The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

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

Director:

Gabriele Muccino

Writer:

Steve Conrad (as Steven Conrad)

Stars:

Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 11 wins & 24 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

Based on a true story about a man named Christopher Gardner. Gardner has invested heavily in a device known as a "bone density scanner". He feels like he has it made selling these devices. However, they do not sell well as they are marginally better than x-ray at a much higher price. As Gardner works to make ends meet, his wife leaves him and he loses his apartment. Forced to live out in the streets with his son, Gardner continues to sell bone density scanners while concurrently taking on an unpaid internship as a stockbroker, with slim chances for advancement to a paid position. Before he can receive pay, he needs to outshine the competition through 6 months of training, and to sell his devices to stay afloat.

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Plot Keywords:

hare krishna | internship | stockbroker | salesman | intern | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Cantonese

Release Date:

15 December 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Chris Gardner Project

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$55,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$26,541,709, 17 December 2006, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$163,566,459

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$307,077,295

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Relativity Media, Overbrook Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on a true story, though some elements have been changed from the book. For instance, Gardner's internship was not unpaid; he received a modest stipend. He and his son's mother were never married. The son was an infant during the internship.

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Goofs

When Chris enters Martin Frohm's office after he is summoned, Martin comments on Chris' shirt ("nice shirt"), which is blue. However, when Chris leaves the office his shirt is white.

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Quotes

Martin Frohm: [during the interview room, with Twistle, Frakesh, and Frohm present] What would you say if man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?
Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.

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Connections

Referenced in Gilmore Girls: Gilmore Girls Only (2007)

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Soundtracks

Lord, Don't Move That Mountain
(1960)
Written by Doris Akers and Mahalia Jackson
Performed by The Glide Ensemble

User Reviews

Great Movie

I was blessed to have seen this movie last night. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me love life.

This movie is a great movie that depicts a love of a father for his son. Will Smith did an incredible job and deserves every accolade available to him. His son also did a fantastic job.

There is a great lesson that is learned in this movie and it truly shares the struggles of everyday life.

This movie was heart felt and touching. It was truly an experience worth having. Thank you for making this movie and I look forward to seeing it again.