First, to be clear on any possible bias, I have to say that I love Will Smith. So a movie starring Will Smith is a movie that I probably won’t hate — ever.
I saw The Pursuit of Happyness movie when it was released in theaters in 2006. I loved it then. In the beginning of Start Where you Are, Gardner mentions that the movie focuses on one year in his life. To me, even after reading the memoir, that was the most compelling part of the story. It’s a great movie and an inspiring story.
I decided to read The Pursuit of Happyness and then I watched the movie again. What a great story.
It’s important to note as well, that I think that the movie was being made as Gardner was writing the memoir. So the movie isn’t really based on that book — it’s based on his story. The story from his memoir to the screen is changed. It’s changed a lot. So one could go crazy nitpicking the details, or one could enjoy the general idea of a man fighting to obtain the American dream.
And that theme is still very strong. The movie was both heartwarming and heartbreaking as we watch Will Smith, as Chris Gardner, try to fight his way out of poverty while making a life for his son. And watching this movie a second time convinced me that it’s not only a great story, but a great movie.
The movie has flashes of humor, with the way that Smith (as Gardner) provides chapter-like headings in the movie (“This is the time in my life called ‘Riding the Bus'”). While I didn’t particularly pick that up in the book, after reading some of Start Where you Are, Chris Gardner’s newest book, I can see his sense of humor.
So I don’t know if it’s because of Will Smith or because the move focused on the most incredible part of his story, or because the movie was my first exposure to the story, but I really did like the movie better than the book. Much better. If you want to know Chris Gardner’s story, I’d recommend watching the movie. If you want to know more about him and his “can-do” attitude, I’d recommend reading his new book Start Where you Are.
If you’ve never seen the movie, add it to your list of DVDs to watch this summer.
Managing Editor Jennifer Donovan likes a good story, no matter whether it’s told on screen or in the pages. She blogs at Snapshot.
Carrie, Reading to Know says
I’ve picked up the movie a couple of times at the video store but haven’t rented it yet. It LOOKED and sounded like a great movie! Glad to hear your review of it. I think we will get around to this one!
Heidi V. says
I just recently watched this movie it was a box of tissue movie but very inspiring. I’m have to look for the book.