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:

American Football | Father Son Relationship | Financial Problem | Intentionally Misspelled Title | Unhappy 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

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS

Certification:

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

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Tyson Mao (contestant on "Beauty and the Geek" (2005)) served as a consultant on this film for the prop department.

Goofs:

Factual errors: BART trains are designed not to operate if the doors of any train are obstructed. So in the scene where the train doors close on Chris Gardner's hand -- and he refuses to let go of the bone scanner -- the train departs while the doors are open partially; this would not actually happen.

Quotes:

Christopher Gardner: Probably means there's a good chance. Possibly means we might or we might not.
Christopher: Okay.
Christopher Gardner: So, what does probably mean?
Christopher: It means we have a good chance.
Christopher Gardner: And what does possibly mean?
Christopher: I know what it means! It means we're not going to the game.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Higher Ground

Amazing!

I have been a fan of Will Smith for years and I have to say this may be his best film yet! "The Pursuit of Happiness" is just a wonderful (based on a true) story, full of adventure, hope, and pain. I saw the movie last night in a packed theater. Big Willie Weekend has returned, and for good reason! It's a great movie to see during the holidays and definitely a tear-jerker! Perfect for a date, a night out with friends, or even with family. If you ever thought Will Smith really couldn't act (and shame on you!), you'll think otherwise once you see this movie. You can really feel what he's going through just by looking in his eyes. And Jaden Smith is too adorable! Their on screen chemistry is almost unbearable to watch! Go see this movie! Great acting, great directing, great writing...you won't regret it!