Will Smith poses with a copy of Dallas Weekly during a recent interview. (Samantha Urban)
It’s easy to suspect Columbia Pictures’ “The Pursuit of Happyness” of being overly sentimental schlock. After all, it’s based on a true story, has a plethora of heartwarming elements and is being released around the holidays. However, anyone who jumps to that conclusion is completely wrong.
“The Pursuit of Happyness,” is not only honest, funny and heartbreaking- it’s also well written and sublimely acted.
The film tells the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a marginally employed salesman who sells bone marrow x-ray machines to doctors willing to purchase the expensive contraptions. The endeavor was one Gardner thought would support his wife Linda (Thandie Newton, “Crash”) and son Christopher (Smith’s real-life son, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith), but the family still struggles to stay financially afloat.
After Linda gets frustrated and leaves, Chris begins an internship at a local stockbroker firm, which he hopes will eventually land him a job. Through mishaps, screw-ups and one instance of bad luck after another, the story focuses on the relationship between Gardner and his son as they face trials and tribulations trying to achieve a better life.
Directed by Gabriele Muccino (“L’ Ultimo bacio,” “Ricordati di me”), the movie has a pacing problem, as it takes a while to really get the story rolling. But once it does, the film is compelling.
The movie is also often painful to watch. Gardner truly leads a double life: days at the firm making deals, and nights with his son in homeless shelters. Many of the scenes are harrowing and some may even bring a tear to your eyes. But, don’t let that deter you.
The film’s title (which is misspelled purposely, after the misspelled mural painted outside little Christopher’s daycare) really says it all. The movie is about working yourself to the bone to find happiness and a better life for yourself and those you love.
In a recent interview, Will Smith discussed the themes of the film.
“The idea is something that I truly connect to. I connected to the importance of having an idea about yourself. You can’t wake up everyday winging it,” Smith said.
“Chris Gardner had an idea of who he wanted to be and how to become that person. On nights when he didn’t have food, that idea filled his stomach. If there were a theme in my work that I’m connecting to and starting to infuse into my work, it is that idea. Chris Gardner never had a poverty of ideas. They sustained him.”
Will Smith carries the weight of the film with ease, playing Gardner as a charming, self-motivator who would do pretty much anything for his son. Giving him a mustache and some grey wisps in his hair was a genius move on the part of the costume department, because it gives Smith a gravitas that makes you completely forget he was ever “The Fresh Prince.” “The Pursuit of Happyness” could possibly do for Smith what “Ali” couldn’t: earn him an Academy Award.
The other standout in the film is young Jaden Smith as Christopher. No one can accuse Smith of nepotism because, well, his kid is astoundingly talented. He delivers jokes throughout the movie that are actually pretty funny, and has a few tantrum scenes that will basically break your heart. He almost steals the show from his father- and THAT’S saying something.
Will Smith said that he learned a lot about acting from his son.
“He does something different every take,” Smith said. “I had a planned performance, but he was living in every moment. His character became alive in those moments. He has absolutely changed my style of performing.”
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a true rags-to-riches story, and one of the best that’s ever been committed to film. It glorifies Chris Gardner’s struggles to be both a father and provider. If anything, it will make you thankful for what you have, especially during this holiday season.
