Being There
Being There is a 1979 American satire film directed by Hal Ashby and based on the 1970 novel by Jerzy Kosiski. It was written by Kosiski and adapted for the screen by Robert C. Jones. In this article, we'll explore the influences of the novel on filmmaking.
Peter Sellers
Peter Sellers is one of the most charismatic actors of all time. He plays Chance, a young boy who is thrown into the wilds of Washington, D.C. when his wealthy guardian dies. After being taken under the wing of a tycoon, Chance stumbles into the limelight. But his horticultural mumblings are misinterpreted by the tycoon, who ends up mistreating him as an object of desire.
Hal Ashby
Hal Ashby's Being There is based on the fiction of Polish writer Jerzy Kosinski. As a result, it is a combination of several different genres. Ultimately, it centers on an innocent boy who must grow up and become an adult. In this way, it is at once a fairy tale and political drama, as well as a religious parable. But despite its multiple genres, it manages to stand out as one of the year's most provocative films.
"Being There" is one of the most important movies of the 1970s. It was the last major film by Hal Ashby, and it was also the last film starring Peter Sellers. He died shortly after the release of the film.
Filmmaking
Before you can get started on your film, you must decide who your target audience is. Many filmmakers make the mistake of thinking that their film is for everyone, but it is important to be specific. Knowing your target audience helps you determine the appropriate marketing tools for your film. These include word of mouth, TV, newspapers, and social media. You can even use billboards and text messaging to reach the audience you have in mind.
If you have ever been to the movies, you know that being a producer is not a walk in the park. Filmmaking requires a tremendous amount of attention, confidence, and even doubt. You must be willing to stand, deliver, and be there every step of the way. You need to be there to make sure that the film comes to fruition and is released.
Influence of Sidney Lumet
Sidney Lumet is a legendary film director. His films, which often take place in New York, are known for their social conscience and complex conflict. Born and raised on the Lower East Side, Lumet was influenced by the spirited Yiddish theater scene of the city. Even as a child actor, he was incredibly talented. At 11 years old, he made his Broadway debut. He also had a great understanding of his performers.
After leaving the Army, Lumet turned to melodrama. The 1965 film The Hill dealt with the racist prison officers in England during WWII. Another important film, The Pawnbroker, tackled the psyche of Holocaust survivors. The film is still almost unbearable to watch 50 years later.
Influence of Kosinski fable
Kosinski's first novel, Being There, was a satire on the USA's obsession with mass media. It follows a middle-aged male named Chance, who eventually transforms into Chauncy. The novel was made into a film, directed by Hal Ashby and starring Kosinski. The film, while a faithful adaptation, was also an intriguing rethinking of the original.
The novella gained worldwide recognition and is considered a classic of 20th-century literature. Though Kosinski wrote in English, the book was later translated into more than thirty languages. Being There was also adapted into an award-winning film starring Peter Sellers in 1979. This guide uses the 1970 edition published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
Reception of Being There
Erpf Gallery is hosting an exhibition of plein air paintings by Susan Miiller titled "Being There." The exhibition runs from March 5 through 11 and will feature a talk by Miiller on Saturday, March 5, from 2-4 pm. It is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the gallery's website.
