The Pursuit of Happyness
Italian film director Gabriele Muccino made his grand debut into Hollywood filmmaking in 2006 when he decided to take an offer provided by Will Smith to direct The Pursuit of Happyness, the story of African-American entrepreneur Chris Gardner. In the film, Gardner is a salesman living with his five-year old son Christopher, and his wife Linda in an apartment in San Francisco. His financial troubles began after he decides to invest his entire life savings in overpriced portable bone-density scanners which he attempts to sell to doctors, pitching that they they are much more efficient than modern x-rays. Gardener finds himself on his last leg after he loses almost all of his wealth and his wife leaves him and flees …show more content…
Gilchrist describes that Smith "gives a fantastic, selfless performance as Chris" throughout the film. He goes on to say that "Smith gives the performance of his career" in The Pursuit Of Happiness, and applauds him for his heartwarming portrayal of Chris Gardner. Despite his monotone view on the film, Starnes supports Gilchrist declaring that "Smith is actually quite good as Chris". He states that this was a relief to him considering not many characters are given much importance. He believes this allows Smith to truly shine throughout the film. Ultimately, neither author fails to recognize the flawless performance given by Smith as Chris …show more content…
Gilchrist emphasizes that the movie is based solely on "the achievement of one man who looked past the litany obstacles to which he could have easily surrendered." On the other hand, Starnes is sure that the film is nothing more than "the quintessential telling of the American Dream." Throughout his review, Gilchrist maintains that the film isn't about a "poor person becoming rich" which is what Starnes calls the American Dream. Gilchrist believes that the film is made to portray a man who persevered no matter how tough life got. It has nothing to do with being poor or even about a black man trying to succeed in a white society.This is why he believes it is such a great film considering anyone is able to relate to it. Everyone, no matter their financial status or racial background, will one day face a type of struggle. The objective of The Pursuit of Happyness is to portray the struggle which has identified a man named Chris Gardner.
Above all, Gilchrist and Starnes both praise Will Smith's performance in The Pursuit of Happiness along with the film's good intention to inspire its viewers. Nonetheless, both authors are unable to agree on the symbolic portrayal of the film. Gilchrist maintains that the film is about beating one's obstacles while Starnes supports that the film symbolizes the American Dream. Symbolism aside, both authors agree that The
Italian film director Gabriele Muccino made his grand debut into Hollywood filmmaking in 2006 when he decided to take an offer provided by Will Smith to direct The Pursuit of Happyness, the story of African-American entrepreneur Chris Gardner. In the film, Gardner is a salesman living with his five-year old son Christopher, and his wife Linda in an apartment in San Francisco. His financial troubles began after he decides to invest his entire life savings in overpriced portable bone-density scanners which he attempts to sell to doctors, pitching that they they are much more efficient than modern x-rays. Gardener finds himself on his last leg after he loses almost all of his wealth and his wife leaves him and flees …show more content…
Gilchrist describes that Smith "gives a fantastic, selfless performance as Chris" throughout the film. He goes on to say that "Smith gives the performance of his career" in The Pursuit Of Happiness, and applauds him for his heartwarming portrayal of Chris Gardner. Despite his monotone view on the film, Starnes supports Gilchrist declaring that "Smith is actually quite good as Chris". He states that this was a relief to him considering not many characters are given much importance. He believes this allows Smith to truly shine throughout the film. Ultimately, neither author fails to recognize the flawless performance given by Smith as Chris …show more content…
Gilchrist emphasizes that the movie is based solely on "the achievement of one man who looked past the litany obstacles to which he could have easily surrendered." On the other hand, Starnes is sure that the film is nothing more than "the quintessential telling of the American Dream." Throughout his review, Gilchrist maintains that the film isn't about a "poor person becoming rich" which is what Starnes calls the American Dream. Gilchrist believes that the film is made to portray a man who persevered no matter how tough life got. It has nothing to do with being poor or even about a black man trying to succeed in a white society.This is why he believes it is such a great film considering anyone is able to relate to it. Everyone, no matter their financial status or racial background, will one day face a type of struggle. The objective of The Pursuit of Happyness is to portray the struggle which has identified a man named Chris Gardner.
Above all, Gilchrist and Starnes both praise Will Smith's performance in The Pursuit of Happiness along with the film's good intention to inspire its viewers. Nonetheless, both authors are unable to agree on the symbolic portrayal of the film. Gilchrist maintains that the film is about beating one's obstacles while Starnes supports that the film symbolizes the American Dream. Symbolism aside, both authors agree that The