“Being There” –  A Classic

Based on a novel by Jerzy Kosinski, “Being There” is a whimsical but biting commentary on our American obsession with image. Even more importantly, its spiritual message is succinctly conveyed in the last line of the film: “Life is a state of mind.”

Chance, (Peter Sellers) plays a gentle gardener who has lived his entire life caring for the garden of a very rich benefactor who has allowed Chance to completely retreat from any contact from the outside world except for his television. Chance either gardens or watches television. That’s all.

When his benefactor dies, Chance is forced out into a world for which he is completely unprepared.

Chance, so separated from the “real” world actually tries to prevent himself from being assaulted by pointing his television remote control at his potential attackers, believing that he can just switch the channel.

Mere “chance” finds him being injured by the car of a wealthy woman named Eve (Shirley Maclaine). She takes him home so the doctor who is caring for her critically ill husband Ben (Melvyn Douglas) can look at Chance’s injured leg. On the way, she gives Chance a drink and at the same time asks his name. Sputtering over his first ever drink of liquor (in his first ever car ride), Chance coughs out that he is Chance the gardener, but Eve hears Chauncey Gardner and the name sticks.

Once at this new home, Chance only wants a place to stay and work in the garden. In the meantime, Ben, who is close to the President of the United States (Jack Warden) dies. While the President is speaking at his funeral, Chance wanders off towards the estate and there is a pond before him. Having no concept of walking around, he walks into the pond and instead of sinking, he seems to be walking ON the water.

There has always been a lot of controversy about that final sequence because, I believe, the walking on water aspect was misunderstood to be a reference to Jesus. I never saw it that way. Chance lived his life stress-free. His pure and complete expectation protected him no matter what. After all, “life is a state of mind”.

This Month's Spiritual Cinema Circle Films

CAREER SUICIDE • Frustrated in life, a frazzled young woman finds no relief in the afterlife. After accidentally falling on a pair of scissors, Sandy finds herself trapped in corporate purgatory where working your way up the ladder just may be the only way out. In this light-hearted, comedic short film, we find the struggle to discover our true potential is not just an issue during our lifetime—it’s an issue after life, too! Written and Directed by Dan Huber and Alex Kang. (12 min.)

MIRACLE MILE • A young Korean woman comes to America to look for her family in this moody, mysterious film. As she begins her search, she finds solace in the comforting kinship of a Korean cab driver. A film about loneliness and familial love, MIRACLE MILE asks us to question the concept of family, and explores ways we can be nourished and healed with those we call family. Written/Directed by Dong Hyeuk Hwang. (19 min., in English and Korean with English subtitles)

FACES OF SOPHIE • A poetic exploration of one woman’s life reflects the journey faced by every woman. Examining the profound passage of time, FACES OF SOPHIE meets all our stages head on, bringing peace with the overall understanding of a lifetime. Written/Directed by Signe Sobe Bech. (12 min.)

INTO ME SEE • IN TO ME SEE presents challenges we face with intimate relationships. By allowing us a “fly on the wall” perspective of a reunion between two people who come together for a day of healing after six years separation, we gain new insights into the process of letting go. If you’ve ever suffered a broken heart or struggled with love and loss, you will find clues to your transformation and healing in this unique film workshop. Written/Directed by James Twyman. (70 min.)

AMERICA’S HEART & SOUL • World-class cinematographer Louis Schwartzberg takes us on a whirlwind tour of America in this feature-length documentary. We meet an incredible array of ordinary Americans living extraordinary lives who have followed their passions to fulfill their life’s purpose. These inspiring people are great reminders of the diversity and strength of the people of America. Directed by Louis Schwartzberg. (88 min.) U.S. only

For more information about the Spiritual Cinema Circle, click here.