Some facts about the "real" Chris Gardner flash upon the screen at the end. In 2006 he sold a minority share in the brokerage he started for a multi-million dollar profit — a profit that originates from a host of Chris Gardners slaving away at dead end jobs and who will never see the success of the protagonist.
He succeeds wildly, but I couldn't shake the tragedy of all those who didn't have his skills, perseverance, or luck. The movie wanted to create a sense of loss and then have it redeemed through hard work and perseverance — the realization of the American Dream. Survival is the American Nightmare. Something is wrong when the United States Bankruptcy Code is the closest thing we have to a National Health Care Plan. Something is wrong when the richest country in the world has a large homeless population. Something is wrong when Pay Day Loan stores are more prevalent than churches. When did you last read the Declaration of Independence? Read it again. Think about how things are now. The seeds of rebellion are sown in economic disparity and unequal treatment.
The only happiness that comes from the single-eyed pursuit of wealth is one that is misspelled and misplaced.
Article comments
1 - emily
i think that happiness does depend on money somewhat. when you can't afford food or a home, of course you're going to be unhappy. however i do think this movie does somewhat encourage the idea that happiness comes from getting what you want, such as when he buys the candy bar for his son.
2 - valerie jean s. tagalogon
The acting is good! Will Smith played the protagonist and Will Smith's real son played his son in the movie. The son was said by the director to be the best kid for the job. I believe it. Chris Gardner, the man who wrote the book/lived the life on which the movie was based, said, "the kid has more talent in his big toe than Will has in his whole body."
3 - Chandan
I agree with your critique. Somehow the underlying message of this movie always eluded me. If it had focused on achieving Happiness (rather than a high paying job) in spite of all the misery, that would have made it pretty interesting.
4 - Jalyn
I think that the actual happiness was not the money but being able to provide for your family and not worrying about what tomorrow's is going to bring or where you will lay your head.
5 - Rajesh Soni
I like jaylyn's comment, you have understood the situation and point of view of the person,the movie is based on!!
6 - Mike
i think the part of happiness was when chris and his son were running around finding homes... they were in a horrible situation but they still remained happy and made the best of each situation...For example when they slept in the subway washroom or "cave" as they explained..he made it into a happy scenario even though it was one of the worst things possible