Each person sooner or later faces financial, personal, or family crises. Chris Gardner is an American businessman and public speaker who inspired the main character in The Pursuit of Happiness. This 2006 biopic, directed by Gabriele Muccino, reveals the thorny path to financial independence and social well-being. The central character goes through the family break, spending the night at the train station, and a constant sense of shame towards owning a flourishing business. The film’s theme is the pursuit of one single chance that can turn a catastrophic existence into a successful life.
Clothing and emotions are the primary markers of a character’s transition to financial prosperity. Gardner wears simple house clothes or a white jersey throughout most of the film. Apparel stained with paint during repair is the most noticeable element of the image, which indicates the ascent to the goal in crisis conditions. The classic outfit symbolizes victory over life’s barriers, financial progress, and the transition from survival to enjoyment. For example, Gardner wears casual jeans and a T-shirt in times of crisis, while a black suit with a white shirt and tie is featured in the first business contracts (The Pursuit). Thus, clothing symbolizes the path to success throughout the film’s plot.
Personal growth and career success are some of the most frequent topics in cinema. Inspirational films, such as The Social Network by David Fincher and 8 Mile by Curtis Hanson, demonstrate victory over themselves in a crisis. Their message calls not to despair when everything seems to be a disaster but to gather courage and accept any opportunities to make progress. While it may seem undesirable, the characters in these films have shown painstaking work and faith.
The Pursuit of Happiness is a demonstration that human possibilities are endless. The main character faced poverty and family problems, spent the night on the street, and could not afford lunch, but at the same time reached a career peak and financial independence. Such stories are an example for all viewers who feel powerless in the face of life’s circumstances and cannot find an opportunity to find inner harmony.
Work Cited
The Pursuit Of Happyness. Directed by Gabriele Muccino. Columbia Pictures, 2006.