Pursuit of Happiness

Rating: 6/10 (4 February 2007)

The Pursuit of Happiness I had to google the name "Christopher Gardner" after seeing the movie. Because the movie is inspired from his life  a true story! Christopher Gardner is a associate producer along with Will Smith of this movie. It has been just 8 months since the autobiography hit the US markets  that people are able to see its movie. That was quick I say  a good marketing and investment on trying to make oneself immortal on screen. Well done Chris Gardner.
Before I write the review  I would like to say that the concept of "Happiness" is so different in western society. Trying to be something or someone (one dreams of) to be HAPPY!?? Is that happiness? I do not understand that part. But the movie gives a message  "Chase your dreams and be happy!" Does not it sound like an American cliché? Yes it is  so is the movie.
Will Smith plays a 'High density resolution X-Ray machine" sales person in San Francisco, who is in pursue of THE happiness that he sees on people's faces. He lives a drudgery life, in a shabby small apartment and wants to take decent care of his son  Jaden Smith - when his wife, Thandie Newton, leaves him without any earnings, without a place to stay but a DREAM to make it big some day.
The whole movie is about his struggle - till the very end when he passes and is selected by a stock broker firm.
The way the character is shown facing one ordeal after another, I could not stop thinking that - is this character stupid or dumb or both? I know that many people face much harder challenges without chasing called "dream". Knowing that fact - I did not feel much empathy for the character because a lot looked self created to me. But I got the point the movie is trying to make  and I realized it when the tears started rolling my eyes when it is told that Chris has got a job. It was worth all the trouble going through to achieve that happiness. Today Chris Gardner is one the most respected self made entrepreneur in US.
The movie making is perfect. I liked the outdoor shots of San Francisco skyline that are taken wonderfully. It is Will Smith's movie all the way. Jaden Smith and Thandie Newton as son and wife have also done a decent job.
The amount of time Will Smith is shown running in the movie is crazy. For every other occasion he starts running! Good effort  imagining the number of takes each shot would have taken during rehearsals and filming.
A good "feel good" movie  that would surely inspire many African Americans to dream big.
Just a trivia  for the first time in Amsterdam, I saw more than 20 per cent of the audience from African origin. Will Smith seems to be popular among them and a current running comedy series on UPC channel of a much younger Will Smith is another proof of the same.
(6 Stars)