Analysis

The film The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) directed by Gabriele Muccino follows the traditional three-acts structure. The order of the events is chronological. The plot is centered on the main character’s financial struggles and his efforts to improve his condition. At the end of the film, his dream of becoming a stockbroker comes true.

The main character in the story is Chris Gardner, who starts out as a salesman and ends up getting hired as a stockbroker. Another important character in the film is his son, Christopher. The other characters are mostly presented in relation to Chris or Christopher.

The setting of the narrative is the city of San Francisco, United States. The time setting is the year 1981, as mentioned in the film. The time setting is significant because it helps to place the film in the economic context of that decade.

Several cinematic techniques are used to highlight the importance of some scenes and draw the viewer into the story. The film makes full use of natural lighting to tell an authentic tale, based on true events. There are several songs used throughout the film, with lyrics that are relevant to the specific context.

The film also uses symbols and motifs to better express the themes and message of the story. The symbols and motifs highlight Chris’ struggle throughout the film.

You can read a full analysis of the film in the following pages.

Excerpt from the study guide:

Physical setting

The film The Pursuit of Happyness takes place in San Francisco, United States of America. The wide shot at the beginning of the film which shows the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, helps viewers recognize where the film is taking place from the very beginning.

The urban setting contributes to the realistic feel of the film, highlighting that this is a story inspired by real events.

San Francisco is presented as a city that is bustling with life, with crowded streets where people from various social strata mingle. In the street scenes, we see men and women in suits hurrying to their jobs in the morning, passing by homeless people still asleep on the pavements and street singers playing. The collision of these two worlds is also depicted in the afternoon, where we see rich people driving by in convertible cars while the homeless queue for a spot for the night at the homeless shelter. The city appears like a space where all aspects of life coexist, making it possible for two such different worlds to share the same urban landscape...