Nov 12, 2009

WRITER'S CHALLENGE #2 MY FAVORITE MOVIE


I am so glad you have joined me for the second Writer's Challenge. The first one was well received and showed us some very deep emotions. This one was chosen to lighten the mood somewhat but then it occurred to me that the same thing could happen if the movie chosen was one that evoked sadness but was nonetheless a favorite. Regardless of why it is your favorite we all look forward to reading your stories and maybe seeing a movie from a different perspective.


Being There (1979)
Peter Sellers
Shirley MacLaine 
Melvyn Douglas

Peter Sellers was nominated for a Golden Globe (won) and Best Actor for an Academy Award for his performance. This was the last film he made before his death.


Chance the Gardener was a simpleton. Growing up in the home of a wealthy man he did chores around the property unless he was busy watching t.v., his only connection to the world outside of the front gate. When the old man dies Chance is literally out in the cold when he leaves the property for the first time in his life with no lifeskills whatsoever.

When he is injured by a limo driver his world takes a most interesting turn. Off he goes to an estate with Shirley MacLaine where he becomes a revered man of great depth and intelligence amonst the political movers and shakers in Washington.

Chance's simple minded statements are often mistaken as humor or confused with deep and profound thoughts. He speaks his mind literally but others interpret it in their own way. When Chance says all he has is the room upstairs that is exactly what he means, a bedroom. The big businessman he is talking to thinks he is refering to death and heaven. 


Most of Chance's brilliant advice is related to what he knows about gardening. It is a perfect metaphor for the political questions that are posed to him. He talks of the roots of the plants and the changing of the seasons and the President thinks he is referring to economic growth in the spring.
 

That is what I love about this movie. It shows how people are so easily swayed. How they thrive on what they think he is saying. They read great wisdom into his innocent observations and it spreads like wild fire. It shows how if you sound like you know what you are talking about then others will follow. 
I think this is such a brilliant movie and the bedroom scene is not to be missed.

It was filmed mostly around the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. This is such a stunning mansion, a beautiful setting for a movie. 


11 comments:

  1. "Being There" one of my favorites too. Absolute favorite scene is the last scene where Chance walks on the water! Makes you think, doesn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Lori, thanks for your earlier reminder. As you know I'd already posted for the day but I have now added my movie review. Everyone welcome for a read.

    I feel very lacking as I have never seen this movie Lori so will definately get it out for a viewing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That movie always makes me laugh and I always wanted to buy a dog and name the dog Chance Gardner and my husband will tell you that I say that every time I get the notion to buy a new dog. How funny you love that movie too:) I am putting the finaly touches on my post and will post it tomorrow.
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ummmm. Lori? I know that I said I would partake in your second writers challenge, especially after whoopsing and not getting to the first one. But I kind of got really busy, and the dog ate my homework......

    Maybe next time.

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this movie. Peter Sellers is perfect in this role. I've always thought that the movie Forrest Gump owed alot to Being There. Thanks for reminding me of it, I'm going to have to watch it again. One of my favorite characters was the maid. I can't remember her name, but I remember "stuffed with rice pudding between the ears". Still cracks me up. Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Lori, thank you for your comment on my post. This visiting is a dilemma for sure. I too try to visit as much as I can but I always feel like I should visit more. Since I am wordy I am slow with my timing for each visit. My friends tease me about it. I am what I am am, I truly try to really listen/read the blogs I visit and that usually requires a long response. I enjoy the process. Someone just asked me, "Why do you blog?" My quick answer was, "because I like it." My thought out answer is much deeper then that. I love the journal part about the times and my life. Re: family, Christian beliefs etc. Most of all I love meeting people who also have opinions, ideas, writing skills, interesting humor etc. Blogging opens up my outlook on the people all over the world. Ok, off my soap box now.

    I like your take on the movie you reviewed. I saw it, but now I want to see it again. I liked Peter Sellers in most of his movies. I have annual passes to the Biltmore. It is amazing and I live about an hour away. It is beautiful during the Christmas season.

    Well here I am being wordy again. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Hugs, Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  7. I haven't seen this movie - will put it in my Netflix list!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. To answer your question YES my film choice is in subtitles. I have watched it so often I think I am learning a bit of Italian:) I sent you an email today too.
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent Choice. This has to be one of my favorites as well. Wish I could catch it on cable more frequently than a lot of the stuff they have. Thanks for organizing this challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  10. OH good grief. I am SO behind in my blogging duties! I haven't done my movie review yet, but I will -- right after I deal with the electrician who's about to come waltzing thru the door.

    We should have these guys on retainers.

    I'll be back! Cass

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sorry, I am posting, linking in reverse....Joyce told me about your link, after I happened to see a great movie yesterday.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate every one of them and respond to all.

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