Pursuit of Happyness (2005)

Director:

Patrick McGuinn

Writer:

Patrick McGuinn (written by)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot Keywords:

Lounge | Independent Music | Italy | Gay Interest | Intentionally Misspelled Title

Cast

Frank Navin	...	Himself
John Navin	...	Himself
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Cynthia Plaster Caster	...	Herself
Lawrence Steele	...	Himself
Fabio Zambernardi	...	Himself

Runtime:

USA:60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Filming Locations:

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Company:

Willing Suspension Films

Trivia:

The title refers to a series of CDs produced by the Navin brothers which alternate on the theme of "Happyness", with the "y" misspelling. Other titles in this series include: "Morehappyness" and "Littlehappyness".

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Starz Inside: Fashion in Film (2008) (TV)

Fascinating peek into the world of The Aluminum Group

It is almost unbelievable that a band like The Aluminum Group are not more well known within post-rock and indie circles. Working in the Chicago scene with luminaries such as John McEntire, Jim O'Rourke (who appears in the film), Rob Mazurek, Archer Prewitt and Edith Frost, one would have thought the Navin brothers would be massive!

The film, for the most part, follows John and Frank Navin as they tour around Italy. We see them performing with their iPod backing track, visiting youth clubs and beautiful churches, rehearsing in the car (a real treat) and meeting fashionable Italian types. The pretty tour diary elements are interspersed with interviews - the ones with the Navins are brilliant and offer a fascinating peek into their world and musical origins. Contributions by the group's friends I found less interesting - why present a bunch of people (even if they are Cynthia Plaster Caster) over-egging the gay pudding when the music speaks for itself?

I loved all the videos, especially the really early stuff (what a riot!), and footage of the musicians working in the studio and performing. I've pretty much given up hope of ever seeing The Aluminum Group live so this film is a nice replacement of sorts.

Aluminum Group fans will obviously want to see this film but anyone who's into the Chicago post scene should check it out too. I mean, they practically invented The Sea And Cake's entire schtick!