Smith is in a Pursuit for an Oscar

Rating: 7/10 (15 December 2006)

Will Smith's screen presence, despite its clear Oscar yearning, far surpasses this films capabilities on its own. Directed by first time English-language writer/director Gabriele Muccino, this sappy, even cheesy at times, epic drama about one man's determination, is brought to classier heights through Smith's authentic performance. Never going out of character or being "Will Smith", Smith's performance in The Pursuit of Happiness, incorrectly spelled purposely, is reminiscent of his role in Michael Mann's Ali. Smith's role as a father, trying to take care of his son, played by real-life son Jayden Smith, definitely brings the father-son chemistry and struggle to tear inducing moments more genuinely. Thandie Newton, who seems to be playing the same unappreciative non-understanding wife, she did in Paul Haggis' Crash, brings nothing new to the table other than a refreshing sense of loathing.
Based on a true story, Pursuit of Happiness has clearly been embellished, allowing Smith and son to really shine in moments that were probably otherwise boring and less intimate. It is the close-ups, the all affectionate moments that Smith pours his heart into, that really push this movie beyond its regurgitating material and into an emotional spin of consciousness. During the films 117 minute running time we are introduced to Chris Gardner's (Will Smith) daily life, which really lends to our understanding of the delicate life this man and his son lead. Many people will obviously be bitter about the manipulative plays of the filmmakers, that through charismatic on-screen presence and tears, will make you sympathize for someone who otherwise would not be sympathized. There is some truth in this, but try and enjoy the movie for how it makes you feel, even if it is using every trick to bring out those usually buried feelings. At least it is evoking something, whether it be fabricated or not, the result is still genuine.
In the tear jerking, man crying tradition, The Pursuit of Happiness has all the comedy and drama woven neatly into this time old story of a screenplay. This film will definitely hit home for many, being that this is such a widely common topic, and the fact that family struggle is universal. There have been films like this before it, and there will be films like this afterward, but I believe that the stunning performances, and smoothly appropriate camera work will set this one aside from the rest.