The Movie : The Pursuit of Happyness
The gist
A biography of the journey from homelessness to millionaire of Chris Gardner. It is wonderfully acted by Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith. The film promotes a "can do" attitude along with the idea that success comes from pursuing your dreams, working hard and overcoming hurdles.
Best quote
Martin Frohm: What would you say if man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?
Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.
Other Memorable Quotes
Christopher Gardner: I met my father for the first time when I was 28 years old. I made up my mind that when I had children, my children were going to know who their father was.
... snip ...
Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right?
Christopher: All right.
Christopher Gardner: You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period.
... snip ...
Christopher Gardner: It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?
... snip ...
Reverend Williams: The important thing about that freedom train, is it's got to climb mountains. We ALL have to climb mountains, you know. Mountains that go way up high, and mountains that go deep and low. Yes, we know what those mountains are here at Glide. We sing about them.
Question The Lie
The film promotes the idea that success means making money and a name for yourself and that meaning and happiness in life is found in overcoming adversity.
To most Americans, success is equated with "making it" especially when it is not handed to you. The truth is, many people who have made money are in no way successful. Success transcends wealth. It transcends making a name for yourself. It transcends overcoming adversity.
In God's economy, the notion of "success" translates to finishing well. In other words, a life faithfully lived.
Luke 12:15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
... and ...
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
The lie of The Pursuit of Happyness is that success is measured in effort and outcomes, and is found in something other than a life united to Christ.
Expose The Truth
The film depicts a warm relationship between a father and son. Millions in our culture grow up with no dad, or dads who are self-absorbed. Gardner's quote in the beginning of the film is outstanding: "I met my father for the first time when I was 28 years old. I made up my mind that when I had children, my children were going to know who their father was."
The role of father is huge. Father's provide, protect and teach. They must lead. I like that aspect of this film.
Columbo Question
Ask a friend who saw the film,
Do you think Chris Gardner would have been a successful dad even if he did not end up getting the job at Dean Whitter and ultimately becoming wealthy?
Let that lead you into a conversation about what success means and what fatherhood means.
Footnote
"Question The Lie, Expose The Truth" is an exercise in worldview thinking that I taught in apologetics this past semester. The idea is to watch a movie (or listen to a song) and identify the lies embedded in the presuppositions (worldview). But, also look for a redemptive element too. Then, develop a question that you can ask someone who has seen the movie to lead to a redemptive conversation about truth. I just saw The Pursuit Of Happyness, so I thought I would put this exercise into practice on my blog.