1 Of Will Smith’s Best Movies Is Secretly A Remake Of A 1948 Italian Classic
Although criticisms of the film’s romanticization of the American Dream remain valid, Will Smith’s 2006 biopic drama The Pursuit of Happyness takes on a different meaning when understood as an unofficial remake of Vittorio de Sica’s classic, Bicycle Thieves. The film’s portrayal of poverty, its adherence to San Francisco history, and its focus on a father-son relationship all speak to the traditions of Italian Neorealism. This postwar film movement saw Italian filmmakers eschew studio standards for a visual aesthetic and life philosophy that better reflected Italy’s reality under economic duress. Smith’s The Pursuit of Happyness speaks to similar themes.
Vittorio de Sica’s Bicycle Thieves, often considered one of the seminal works of Italian Neorealism and one of the best movies of all time, rarely receives the criticism openly levied against The Pursuit of Happyness. Through its genuine dedication to realism, Bicycle Thieves elevates the cinematic medium as an expression of the human condition rather than an avenue for entertainment. On the other hand, the Will Smith-starring film adaptation of Chris Gardner’s memoir is condemned as pro-capitalist Oscar bait. Comparing these two films, however, highlights how Hollywood utilizes international cinema as a visual aesthetic without always reflecting the philosophical intentions
