The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen)

 

 

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Will Smith did a great job in his role as usual; the man is a very talented actor. This movie, however, is missing something in the story-telling. I didn't find that the story really drew me in for some reason. While it's easy to sympathise with the plight of the two main characters with respect to their situation, it's difficult at times to sympathise with the main character. This movie is basically about a man/father whose wife leaves him after some failed attempts in the workforce. After becoming a single parent, he struggles to keep him and his son together and find safe shelter while he pursues an internship at a brokerage firm. The show is undoubtedly a tear-jerker for a number of people as it deals with homelessness, the relationship between a father and son and the pursuit of the American dream that so many of us find endearing. Most of us can relate to the desire to make something of ourselves and achieve economic success and this movie does a decent job of effectively conveying that desire; well, Will Smith does a good job as the man who plays the main character. I found that the story became somewhat one-dimensional, however, as the character seemed a little obsessed with making the big bucks. I find it difficult to believe that the real Chris Gardner was so one-dimensional; he is actually a man of several accomplishments, but the movie doesn't do a great job in making the viewer understand that. It's difficult to do in 90 to 120 minutes, but I can't help but think that the script could have been better.

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) lives in a cheap rental apartment with his partner, Linda (Thandie Newton), who is the mother of his son Christopher (Jaden Smith). Gardner works as a salesman and is trying his hardest to support his family, but nobody wants to buy his bone density scanners. Bills are piling up, the rent is two months behind, and his landlord is running out of patience.

Gardner's world changes when he has a chance encounter on the street with a stockbroker. The man owns a flashy car and Gardner notes that everyone walking out of the office building seems happy. He decides to apply to Dean Witter in an attempt to solve all of his problems.

Getting the attention of his potential employer is not easy, but the film, which is set it 1981, uses a Rubik's Cube to demonstrate Gardner's intelligence. Gardner manages to share a cab with a Dean Witter employee who is in a position to recommend him for an interview, and he solves the puzzle of the Rubik's Cube during the journey. That leads to an interview, but Gardner is arrested for non-payment of parking tickets the night before. He turns up for the interview covered in paint and without a shirt. It's a great scene with a lot of humor and Gardner somehow passes the interview.

The film is based on a true story and shows a typical struggle of a man trying to make his way in the world. You might compare it to It's a Wonderful Life in many ways. Linda eventually decides to leave Gardner, but he insists that Christopher will stay with him. It's here that the film stands out. The relationship between father and son is the very heart of the film. Gardner tries to support Christopher, but money is always a problem. The pair are forced to endure some rough times, but Christopher trusts his father and rarely complains.

I think Pursuit of Happyness was a breakthrough role for Smith. We already knew that he could pull off action roles and comedy, but he had to show considerable range to play Chris Gardner. The performance earned him an Oscar nomination and it was truly deserved.

It's interesting watching Gardner claw his way up while he serves his internship. His dual role as a father limits the time he can spend working and studying, but he makes the best use of what time he has available. Jaden Smith was effective as Christopher, though I wonder how much acting was necessary when your on-screen father is your real father.

Director Gabriele Muccino did a good job of focusing on Smith's emotional side and I found myself fully-invested with Gardner's struggle the whole time.

The film makes me wonder how many people are quietly struggling through similar problems every day. In the current economic climate, things are even tougher than they were in 1981. What would you do to ensure that your family is able to survive? Taking two or three jobs is an option, but that places a strain on you and on all of your relationships.

How do you define happiness? Is it enough just to be able to survive? I've explored this theme in a number of reviews and it's highly relevant here. I don't think Gardner was simply pursuing money and career success; he was taking care of his child. Maybe it's important to feel like you are making the most of your abilities? Pride in your performance is one measure of success, and so is spending time with the people you love. I think The Pursuit of Happyness explores a number of important themes. The definition of happiness is subjective. Do you know what your own definition would be?

Smith is a gifted actor, and this film really showcases his emotional range. His natural rapport with his son is in no way one-sided; Jaden Smith is believable and very charming. Certainly, the audience can feel secure that Chris Gardner, the main character, will succeed in some fashion or else a film would never have been based on his autobiography, but the simple, sentimental score, well-written screenplay, subtle direction and, above all, Will Smith's acting make us strive with Gardner, cry with him, and hurt with him.

Gardner's tale is like "Die Hard" for the masses; he has to endure being arrested, being evicted, fighting for a bed at the homeless shelter, trying to keep appointments and to study while holding down two full-time jobs with no car, sprinting all over San Francisco, attempting to keep himself and his son clean--it just does not stop. Watch Smith's face during the film--he shows us a man who only just manages to fend off despair. He bleeds and weeps because of the injustice in the world, with disappointment at how his potential has been wasted, with the weight of all his past failures, and with worry for his son. But he clings to the path he has chosen in the belief that it will lead him from this torment. One can actually see the dead look in Smith's eyes, the punch-drunk expression of one who is suffering, who is juggling so many burdens that his mind spills over with the effort, for whom a seemingly minor setback is a Big Deal. Smith gets it, and he makes us get it, too.

Incidentally, he could probably have been a stuntman or a professional athlete. He has had running scenes in many of his films to date, and in this movie he looks ready to set a new record for the 400 meters. Smith is a little too fit and energetic for a homeless guy who hardly sleeps and eats in a soup kitchen for much of the movie, but his running and carrying feats illustrate Gardner's bulldog tenacity, and how his own physical power and endurance aided him in achieving his ends. All I have to say is this movie is one of the best this year. I couldn't believe how good Will Smith did in this film. I also couldn't imagine a bone density scanner salesman lived a part of his life this way. Sleeping in a bathroom at a Subway station! On top of toilet paper! It made me feel good that I sleep in a bed at night! I do hope with an inspiring story like this, that he claims any upcoming awards.

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5.0 out of 5 stars fast & free
I ordered this item in the christmas rush. It arrived right on time 2 days later. I had no problem with this company. thank you.

Published 4 months ago by sstik

5.0 out of 5 stars The Pursuit of Happyness
It is nice to see a movie like this one. It shows that if your determined enough and know you have a child to take care of, you will do anything to support the two of you. Read more

Published 8 months ago by bigmama51

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking
In this tear jerking drama Will Smith trades in his super hero cape and takes up the role of an average Joe. Read more

Published on Sep 19 2009 by Cavelle Layes

4.0 out of 5 stars The pursuit of happyness
A real story filmed in all details about a man who loved his child and took responsibilty to get a better life for his son and himself.

Published on Jun 28 2009 by Mary-Ann

5.0 out of 5 stars "If you want somethin', go get it."
This true story opens in San Francisco in the 1980s, where salesman Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is barely able to make ends meet. Read more

Published on Jun 14 2009 by Kona

4.0 out of 5 stars Smith took this role and ran with it
Smith is a gifted actor, and this film really showcases his emotional range. His natural rapport with his son is in no way one-sided; Jaden Smith is believable and very charming... Read more

Published on Jun 27 2007 by Jenny J.J.I.

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