Farce imitating [political] life

Being part the second of an informal (x)-part blog suggesting movies to watch if you are sick to death of the current race for President of the United States.

If The Candidate shows us the archetypal slide to center that is necessary to hold major public office in America, Being There gives us the archetypal centrist candidate himself.

Peter Sellers is perfect as Chance the Gardener, a true "blank slate candidate" and just what the country needs. He has no political opinions, no divisive viewpoints. He never argues. Just the opposite: he compulsively agrees with everyone. He also compulsively watches television, mimicking the movements of the actors.

He let's you call him by any name you want.

Chance has the IQ of a toddler, the wardrobe of a prohibition-era millionaire and the stunning good looks of a movie star.

He's a fantastic listener.

His speech is deliberate, direct and focused, but is so absurd and single-minded that, in any context, his words are easily interpreted to be the pontifications of a profoundly elliptical political and economic guru. He's Nostradamus meets George Stephanopolous.

Chance the Gardener (Chauncey Gardiner): As long as the roots are not severed, all is well and all will be well in the garden . . . In a garden, growth has its season. There is spring and summer, but there is also fall and winter. And then spring and summer again...
The President: (staring at Chance) ...Spring and summer... (confused) Yes, I see...Fall and winter. (smiles at Chance) Yes, indeed.
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The President (at news conference): To quote Mr. Gardiner, a most intuitive man, 'As long as the roots of industry remain firmly planted in the national soil, the economic prospects are un-doubtedly sunny.'

Of particular import to this year's election, Chauncey's total lack of a past is instantly seen as an asset.

Dudley: But what do we know of the man? Nothing! We have no inkling of his past!
Nelson: Correct, and that is an asset. A man's past can cripple him, his background turns into a swamp and invites scrutiny.
Caldwell: ...Up to this time, he hasn't said anything that could be used against him.

Chauncey is liked wherever he goes, as he is a perfect and unassuming vessel for people's narcissism. His words are your words--your words become his. He is always and perfectly the person you need him to be. He is even able--in a scene that had me cackling and dry-heaving at the same time--to facilitate Eva's (Shirley MacLaine) self-gratification by just being with her in the room (channel-surfing late night TV).

The only people who see him for what he really is aren't nearly self-possessed enough to have the power to expose him. Even if they did, I wonder if anyone would care.

Chauncey Gardiner: He's exactly what this arrogant country--and your arrogant party--needs [wants].

An' it's for sure a White man's world in America . . . Had no brains at all, was stuffed with rice puddin' between the ears! Short-changed by the Lord and dumb as a jackass an' look at him now!