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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 3) |
| Author | Comment |
Richard Chambers
 Mar 16, 07 - 3:38 PM |
The Pursuit of Happyness
Andrew's review is pretty accurate. I'm a fan of Mr Smith and I saw this film, and I agree that the loss of the Captain America toy (just about the boy's only possession beyond his clothes)and the jarring Star-Spangled Millionaire ending are hard viewing. However, I think both of those points are justifiable, because the horror of Chris Gardner and son's situation is that the little they have is taken from them - and the Captain America scene captures the heartbreak of failing your child all too well. Similarly, this is also the story of the unlikeliest candidate's attempt to secure a job (yes, a very lucrative one)to dig his way out of bankruptcy and homelessness - so what did we honestly expect the ending to be? The problem is the over-riding theme of the American Dream, or at least the idea that it must encompass substantial wealth. Gardner goes from one extreme to another (Smith did that in real life, too)and there is the unmistakeable echo - as Andrew says - of a 'self-made' millionaire telling the poor of the world: if you worked as hard you could be just like me (a statistical non-starter that nevertheless remains capitalism's stark, groundless promise to the majority of everyone who ever lived). Smith deserved his nomination, but not an Oscar...which he most definitely should have had for "Ali". That year, Denzel Washington won for his portrayal of a black villain - as opposed to Smith's black hero - in "Training Day". "Ali" is probably Smith's best film, but "Six Degrees of Separation" features a performance that runs it very close (its an early Smith picture, and one that everyone should see). If I was a multi-millionaire I would most definitely establish a charitable trust. More importantly, I think Chris Gardner should (and may) have used some of his fortune to at least set up more emergency accomodation for homeless people. Had he done so, you would have expected it to be mentioned at the end of the film, as it would have fitted with the other written comments celebrating Gardner's enormous wealth and general success. The failure to give us any indication of philanthropy needlessly condemns an otherwise memorable, and genuinely 'realistic' motion picture. |
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Cassius
Apr 13th, 2007 - 8:48 AM |
Re: The Pursuit of Happyness
I have to disagree with Andrew's assessment but I can understand his perspective. It is a while since I have seen this film but I remember leaving with the overriding feeling of a positive black male figure working at all costs to take care of his son. How many of those films have you seen with that as the central theme? There is a sense that the US film makers are promoting the American dream, but it is based on a true story. I am not really fussed about whether Will Smith should get an Oscar, infact I think I would be ahppier if it went to his son - he is a real cutie! I would have loved Chris Gardner to have found God and the real meaning of by the end of the film, but then I would wish that for everyone - I am not sure why Andrew want to single him out so harshly. |
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Cassius
Apr 13th, 2007 - 8:55 AM |
Re: The Pursuit of Happyness
PS. When I become a multi-millionaire I plan the set up a residential leadership centre for young people. My focus will be on realising purpose and fulfilling potential and my aim would be to see 10 of the students grow more successful than me ;o) |
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