The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Last updated:
June 9, 2025

The Pursuit of Happyness is a deeply moving biographical drama directed by Gabriele Muccino and based on the real-life story of entrepreneur Chris Gardner. Starring Will Smith in a career-defining performance, the film chronicles one man’s relentless struggle against poverty and homelessness in pursuit of a better life for himself and his young son.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Life in San Francisco, 1981

Chris Gardner is a struggling salesman in San Francisco, attempting to sell bone-density scanners that are both expensive and medically obsolete. He’s poured all of his savings into this product, which hospitals are not particularly eager to buy. While trying to maintain a professional appearance, Chris also faces the growing pressure of overdue bills, marital tension, and an increasingly unstable home life.

Breakdown of the Family

Chris’s wife, Linda (Thandiwe Newton), overwhelmed by financial stress, decides to leave him and move to New York, leaving their son, Christopher Jr. (played by Jaden Smith), in his care. Chris now faces the immense challenge of supporting his child with no steady income and nowhere to live.

The Internship Opportunity

In a desperate attempt to change their circumstances, Chris secures an unpaid internship at a prestigious brokerage firm, Dean Witter Reynolds. It’s a high-stakes move—only one intern will be offered a full-time position at the end of six months. Chris must balance this unpaid position while also selling his remaining scanners, taking care of his son, and trying to survive without a permanent place to live.

Homelessness and Survival

One of the most emotionally raw sections of the film shows Chris and his son living in shelters, BART station bathrooms, and even under his desk at work. The image of Chris crying silently in a public bathroom while holding the door shut is one of the most iconic and heartbreaking scenes in the movie. Despite his situation, he remains dedicated to his internship and his son, never allowing the child to fully grasp the extent of their poverty.

Professional Growth and Resilience

Chris’s work ethic is remarkable. He masters cold-calling techniques, finds shortcuts in the office to be more productive, and uses his charm and intelligence to stand out. All the while, he hides his homelessness from his colleagues, continuing to wear the same clothes day after day and bathing in public restrooms.

Movie Ending

In the final scenes of the film, the tension reaches a peak as the internship program draws to a close. Chris is called into a meeting with the partners of Dean Witter Reynolds. Sitting nervously, unsure if he’s about to be fired or congratulated, he’s told:
“Chris, we’re prepared to offer you a position here.”

At that moment, Chris is overwhelmed. He holds back tears as he shakes hands with the executives, trying to maintain composure. When he walks out of the building, he joins the bustling San Francisco crowd—and breaks into tears of pure joy. It’s a triumphant, hard-earned moment that pays off the emotional weight of the entire film.

The final scene features Chris walking hand-in-hand with his son. A brief on-screen note informs viewers that Chris Gardner went on to become a successful businessman, eventually founding his own multi-million-dollar brokerage firm.

This conclusion not only closes the chapter of his hardships but also offers genuine inspiration: perseverance, love, and integrity can overcome even the darkest of times.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Pursuit of Happyness does not feature a post-credits scene. However, at the very end of the film—just before the credits roll—there is a brief but powerful moment: the real Chris Gardner walks past Will Smith and his son. It’s a subtle cameo and a touching tribute that connects fiction to reality.

Type of Movie

This is a biographical drama and inspirational true story. It focuses heavily on themes such as perseverance, fatherhood, poverty, resilience, and the American Dream.

Cast

Will Smith as Chris Gardner
Jaden Smith as Christopher Gardner Jr.
Thandiwe Newton as Linda Gardner
Brian Howe as Jay Twistle
Dan Castellaneta as Alan Frakesh
James Karen as Martin Frohm

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Andrea Guerra, whose work adds a gentle yet powerful emotional current to the film. The music never overwhelms the story; instead, it enhances the emotional moments with subtle, poignant themes.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in San Francisco, California, which also serves as the real-life setting of Chris Gardner’s story. Notable locations include:

Chinatown and Tenderloin neighborhoods – reflecting the urban hardships
BART stations – where Chris and his son sleep during homelessness
Financial District – where Dean Witter Reynolds is located
These locations add authenticity and deepen the sense of realism.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Award Nomination: Best Actor (Will Smith)
Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actor in a Drama (Will Smith)
MTV Movie Award Win: Best Breakthrough Performance (Jaden Smith)
The film also won several audience and critics’ awards at smaller festivals for its inspirational message and performances.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Will Smith spent time with the real Chris Gardner to understand his story more deeply.
Jaden Smith was only 8 years old during filming, but his natural chemistry with his father added authenticity.
The bathroom scene was difficult to shoot emotionally; Will Smith later said it was one of the hardest scenes of his career.
Chris Gardner made a point to be present during much of the filming, acting as a consultant.

chris gardner the pursuit of happyness reality vs movie

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on Chris Gardner’s autobiography: The Pursuit of Happyness (note the misspelled “happyness,” which refers to a scene in the movie where Chris sees a mural outside his son’s daycare). The screenplay closely follows his real-life struggles and successes.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings, but a few deleted scenes are included on the DVD release. These mostly consist of additional character development moments and extended dialogues between Chris and his son that were cut for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is adapted from Gardner’s memoir, but it softens some of the more intense struggles he faced (such as incidents involving domestic violence or more severe episodes of homelessness). The film also dramatizes certain events and timelines to enhance emotional impact.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Chris solving the Rubik’s Cube in the back of a taxi to impress a recruiter
Sleeping in a subway station bathroom with his son
Chris running to the daycare to protect his son’s toy
The final job offer scene

Iconic Quotes

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.”
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me.”
“If you want something, go get it. Period.”
“This part of my life… this part right here? This is called ‘happyness.’”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The real Chris Gardner’s cameo at the end is often missed by casual viewers.
The daycare’s sign spelling “happyness” incorrectly is a symbolic detail from Gardner’s real life.
The Rubik’s Cube scene was inspired by an actual event, but dramatized for the movie.
In multiple scenes, Chris’s tie and shirt mimic the style worn by real stockbrokers of the early ’80s, reflecting his effort to “look the part” despite his poverty.

Trivia

Will Smith accepted the role after reading the script in one sitting.
The film title intentionally uses “Happyness” instead of “Happiness” to reflect the social commentary embedded in Gardner’s life.
Chris Gardner had a cameo but refused any acting role beyond walking across the screen.
The movie was a box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide on a modest budget.

Why Watch?

The Pursuit of Happyness is more than just a feel-good movie—it’s a raw and unflinching look at what resilience and hope really mean. It’s perfect for anyone needing motivation, reassurance in tough times, or simply a powerful story about a father’s love. The emotional core, realistic struggle, and ultimately triumphant conclusion make this film not only worth watching but worth remembering.

Director’s Other Movies

Seven Pounds (2008)
Fathers and Daughters (2015)
Remember Me, My Love (2003)
The Last Kiss (2001, Italian version)

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Detailed Summary