This concept of trust is central to Chris' self-image. In his voiceover, he unironically ponders the effective meritocracy of the American Dream, focused on Thomas Jefferson's phrasing in the Declaration of Independence. He's especially impressed that Jefferson was wise enough to see that the "pursuit" of happiness -- not happiness itself -- was all that might be deemed a right, at least for those considered entire people at the time (as opposed to, say, the 3/5ths people that slaves were determined to be).
It's useful for Chris' rather Reaganite worldview that the film doesn't deal with racism, on either institutional or individual levels. Instead, Pursuit of Happyness insists that all opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of class, education, or color. Chris repeatedly demonstrates a winning quickness and self-deprecating wit -- the movie, too often and slow-moving, isn't nearly as smart.
Fans might also want to see another up-from-hardship movie starring Smith, the excellent Ali , or other films with similar themes, like Ernest Dickerson's Our America and ATL .
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