Sound

The sounds in the film The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) directed by Gabriele Muccino help to immerse the viewer into the story. They are both diegetic and non-diegetic. The soundtrack of the film was written by Andrea Guerra, an Italian composer.

Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are sometimes combined to create a contrasting effect. During the scene where Chris notices that the people around him are happy, the music is joyful and uplifting. The music seems to convey that happiness is within Chris’ reach, and that he, too, can become happy if he tries. The peaceful, joyful music is interrupted by the loud, dissonant sound of the alarm clock as it wakes Chris and Linda up the next day. This seems to place into contrast the idyllic dream of happiness with the harsh reality of Chris ‘current condition. It is also meant to bring into sharper focus Chris’ realization that he is not happy.

It is worth noting that pieces from the same musical sequence are re...