“Being There” (チャンス), Original Japanese B2 Movie Poster, 1981, Peter Sellers / Hal Ashby, c. 51 × 73 cm — T38
An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1981 Japanese release of Being There, released locally as チャンス (Chance). Its surreal composition captures the quiet humour and ambiguity of Hal Ashby’s acclaimed satire.
Originally released in 1979, the film stars Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas, adapting the novel by Jerzy Kosiński. Sellers plays Chance, a sheltered gardener whose knowledge of the outside world comes largely from television. After leaving his employer’s home, his straightforward observations about gardening are mistaken for profound insights into politics and economics.
Sellers received an Academy Award nomination for his performance, while Melvyn Douglas won Best Supporting Actor. The Japanese poster highlights the film’s awards in a compact blue text block at the lower right.
The design depicts Chance from behind, wearing a dark overcoat and brimmed hat, carrying a brown suitcase and closed umbrella. Suspended above a snow-covered avenue, he appears to walk through the sky towards drifting clouds. Rows of bare trees lead towards a grand estate, while his shadow falls on the path below.
Muted blue-grey, cream and brown tones give the image a contemplative atmosphere. Across the top, the gold-coloured Japanese title sits beside “a story of chance — BEING THERE” and the Japanese tagline 「もし、運がよければ……」, meaning “If you’re lucky…”. The lower-left credits identify the cast, director and joint Japanese distributors, Shochiku and Fuji Eiga.
An evocative example of Japanese film advertising, with particular appeal for collectors of Peter Sellers, Hal Ashby and surreal poster design.
Excellent vintage condition.
Please review both photographs, including the reverse, as they show the exact poster offered for sale.
Format: Japanese B2, approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Item code: T38.
This is an original vintage poster, not a reproduction or reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
