The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Director:

Gabriele Muccino

Writer (WGA):

Steve Conrad (written by)

Release Date:

15 December 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.

Plot Keywords:

Stadium | Father Son Relationship | Motel | Intentionally Misspelled Title | Marriage

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 9 wins & 17 nominations

Cast

Will Smith	...	Chris Gardner
Jaden Smith	...	Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith)
Thandie Newton	...	Linda
Brian Howe	...	Jay Twistle
James Karen	...	Martin Frohm
Dan Castellaneta	...	Alan Frakesh
Kurt Fuller	...	Walter Ribbon
Takayo Fischer	...	Mrs. Chu
Kevin West	...	World's Greatest Dad
George Cheung	...	Chinese Maintenance Worker (as George K. Cheung)
David Michael Silverman	...	Doctor at First Hospital
Domenic Bove	...	Tim Ribbon
Geoff Callan	...	Ferrari Owner
Joyful Raven	...	Hippie Girl
Scott Klace	...	Tim Brophy

Also Known As:

The Pursuit of Happiness (International: English title) (alternative spelling)
Untitled Chris Gardner Project (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some language.

Runtime:

117 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Hong Kong:IIA | Netherlands:6 | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Argentina:13 | USA:PG-13 (certificate #42013) | France:Unrated | Singapore:PG | Ireland:12A | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Australia:M | Finland:S | Portugal:M/12 | Brazil:Livre | UK:12A | Sweden:7 | South Korea:All | Malaysia:U | Italy:T

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

The "bible" that the interns were told to sleep, eat, and live with is called "Security Analysis" by Benjamin Graham, 1934. There have been newer, subsequent revisions to this book.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Martin Frohm asks Chris to borrow $5 for the taxi, a red-headed woman in a burgundy jacket walks between the actors and the camera. The next shot shows her walking by again.

Quotes:

Christopher Gardner: There's no salary?
Jay Twistle: No.
Christopher Gardner: I was not aware of that. My circumstances have changed some.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "HBO First Look: I Am Legend (#14.31)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Feelin' Alright

Meaningful and Uplifting

My husband and I had an opportunity to attend a screener of this movie last night. We had seen several commercials and a trailer for the film and we had high hopes, we were not disappointed. Many times "inspired by" films feel like hard sells or bids for Oscar glory. "Pursuit of Happiness" is none of that. This is an honest, meaningful film that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. The viewer becomes fully invested in the struggles of Chris Gardner and his son. Will and Jadyn Smith deserve huge kudos. The real-life father and son dynamic enriched the film and don't know if other actors could have been as powerful. Be warned, there are several tissue inducing moments. This movie is well worth a ticket!