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 & 25 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:

american dream | 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:

Official Facebook 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, 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

Mr. Ribbon asks his secretary to call Mr. Ristuccia. This surname is often used by Gabriele Muccino in his movies.

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Goofs

In 1981, the seats in BART trains were tan, not blue.

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Quotes

Shoe-Spotting Intern: [upon entering the classroom for the interns] Hey, you're missing a shoe.
Christopher Gardner: Oh, hey, thanks!

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Connections

Referenced in Friday Night with Jonathan Ross: Episode #13.14 (2007)

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Soundtracks

I Know It's a Sin
(1958)
Written by Jimmy Reed and Mary Reed

User Reviews

Meaningful and Uplifting

My husband and I had an opportunity to attend a screener of this movie last night. We had seen several commercials and a trailer for the film and we had high hopes, we were not disappointed. Many times "inspired by" films feel like hard sells or bids for Oscar glory. "Pursuit of Happiness" is none of that. This is an honest, meaningful film that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. The viewer becomes fully invested in the struggles of Chris Gardner and his son. Will and Jadyn Smith deserve huge kudos. The real-life father and son dynamic enriched the film and don't know if other actors could have been as powerful. Be warned, there are several tissue inducing moments. This movie is well worth a ticket!