19th January, 2007

LLOYD HARKNESS

The Pursuit of Happyness

In a word (or three): Keeping it real.

FATHER AND SON: No, really. Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) and his son Christopher (played by his son, Jaden) enjoying the lighter side of life. PICTURE: Zade Rosenthal. (Index page picture: Robert Zuckerman).

Forget the TV ads which make this film appear to be a feel good tale of one man, with a good sense of humour, overcoming poverty to achieve corporate success. The Pursuit of Happyness is far more gritty in its portrayal of American big city poverty than jocular lines like "he must have been wearing a very good pair of pants" might suggest.

For Chris Gardner and his son Christopher, played by Will Smith and his real-life son Jaden, the battle to make a go of life is no flippant affair. Poverty's trough only becomes deeper for Chris when he tries to establish himself as a trainee stockbroker. Sleeping in beds for the homeless and a night in a pretend cave is just part of the troubles which grind away at hope and persistence.

This film portrays poverty more as a battle against the odds rather than labelling people as foolish or lazy or whatever other media tag is sometimes made to fit.

The chemistry between the Smiths is great. Jaden is a very plausible and likeable young kid who isn't just there for sentimental value. He pulls off his role with aplomb as does Will.

Set in San Francisco in the early 1980s, the whole look and feel of the film is a reflection on values which undergird American society, right down to its Bill of Rights title. Yes, this is a rag-to-riches American dream tale but its focus is on the battle to succeed not success itself.

Earmark this one. I'd give it three-and-a-half stars.