The Pursuit of Happyness
- Production: USA 2006
- Director: Gabriele Muccino
- Starring: Will Smith (Christopher Gardner), Jaden Smith (Christopher), Thandie Newton (Linda), Brian Howe (Jay Twistle)
Synopsis
The film is a tale inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman, who fights to survive through many difficulties.
When his girlfriend Linda walks out, Chris is left to raise their 5-year-old son, Christopher, on his own.
Chris’s determination finally pays off when he finds himself working as an unpaid intern in a brutally competitive stockbroker training programme, where only one of the twenty interns will succeed.
Without a salary, Chris has to leave his apartment and is forced to sleep on the streets, in homeless shelters and even behind the locked doors of an underground station bathroom.
With self-confidence and the love and trust of his son, Chris Gardner rises above the obstacles to become a Wall Street legend.
Before Viewing
9. Discuss with a partner or in a small group.
- What does the title of the film suggest? How do you interpret it?
- The word "happiness" is spelt with a "y" in the title. Why? Make hypotheses.
10. Read the synopsis and answer the questions.
- Who is the protagonist of the story?
- Why does he live alone with his son?
- What kind of job does he find?
- What are the consequences of an unpaid job?
- How does he manage to get out of a difficult period?