Being There - Strong Response
... wealthy man. Ben Rand, the ailing owner of the house, takes a particular liking to Chance. At dinner, Ben questions Chance of his occupation, and Chance replies that he is a gardener. Ben misinterprets Chance's literal meaning "gardener", stating that every productive businessperson is a laborer in his own vineyard. He sees Chance as this astounding philosopher whose words should be valued. He invites Chance to a meeting with himself and the President. At this meeting, the President inquires Chance about the economy, Chance replies, "As long as the roots are not severed, all will be well in the garden." Rand and the President interpret Chance's uttering as something more thoughtful. The President, in his speech to the nation, mentions Chance's comment on the economy, however he contorts the meaning: "As long as the roots of industry remain firmly planted in the national soil, the economic prospects are undoubtedly sunny." The people Chance spoke with take what he says very literally as they want to create something metaphorical and meaningful. The people's desire to create something eloquent blinded their ability to realize that Chance was simply discussing the only thing he had true knowledge of: gardens. "Being There" clearly illustrates society's ignorance. The Rand family, the president, and others associated with Chance are too caught up in creating metaphors to realize that Chance is not an important business figure, but simply just a gardener. Nearly every scene exemplifies the ignorance of the people, who do not realize that chance is mentally disabled. Hal Ashby constructed the film in such a way that it inspires its viewers to want to avoid acting like...