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Dallas was a buzz Tuesday in anticipation
of multi-award win-ning entertainer Will Smith’s visit to
promote his latest movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
A true story about a man, Chris Gardner (Will Smith), who came upon
hard times, ended up homeless, overcame and went on to become a very
successful businessman, eventually selling his business for millions,
“Pursuit” is moving and inspiring.
It wasn’t easy. In fact, the lesson in the story may be that the
“pursuit” never is.
Parts of the movie will have you crying, laughing, angry and even
anxious as the “pursuit” takes place.
In his introduction to the big screen, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith is
a scene stealer, as Gardner’s inquisitive, supportive and loving young
son, Christopher.
Full of energy prior to his red-carpet appearance later in the evening,
Mr. Smith discussed the movie and said it was an experience working
with his son.
“He was so natural,” said the proud father, who admitted that the
younger Mr. Smith was a scene stealer. “I learned a lot about acting from
him. He does something different every take. Now I have absolutely
changed my style of performing.”
Between learning from his son and following the direction of Gabriele
Muccino (directing in his inaugural English-language film), moviegoers
will witness a different Will Smith. In addition to losing 25 pound for
the role, the former rapper said Mr. Muccino broke him of his “Will
Smithness” that his loyal fan base witnessed on television and the big
screen.
Mr. Smith first made history when his hit, “Parents Just Don’t
Understand” became the first rap song to win a Grammy award. From there, he was off, into acting and eventually producing.
In all areas, Mr. Smith manages to give award-winning, or at least
nominated, performances. And that’s just what happens in “Pursuit.”
Sure the spelling of the word “happiness” will throw you off, but when
you watch Mr. Gardner interacting with the person re-sponsible for
misspelling the word, or explaining the error to his young son; you’ll want to begin your own pursuit.
Thandie Newton (Crash, Beloved) plays the once-supportive wife, Linda,
who eventually has enough of the hard times, broken promises, failed
business ventures and pledges from her husband that everything is going
to be alright. So she leaves.
To his credit, Mr. Gardner says, “I will take care of my son.”
This in itself is a pivotal part in the movie, especially for Black men
who have been ostracized because of those who abandoned their children.
Through thick and thin father and son continue to bond and admittedly
because of the real-life bond, “real emotions were there.”
Mr. Smith also praised, Mr. Gardner, who he said remained optimistic,
even “in the face of harsh realities.”
“The idea that Chris Gardner connected in his mind that he could do
anything he wants to…I’ve felt,” said Mr. Smith, adding that he is aware
of roadblocks, racism and other ob-stacles but he also has a
determination to succeed. “Whatever I want to do, I’m going to do it.”
And maybe that’s why he didn’t discount his son’s assertion about the
movie.
According to Mr. Smith, Jaden was in the bed between his parents one
day. As Mr. Smith read the script for “Pursuit” Jaden asked him about the
movie.
“When I told him what the story was about and about the little boy, he
said, ‘I can do that,’” recalled Mr. Smith, acknowledging that his son
had appeared on a few television shows. “Jada took him to audition…the
director loved him.”
While some may believe Jaden got the job because of his father, Mr.
Smith is quick to dispel any such notion.
“He won the role,” he said, noting out that he really didn’t pay much
attention until Jaden made it through several cuts into the final 10.
“They tested him and he worked for it There was no nepotism here.”
And they worked his son hard. “I thought nepotism meant something,”
Mr. Smith joked.
Having the real Mr. Gardner on the set also proved invaluable, said Mr.
Smith, who had nothing but praise for his tenacity.
“Like a terminator,” Smith said of Mr. Gardner “He absolutely,
positively will not stop ever.”
In comparing himself to Mr. Gardner, Mr. Smith says there were times he
would have broken although Mr. Gardner remained steadfast as time and
time again a roadblock appeared in his life.
“As much as I want to think I am strong-willed…the bathroom would have
broken me,” said Mr. Smith, as he talked about an emotional scene when
Mr.?Gardner and his son had no where to go. Then he reflected on a time
when he really realized his potential. “I remember standing with
Muhammad Ali on one side and Nelson Mandela on the other and I realized how small I am, and…how big I could be.”
Maybe that is what the “pursuit” is all about!
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