The Pursuit of Happyness (Download, Review)

Will Smith plays the likable character, Chris Gardner in the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. The movie is based on the book written by the real Chris Gardner but the content differs somewhat between the two. In the book, a good portion of the book revolves around the true story of Gardner’s dysfunctional childhood years and how it affected his relationships, perceptions, dreams and desires in his adult life. His determination to raise his son derives from the abandonment he experienced in his childhood while his own father was absent from his life and the abuse he endured by his stepfather.

The film did not reveal any background details regarding his troubled childhood but instead concentrated on Gardner’s present day struggles of trying to carve a career for himself and raise his young son, Christopher, played by Smith’s own son, Jaden Christopher Smith. The movie was entertaining and immediately drew the viewer into Gardner’s dilemma. After numerous career changes, Gardner has a burning desire to become a stockbroker however he has two things standing in his way. Gardner lacks the education needed to pursue his dreams and he is black – an era when it was uncommon to be a black stockbroker. After his relationship with his son’s mother breaks up, Gardner struggles to keep himself afloat financially while raising his son. He is presented with the opportunity to partake in an internship to become a stockbroker but there is no remuneration for six months while in training. To further complicate his decision, he is not guaranteed a job after he completes the training and the training cannot be transferred to another stock brokerage company.

Without any viable job prospects that will secure his financial future, Gardner decides to accept the free stockbroker internship and carefully lays out a financial plan to get him through the next six months. Unfortunately, his financial plans don’t accommodate any unexpected expenses and he runs out of money before his training ends. Forever resourceful and determined to complete his training, Gardner and his son find themselves homeless and seek refuge at the local shelter however on more than one occasion they arrive too late and resort to sleeping on the subway train or in the subway washroom.

Will Smith’s casting as Chris Gardner was perfect. Unaccustomed to seeing Smith in a serious role, his performance was convincing and riveting. The chemistry between Smith and his real life son, Jaden Christopher Smith is unmistakable and adds emotional depth to the movie. Jaden Christopher Smith delivers a remarkable performance as young Christopher Gardner, and from the start of the film, woos the audience with his big afro and soft brown eyes.

This movie was inspiring and had the viewer rooting for the underdog but at the same time, it was somewhat depressing. The Pursuit of Happyness is great film for the entire family: an excellent example of the power of human desire, determination and resilience.

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