The themes explored in the film, "the Pursuit of Happyness" include belonging, relationships and morality. Belonging is the dominant concept of the film. Belonging is interpreted through the audience through film techniques such as lighting, camera work, proxemics and motifs. Belonging is shown through acceptance and rejection.
References to belonging are constantly made. Belonging to a home - Chris and his son struggle to find a place to belong throughout the duration of the film. Chris's wife leaves due to a lack of belonging. Belonging to society as a person who is successful and happy. Belonging in relationships is also important.

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Early in the film, the main character, Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, finds that his wife is unhappy with their financial situation. They have not paid the rent for two months and his wife has feelings of insecurity and hostility towards Chris. She attempts to leave with their son, Christopher, but Chris demands that his son has to stay with him, since she cannot protect him.
"The Pursuit of Happyness" is about a man's struggle to earn a living at a crossroads in his career. He is accepted into a traineeship program as a stockbroker, a job that he sees himself as excelling at. Unfortunately, the traineeship does not come with a salary. Ultimately, Chris is kicked out of his flat, since he is unable to pay the rent. He puts all his mind and soul into working hard to learn and make as many sales as he can while struggling to earn enough money to pay rent in a cheaper flat by selling expensive medical devices.
Chris and his son are content, but things turn awry when Chris' money is seized for taxes. Unable to pay the rent, they are forced out to roam the streets. They are able to live in homeless sanctuaries.
When Chris is at the brink of despair, he is saved. Finally, he is accepted to work at the stockbroker's firm. At this point, the film is resolved and ends.
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Family, a general adult audience, teenagers, people who want to explore the concept of belonging, stockbrokers.

Chris telling his son "never let anybody tell you that you can't do something." Chris' acceptance into the firm. The light humour and action to relieve tension.

Think and write about it.

Positive, confident, optimistic.

Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen.

It is heartwarming, it has good morals and it shows how a person can turn from homelessness to success.

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Created Jan 23, 2010 at 8:57pm • Submit your own review...