The Pursuit of Happiness 1999
Robert Zemeckis turns his lens to a century-long journey through America's complex relationship with mind-altering substances in this compelling Showtime documentary, *The Pursuit of Happiness (1999)*.
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pursuit of Happiness (1999) about?
This documentary traces America's century-long relationship with mind-altering substances, exploring how societal attitudes and policies have evolved over time. Through archival footage and expert insights, it examines the cultural, medical, and legal dimensions of drug use and addiction.
Who directed The Pursuit of Happiness?
Robert Zemeckis, known for his work in both live-action and animated films like *Forrest Gump* and *Back to the Future*, directed *The Pursuit of Happiness*.
Who stars in The Pursuit of Happiness?
The documentary features interviews with historians and professionals in the drug treatment field, including Barry Hansen, Dennis Hopper, Tom Pirko, Peter Hayden, and Phil Kavanaugh.
Is The Pursuit of Happiness (1999) worth watching?
As a documentary exploring a critical slice of American history, *The Pursuit of Happiness* offers a compelling mix of education and introspection. While not widely rated, its thoughtful themes and Zemeckis' direction make it a worthy watch for those interested in social history and substance policy.
How long is The Pursuit of Happiness?
The runtime for *The Pursuit of Happiness* is 112 minutes.
About The Pursuit of Happiness (1999) — Robert Zemeckis' Candid Look at America's Drug History
Robert Zemeckis turns his lens to a century-long journey through America's complex relationship with mind-altering substances in this compelling Showtime documentary, *The Pursuit of Happiness (1999)*. Blending archival footage with expert interviews, the film paints an unflinching portrait of societal attitudes, from prohibition and counterculture to modern debates on addiction and reform. With a tone that oscillates between sober reflection and unvarnished curiosity, Zemeckis crafts a narrative that's as much a cultural history as it is a cautionary tale.
Delving into the highs and lows of America's drug policies, the documentary offers a sweeping view of how substances have shaped—and sometimes shattered—lives across generations. Through the voices of historians and treatment specialists, the film transcends dry recitation, weaving personal stories into a broader commentary on freedom, health, and the pursuit of happiness itself. Visually rich and thoughtfully paced, *The Pursuit of Happiness* invites viewers to reconsider what it truly means to chase fulfillment in a world where pleasure and peril often walk hand in hand.