Being There (1979) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Being There (1979) ends with Chance the Gardener-a simple-minded man mistaken for a profound sage-walking on water in a surreal, ambiguous final scene. After being embraced by Washington's elite as a political and economic genius due to his literal gardening metaphors being misinterpreted as deep wisdom, Chance's fate remains open-ended. The film critiques societal gullibility, media manipulation, and the emptiness of political discourse. The ending leaves viewers questioning whether Chance is a divine figure, a lucky fool, or a mirror exposing the absurdity of power structures.
The Ending Explained
The final scene of Being There shows Chance (Peter Sellers) casually strolling across a lake's surface, defying the laws of physics. This moment is both literal and metaphorical. On one level, it suggests Chance has transcended reality, becoming a Christ-like or messianic figure, reinforcing the idea that society projects its own desires onto blank slates. Alternatively, it could be a fantasy or symbolic gesture, illustrating how far removed Chance is from the real world-he doesn't even understand the impossibility of walking on water. The scene is deliberately ambiguous, leaving interpretation to the viewer.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending crystallizes the film's central themes: the danger of superficial perception and the absurdity of authority. Throughout the film, Chance's simple gardening phrases ("As long as the roots are not severed, all is well") are mistaken for economic and political wisdom. The elites, desperate for meaning, project their own biases onto him. The water-walking scene underscores how easily people believe in illusions when they crave guidance. It's also a nod to the biblical miracle, suggesting that society worships false prophets-whether they're politicians, media figures, or accidental celebrities like Chance.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Does Chance actually walk on water, or is it symbolic?
- Literal: He might be a divine or supernatural figure.
- Symbolic: It represents how society elevates him beyond reason.
- Dreamlike: The scene could be a fantasy, showing the absurdity of his myth.
What happens to Chance after this moment?
- He fades into obscurity once people realize he's empty.
- He remains a revered figure, proving society never learns.
- He continues unknowingly influencing politics.
Is the film a satire or a tragedy?
- Satire: It mocks how easily people are fooled by empty rhetoric.
- Tragedy: Chance is a victim of others' need for meaning.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Being There is a masterpiece of subtle satire, and the ending is its boldest stroke. By having Chance walk on water, the film forces the audience to confront their own willingness to believe in miracles-or at least in hollow figures who promise them. Peter Sellers' performance is hauntingly perfect, blending innocence with eerie detachment. The film's message remains painfully relevant today, where media and politics often elevate style over substance. The ambiguity of the ending ensures it lingers in the mind, refusing easy answers. It's a brilliant capstone to a story about perception, power, and the fragility of truth.
Final Thoughts
Hal Ashby's Being There is a rare film that balances humor, melancholy, and sharp social critique. The ending doesn't provide closure but instead deepens the mystery. Whether Chance is a fool, a prophet, or a mirror for society's flaws, the film leaves us questioning our own susceptibility to empty charisma. In an era of viral misinformation and cults of personality, Being There feels more prescient than ever. Its final image-of a man who shouldn't float, yet does-is a perfect metaphor for the illusions we choose to believe.