But what is arguably the best performance in Will Smith’s career makes the movie work; more so, it makes the movie an enjoyable, compelling ode to the power of perseverance in the face of setbacks. And Chris Gardner had lots of those, starting from a failing career selling medical instruments that leads to a lack of money, estrangement from his wife (Thandie Newton), and all manner of tragedies that result in him losing everything but his son and determination to succeed. A lifeline comes in the form of an internship at Dean Witter, a stock brokerage firm whose training program only results in the hiring of one person out of 20. Chris Gardner’s pursuit of happiness emerges out of doggedly hanging to that lifeline, however much he finds himself in the worse possible situations.
It’s too easy, though, to leave “The Pursuit of Happyness” as an inspired-by-a-true story example of the old adage that if you work hard enough, you will succeed. If anything, it also shows how no one exists in a vacuum or constitute an island unto themselves. There’s luck involved, true; being in the right place at the right time. But there’s also other people, who might see past the grime to the gem beneath and give someone a break, the benefit of the doubt. This, however, begs the question: Isn’t it a bit too convenient a kick to the horse’s head to have Chris’s wife willingly leave her son in his care while she acts on her long-suffering marital unhappiness? It’s the loudest false note in the film, that a mother would voluntarily take herself out of her son’s life. But however her character is used to contrive Chris’s disintegrating situation, Thandie Newton delivers a performance that stands terrifically on its own.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is long and bumpy at times, but it has enough heart to make the chase worthwhile.
Technical Quality: ** (out of two)
The Pursuit of Happyness. Directed by Gabriele Muccino. Written by Steven Conrad. Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, and Brian Howe. 117 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for some language).