Being There

Being There

Year: 1979

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Hal Ashby

DramaComedy

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Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Being There yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Being There (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Being There (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie presents a contemporary setting where societal norms and political atmospheres are intricately portrayed. The interactions often reflect the social dynamics of the late 20th century, portraying a contrast between privilege and simplicity in a rapidly evolving world.

Location

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, known for its iconic monuments and government institutions. The city's rich historical backdrop plays a significant role in shaping national politics and culture, making it an attractive locale for both tourists and influential figures.

🏛️ Capital City 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Main Characters – Being There (1979)

Meet the key characters of Being There (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chance (Chauncey Gardiner)

Chance is a middle-aged man raised in isolation, defined by his naïve perspective shaped by television. His simplistic view of the world leads to unintended influence and success, underscoring the film's commentary on perception and reality.

🌱 Innocence 🌍 Simplicity 🎥 Naïveté

Eve Rand (Shirley MacLaine)

Eve is the glamorous and younger wife of Ben Rand, who becomes increasingly drawn to Chance's enigmatic charm. Her character wrestles with societal expectations and genuine emotional desires as she navigates her relationship with him.

💖 Attraction 👩‍🎤 Glamour 😕 Conflict

Ben Rand (Melvyn Douglas)

Ben is an elderly tycoon and key political figure who misinterprets Chance as a wise businessman. His mentorship and eventual affection for Chance showcase his struggles with aging and the desire for meaningful connections in his final days.

👴 Wisdom 💼 Power 🕰️ Legacy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Major Themes – Being There (1979)

Explore the central themes of Being There (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Innocence

Innocence is a central theme of the film, as Chance navigates a world he does not understand with childlike simplicity. His naïveté often leads to misunderstandings, yet his unassuming nature captivates those around him, highlighting the contrast between authenticity and pretense in society.

🎭 Identity

The exploration of identity is crucial, as Chance’s true self remains hidden beneath layers of misinterpretation. The film raises questions about how identity is constructed by societal perceptions and the impact of status, particularly in a political context.

💔 Love

Chance's journey also touches on the theme of unfulfilled love and emotional connection. His genuine feelings for Eve contrast with the superficial relationships around him, emphasizing the significance of authentic emotions in a world filled with pretense.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about accidental genius like Being There

Stories where profound simplicity is mistaken for deep wisdom by the world.Find more movies like 'Being There' where characters achieve fame or influence through a misunderstanding. If you enjoyed the gentle satire of a simple man mistaken for a sage, you'll appreciate these similar stories exploring appearance versus reality and the nature of wisdom.

satiricalquirkynaiveobservationalfable-likegentlereflective

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow a passive protagonist whose unique perspective or sheer innocence is misinterpreted by a complex, cynical world. The plot unfolds through a series of escalating misunderstandings, rather than active choices by the hero, creating a fable-like structure that critiques societal values.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their central narrative irony and satirical tone. They share a focus on themes of identity, perception, and the often-absurd nature of fame and influence, delivering their commentary through a gentle, often whimsical, lens.

Gentle satirical movies like Being There

Quiet, observational films that critique society with a light, whimsical touch.Discover gentle social satires similar to 'Being There'. These films offer a whimsical and reflective look at society, exploring themes like class, media, and identity with low intensity and a dreamlike quality, perfect for viewers who prefer thoughtful observation over sharp critique.

satiricalgentledreamlikeobservationalreflectivequirkyironic

Narrative Summary

The narrative journey is less about high-stakes plot and more about a character passively moving through different social spheres, acting as a catalyst for the audience's reflection. The conflict is internal to the society being observed, with the protagonist often serving as a blank slate.

Why These Movies?

They are united by a specific tonal blend: a whimsical or lighthearted approach to serious themes, slow pacing that allows for reflection, and a generally low intensity that creates a soothing yet intellectually stimulating experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Being There

Don't stop at just watching — explore Being There in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Being There is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Being There Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Being There, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Being There Summary

Being There Timeline

Track the full timeline of Being There with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Being There Timeline

Being There Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Being There that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Being There Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Being There

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Being There: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Being There

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