2006, USA
Biography, Drama
Will Smith is a celebrated family man and proves that talent runs in his blood when his son plays his character's son in Gabriele Muccino's (the original Italian The Last Kiss) film of hardship, The Pursuit of Happyness. In a tale about struggling to survive with a child in tow, the two weather heartache and cinched belts in their pursuit of the good stuff.
Audiences may question the extent of their dedication to home and career after witnessing the battles of Smith's character, Chris Gardner. A gentle and quiet man completely devoted to the well-being of his family, his dreams of a steady income are not achieved without hard work. After investing in a roomful of expensive bone density machines, he must sell the costly equipment by lugging them from one physician to the next.
On a day like any other, he bumps into a cheery fella and his sports car and inquires about his career. At that moment he is introduced to the benefits of the world of stock brokering, and he regains a lost hope. He diligently pursues an internship, only to discover the training comes with no assistance to his income.
And so Gardner faces the biggest of many catch-22's. If he finishes the months-long internship and is top in his class, there is an infinitesimal possibility of employment and his problems will fix themselves. In the meantime, problems pile up as he is forced to maintain the facade to his bosses and coworkers that he is doing well enough to spare them every second of his time.
If he turns down this questionable opportunity, he has time to sell his equipment and thus pay rent, daycare and grocery bills. As his limited funds dwindle and his family breaks apart, he must hope for a future when his accomplishments may add up to success. But with a lack of food and sleep, he barely has time to do that.
This is a touching film not only about a loyal parent but an incredible work ethic with only the best of intentions as his motivation. Greed is not a factor, merely survival and comfort for himself and his boy. Gardner climbs the ladder with honesty and natural charm, and never schemes for his slice of the pie.
It is easy to feel for this cracked family who finds nights in a subway bathroom and a daily race to make the homeless shelter line. Every time Gardner gets a break, he is simultaneously broken by another rotten situation. Doors open and close at the same time, and he must weigh consequences that no parent would wish to consider.
Smith is direct yet subtle, and never outlandish. Thandie Newton (Crash) appears as his worn wife, who never asked for these troubles (including parenthood), and prefers an easy way out to scrambling her way to the middle. Their portrayals are never false, and even young Jaden Smith never hints at dramatics.
Muccino does not overplay his hand. This true story does all the work, and Smith fills Gardner's shoes perfectly. His casual narration eases the audience into his life like a neighbor swapping stories. Charming and inspirational, one should think twice about complaining about a paycheck after watching this film.