pursuit_of_happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness

U.S. Release Date: 12/15/06
Running Time: 1:57
Rated: PG-13 (Profanity)

Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta

Director: Gabriele Muccino

Producers: David Alper, Amy Baer, Mark Clayman, Louis D’Esposito
Screenplay: Steven Conrad
Music: Andrea Guerra
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Your first question is probably, “Why is ‘happiness’ spelled with a ‘y?’” No worries; the answer arrives within minutes of the opening. Your second question is most likely, “How good is Will Smith’s performance?” No fear; the answer becomes apparent mid-film.

The Pursuit of Happyness is not only a vehicle to showcase the depth and emotion of a truly developed actor in his prime, but it is also a heartrending story that drains you of all selfishness and pumps you full of willpower. It pushes the importance of protecting dreams and being a go-getter in the most destitute of circumstances; it truly comes close to leaving you without breath.

The plot is “inspired by a true story,” and the film itself is laid out into chapters—per say. These chapters are titled: “Riding the Bus,” “Being Stupid,” “Running,” “Internship,” “Paying Taxes,” and “Happiness.”

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a salesman, who constantly strives to support his family, wife Linda (Thandie Newton) and son Christopher (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith). Chris sells bone-density scanners that are “slightly better than an x-ray, for twice as much.”

Inspired to try his hand at becoming a stock broker for Dean Witter, Chris enters a competitive internship where 20 people enter unpaid and, in the end, only one gets the job. Considering one broker informs Chris that being good with numbers and people is the key to success, Chris believes he has a fair shot. However, with a son to take care of, no income, and homelessness to endure, the odds are stacked against Chris.

Surely, the driving force of the film is the father and son relationship. With his very own son in toe, Will Smith ignites the screen with an earnest and genuine portrayal of a passionate and determined father. Throughout his quest from rags to riches, feelings will fly for this deeply struggling man and his innocent son. One scene, in particular, in which dad and son sleep in a “cave,” strongly stirs up the sentiments.

Likewise, the quoting and referencing of the Declaration of Independence brings an astute, patriotic, and educated zest to the script. The film’s analysis of Thomas Jefferson and the definition of happiness are both thorough and thought-provoking—enough to inspire each and every viewer to reevaluate their very own means of attaining happiness.

If happiness is truly something we can only pursue, then that should be reason enough to see this motion-picture; you’ll be dragged through the dregs of homelessness and the constant rejections in sales, but you’ll be removed from the overall experience inspired. In addition, the last-second cameo by the real Chris Gardner is a means of motivation, in and of itself, for those in on the secret.

The Pursuit of Happyness is an honest, slow, yet ultimately satisfying (correctly spelled with a “y”) motion-picture. Exhibit a small degree of purpose, sit in front of a screen, and experience this inspiring story for yourself.