Sample Draft in Progress: a Response to Butler S View of Happyness

Sample Draft in Progress: A Response to Butler’s View of Happyness
In his review, Robert Butler gives the film, The Pursuit of Happyness, a grade of B+.
Although he provides negative opinions about the supporting female actress and the
narration, he gives the movie a relatively high grade, and he explains that “the film's heart
is the father-son relationship, and here one cannot complain.” Butler’s positive comments
focus mostly on the performances of the lead actors, Will Smith and Jaden Christopher
Smith. Although I disagree with his negative opinions of the film, I agree overall with Butler’s assessment of The Pursuit of Happyness.
First, Butler misses significant clues in the film that make Linda’s character sympathetic
rather than evil. Butler suggests that Linda “is made the de facto villainess” in the film.
Still, the film provides a series of moments that help viewers understand Linda as
something other than an evil villain. For example, the character's love for her son is
evident in a series of subtle moments from the film.
Next, I disagree with the reviewer’s opinion that the narration is “annoying.” The narration
adds to the film by helping readers understand the perspective of the lead adult
character, Chris Gardner.
Still, I agree with Butler’s positive comments, centering around the lead actors’
performances. Butler suggests that the “real strength [of the film] can be found in its two
leading men.” In other words, the film works so well because of the two actors who play
the lead roles. Butler’s assessment is appropriate; in a series of scenes, these two actors
carry the film to success. For instance, the talents of the two actors are highlighted in
scenes where the characters must struggle with homelessness. In one scene, Chris and
his son run to catch a bus; this bus will take them to a homeless shelter, and missing the
bus likely means a night without safe shelter. Will Smith’s facial expression suggests the
intense struggle of trying to catch the bus while tending to a child who is not moving
quickly enough; at the same time, Jaden Smith struggles with intense anguish over the
loss of his Captain America doll which has fallen into the street.
Butler correctly suggests that “Young Jaden Smith gives a performance . . . so suffused
with unforced innocence . . . that only a Scrooge could find fault.” I agree with these
comments about the child’s performance because of several moments in the film. One
particularly effective moment is when the younger Smith asks his father about the words
on the wall outside his daycare. He innocently asks about the spelling of a word which is
not generally spoken in polite company. He says the word without any sign that he is
trying to get away with anything; he does not seem to know what the word means. So his
father explains that he should not use that word; it is an adult word. The child says “okay”
in a calm and innocent voice. Another scene, involving the meaning of a word and the
child’s innocence, involves the possibility of attending a baseball game. While his father
organizes an opportunity to potentially attend the game, the child does not understand
what is happening. The child even speaks about the fact that the two do not have a car,
and the older Smith has to feign a bee sting to cover for his son. Even then, the young
son innocently concerns himself with the bee sting; he does not understand his father is
covering for him.
In addition to his appropriate comments about the “Young Smith,” the film reviewer
provides an appropriate comment about Will Smith’s performance. The reviewer suggests
that “Mr. Smith does a terrific job portraying a man who has seen his dreams beaten down
but won't give up.” An example, not mentioned by the reviewer, is when Smith has
recently broken up with his wife, has just been released from jail and goes to an interview
without the appropriate attire. At this time in the film, he “has seen his dreams beaten
down” because his wife has just left him, has no confidence in him, and his attempt to fix
things is again being challenged by being arrested. Still, he “won’t give up” in that he still
attends the interview and addresses the situation honestly and with humor. One of the
interviewers questions Gardner about how Gardner would react to someone being hired
without a shirt. Gardner humorously answers that the hired person’s pants must have
been impressive.
Also, I agree with the critic’s comments about the film music. See the film, and you will understand. It is impossible to do justice to this point here.

Overall, Butler and I both enjoyed this film. Readers should consider watching it as well.