance is both funny and touching, and he manages to convey a sense of vulnerability and loneliness that is both relatable and poignant.

Another strong point of the movie is the excellent cinematography. The movie is shot in a way that captures the beauty of the American landscape, and the scenes of Warren driving his Winnebago across the country are both stunning and evocative.

The weak point of the movie is that it can be slow-paced at times, and some viewers may find it difficult to engage with the story. However, this is a minor quibble, as the movie is ultimately a deeply rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

The Cast

The movie features a strong cast of talented actors. In addition to Nicholson, June Squibb gives a standout performance as Warren's long-suffering wife, Helen. Hope Davis is also excellent as Warren's distant daughter, Jeannie, and Dermot Mulroney gives a convincing performance as Jeannie's fiancé.

Overall, About Schmidt is a moving and thought-provoking movie that explores the challenges of aging and the search for meaning in life. It features excellent performances from a talented cast and is shot in a way that captures the beauty of the American landscape. If you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own life, then About Schmidt is definitely worth watching.

Alright folks, let's talk about the 1971 classic "Harold and Maude". This movie is a piece of art that has stood the test of time and is still relevant today.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of Harold, a young man who is obsessed with death and constantly fakes his own suicide attempts to get the attention of his wealthy mother. That is until he meets Maude, a free-spirited 79-year-old woman who appreciates the beauty of life and teaches Harold to do the same. Their unconventional relationship blossoms and Harold finally finds meaning in life.

Impressions

The first thing that caught my attention while watching "Harold and Maude" was the cinematography. Every scene is shot beautifully, and the use of colors and lighting is simply stunning. The soundtrack of the movie is also a masterpiece, featuring songs by Cat Stevens that perfectly complement the story.

The casting in this movie is incredible. Ruth Gordon, who plays Maude, is the heart and soul of the movie. She gives a fantastic performance as a woman who has lived a long and fulfilling life and now wants to share her wisdom with the younger generation. Bud Cort, who plays Harold, is equally brilliant. His portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Strong and Weak Points

One of the strongest points of this movie is its message. It encourages viewers to appreciate the beauty of life and to find joy in the simple things. The movie also challenges societal norms and shows that love has no boundaries.

On the other hand, the movie may not be for everyone. It is a dark comedy with a rather macabre sense of humor. Some viewers may find the movie offensive or disturbing.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Harold and Maude" is a movie that everyone should watch at least once in their life. It is a thought-provoking masterpiece that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful. The movie's message, combined with its stunning cinematography and fantastic performances, make it a true gem of cinema. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind movie.