10 Great Movies That Show How Stupid Politics Really Is

9. Being There

Not all political satire is notable for its quick fire, screwball-esque approach to dialogue. Hal Ashby's 1979 Being There, starring the comic legend Peter Sellers in what would be his final role released in his lifetime, lets the events unfold at a far more leisurely pace. Comparisons with Forrest Gump have often been made with Ashby's film, but Being There is a considerably more mature vision of a simple-minded man caught up in the whirlwind of politics. Having resided in the old townhouse of a deceased politician, Chance the Gardener (Sellers) becomes an influential figure in politics after being mistaken for a member of the upper classes. Sellers never resorts to playing his character with broad - or crude - strokes, and this degree of restraint makes Being There all the more potent. It's the kind of film which could easily get remade badly starring the likes of Adam Sandler. Thankfully no one has ever suggested he does it.