Sorry, I really don’t see the similarity. Seller’s character, Chauncy the Gardener (Chauncy Gardner) was a simpleton who came out of nowhere and becomes a presidential advisor through Forrest Gump like chance occurences. He says random things about the garden and the press takes them as deep metaphors.
Thompson has been a well known public figure for decades, with a Senate record to look at. He says specific things about specific issues that basically reflect the common sense beliefs of most Americans. Of course some people will read what they want to into his statements, but that’s true of anybody.
I've seen the movie several times. I've read "Being There" and other books by Mr. Kosiński.
Peter Sellers/Chauncey Gardner was literally an uneducated, unknown gardener. He was being chosen to be a presidential candidate by wealthy and powerful people, mainly because he had no background that could be traced.
Republican conservatives and moderates want Mr. Thompson to run for president. They have been calling for him to run. Mr. Thompson has broad support throughout the republican party.
The contributions were coming in at $10,000 an hour the last time I heard on Fox.
And Mr. Thompson has yet to announce his candidacy. Are you tired of hearing that phrase yet?
That’s it! The 1979 movie, “Being There”, with Peter Sellers. Anybody think this scenario is somewhat reminiscent? Again, nothing against Thompson, but this is kind of a funny similarity.
(This should be good.)