Summary
Although criticisms of the film’s romanticization of the American Dream remain valid, Will Smith’s 2006 biopic dramaThe Pursuit of Happynesstakes on a different meaning when understood as an unofficial remake of Vittorio de Sica’s classic,Bicycle Thieves. The film’s portrayal of poverty, its adherence to San Francisco history, and its focus on a father-son relationship all speak to thetraditions of Italian Neorealism. This postwar film movement saw Italian filmmakers eschew studio standards for a visual aesthetic and life philosophy that better reflected Italy’s reality under economic duress. Smith’sThe Pursuit of Happynessspeaks to similar themes.
Bicycle Thievesis available to stream on Max.
Vittorio de Sica’sBicycle Thieves, often considered one of the seminal works of Italian Neorealism and one ofthe best movies of all time, rarely receives the criticism openly levied againstThe Pursuit of Happyness. Through its genuine dedication to realism,Bicycle Thieveselevates the cinematic medium as an expression of the human conditionrather than an avenue for entertainment. On the other hand, the Will Smith-starring film adaptation of Chris Gardner’s memoir is condemned as pro-capitalist Oscar bait. Comparing these two films, however, highlights how Hollywood utilizes international cinema as a visual aesthetic without always reflecting the philosophical intentions.
Is The Pursuit Of Happyness Based On A True Story? Where Chris Gardner Is Now
Starring Wil Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness is the emotional journey of a single father, but is The Pursuit of Happyness based on a true story?
The Pursuit of Happyness Is Basically The American Version Of Bicycle Thieves
How Will Smith & Hollywood Reimagine Italian Neorealism
BothBicycle ThievesandThe Pursuit of Happynessposition capitalism as an exploitative system angled against the desires of the individual. Lead characters Antonio Ricci and Chris Gardner endure loneliness and isolation when seeking to improve their economic position, frequently taking risks and making sacrifices with the promise of obtaining job security. With young sons joining them on their daily outings, the pressures of fatherhood are heavily present in these two films.Ricci’s and Gardner’s economic pursuits also materially manifest into symbols of modernity, with Ricci desperately searching for his stolen bike and Gardner desperate to find his stolen scanner.
The Pursuit of Happynessalso aligns with Italian Neorealism’s acute awareness of local history. Films likeRocco and His BrothersandRome, Open Cityforefront the effects of World War II as the underlying conditions of the story world, another defining aspect of how Italian Neorealism replicates reality. InThe Pursuit of Happyness, relics of San Francisco’s counterculture history are set up as antagonists to Chris Gardner’s pursuits.Gardner’s story also foreshadows the effects of the internet boom on the city, as his ambitions to become a stockbroker mimic the corporatization and suburbanization of the Bay Area.
How The Pursuit of Happyness Differs From Bicycle Thieves
Redefining This Will Smith-Vehicle Doesn’t Remove The Hollywood Veneer
Despite paying homage to the legacy of Italian Neorealism,Will Smith’sThe Pursuit of Happynesscannot resist the dramatic stylizations of Hollywood filmmaking. When compared to the grounded realism inBicycle Thieves, the scenes between Will Smith and Thandiwe Newton seem overdramatized and stylized. Smith’s monologs directed at his movie son/real-life son start to feel preachy and theatrical. The main difference between these two films can be found in the ways each story chooses to close, whereBicycle Thievessettles on acceptance and appreciation, whileThe Pursuit of Happynesspromises success and overcoming plight.
The thematic differences betweenBicycle ThievesandThe Pursuit of Happynessultimately highlight a fundamental difference in the way each filmmaker views poverty.
These differences reflect a general difference in national identity, where each film, either consciously or subconsciously, communicates themes and narratives that align with their respective country’s history. After WWII, Italy’s economic strife resulted in feelings of betrayal and loneliness, both strong core themes found inBicycle Thieves. Similarly,The Pursuit of Happynessreflects American sensibilities by emphasizing notions of heroism within the American Dream fantasy. The thematic differences betweenBicycle ThievesandThe Pursuit of Happynessultimately highlight a fundamental difference in the way each filmmaker views poverty.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Cast
The Pursuit of Happyness is a drama film based on the life of Chris Gardner, a salesman who chronicled the year he spent his life homeless. Looking to reverse his fortunes and do what’s best for himself and his son, Gardner pursues an unpaid internship that strains his marriage and forces him to struggle against harrowing odds.
