Essay #2- Film Analysis

Alicia Birch

aliciabirch@mycwi.cc

English 102

Film Analysis Essay                                             

April 14, 2013

Poverty and the Search for Happiness

            According to the United Nations, approximately 25,000 people die of poverty each and every day. This number equates to a shocking statistic of about one person every three and a half seconds dying from poverty or hunger, most of which are children (“Hunger and World Poverty”). While these numbers are outrageous and continue to grow, the issue of poverty will not be resolved until society steps up and takes a stand for eradicating poverty. Ramon Blanco, a scholar who focuses much of his attention on the issue of poverty, defined poverty as “the total absence of opportunities, accompanied by high levels of undernourishment, hunger, illiteracy, lack of education, physical and mental ailments, emotional and social instability, unhappiness, and sorrow and hopelessness for the future” (Blanco 28). In order for progression to occur towards eradicating poverty, it is necessary for society to give support, resources, and encouragement to those struggling with poverty and homelessness.

            The film, “The Pursuit of Happyness” is a prime example of the many misconceptions associated with poverty, and provides evidence that there is much that needs to be done by society in order to improve and eradicate the important issue of poverty and hunger. “The Pursuit of Happyness,” tells the story of Chris Gardner and his son, Christopher, who are forced to endure the struggles of living in poverty and homelessness when Gardner’s business of selling bone density scanners fails. His wife leaves him, leaving him empty handed and forced to find a job that would allow him to provide for his son. Despite living on the streets and bouncing from shelter to shelter, Gardner chases his dream and after time and hard work, proves that accomplishing one’s dreams is possible (“The Pursuit of Happyness”).

The first major change, displayed through “The Pursuit of Happyness,” that is necessary to accomplish in order for poverty to be eradicated is societal support and acceptance of those struggling with poverty. One of the most common misconceptions associated with poverty is that many believe it to be a mere consequence for one’s laziness and spending habits (Koch).  The film, “Pursuit of Happyness,” proves this theory otherwise and shows that poverty occurs most often as a result of unexpected circumstances. In the film, Chris Gardner is a strong, determined, hard-working man. One scene from the film highlights Gardner’s persistence in attempting to sell medical scanners to local hospitals. When selling the necessary 2 scanners a month proved unsuccessful, Gardner and his son were left with no money to live on, forcing them to experience the struggle of poverty and homelessness (“The Pursuit of Happyness”). In order for the issue of poverty to improve for many individuals struggling like Gardner, societal support is necessary. It is important for individuals to realize that the majority of the cases of those struggling with poverty and homelessness are not due to improper spending habits and laziness, but rather from unexpected circumstances. With support and acceptance, those struggling with poverty would be given the chance to be heard and valued, allowing for progression and change to occur.

            Along with societal support and acceptance, the second necessary change to improve poverty statistics, evident in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” is the need for more resources for those struggling with poverty.  In one scene in the film, Gardner is unable to pay the rent on their apartment, causing him and his son to be kicked out to the streets. After endlessly searching for a comfortable place to sleep that night, Gardner is forced to lock him and his son in a subway bathroom, making a bed of paper towels on the floor. In another scene, Gardner was forced to fight with a man over the last spot in a homeless shelter that would give him and his son a place to sleep that night. (“The Pursuit of Happyness”). Because of the increasing numbers of individuals living in poverty today, it is necessary for more shelters and resources to be provided in order for progression to take place. Just like in the film, many people struggle for a place to sleep each night because the issue of poverty and homelessness is not focused on by many. If individuals in society spent more time in providing resources and awareness for individuals in poverty, the issue would be improved.

            Because of the societal views displayed in “The Pursuit of Happyness” of those living in poverty as being less valued and successful in life, the third change that is necessary is more encouragement and belief in those struggling with poverty. During a scene when Gardner is playing basketball with his son, he states, “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” (“The Pursuit of Happyness”). Gardner proved this quote to be true when despite the many struggles and hardships he endured, his faith never faltered that with will and determination, happiness can be achieved. If more encouragement and support is given by society, it would provide those struggling with poverty the equal chance to succeed and accomplish their dreams in life, helping to eradicate the issue of poverty and hunger.

The last scene in the movie shows Gardner’s hard work and perseverance paying off when he is awarded his dream job as a stock broker, giving him the ability to provide and make a very successful living for his son. Despite the lack of encouragement, belief, resources, and acceptance from society displayed through the film, Gardner was still able to eventually become a multi-millionaire (“The Pursuit of Happyness”). “The Pursuit of Happyness” proves that even in the face of poverty and societal misjudgments, with hard work, perseverance, and determination, one can achieve their own personal “pursuit of happiness” in their lives.

Works Cited

Blanco, Ramon Osiris. "How We Define Poverty." UN Chronicle 39.4 (2002): 28. Military & Government Collection. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.

“Hunger and World Poverty.” Poverty. N.p., Mar. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.

Koch, Kathy. "Hunger in America." CQ Researcher 22 Dec. 2000: 1033-56. Web. 15 Feb. 2013.

The Pursuit of Happyness. Dir. Gabriele Muccino. Sony/Columbia, 2006. Film.