“Hector and the Search for Happiness” tells the story of Hector, a British psychiatrist, portrayed by the loveable Simon Pegg. After realizing that he doesn’t actually improve the happiness of his patients, Hector becomes unsatisfied with his monotonous lifestyle. He impulsively decides to leave his career and his girlfriend behind and traverse the world in search of the source of true happiness. Hector’s journey ranges from China to Africa to California as he questions a variety of eccentric characters, including a billionaire, a monk and a drug dealer about what makes them happy.
Visually, the movie depicts Hector’s expedition in a creative and and captivating light, blending breathtaking landscape shots with artistic drawings of Hector’s inner thoughts. It uses a variety of mediums to provide exposition, from grainy flashbacks to wacky puppet shows. Despite the film’s vibrant cinematography, however, the lack of emotional insight given into Hector’s character leaves viewers with only rushed glimpses of Hector’s experience in different locations. This superficiality reflects the overall feel of “Hector and the Search for Happiness,” a film that appears quirky and upbeat on the surface, but fails to achieve any greater depth.
Although Pegg does his best to bring energy to his part, he can’t completely rescue the film’s limited screenplay, which alternates between coming off as cheesy and over–dramatic. Hector’s struggle to commit to his relationship with his girlfriend Clara (Rosamund Pike) plays a crucial role in the film, but since there is no background information on the history of Hector and Clara’s relationship, it is difficult to understand Hector’s internal battle. Hector’s insights on happiness are the portions of the movie intended to provide the most meaning and resonance, but they seem obvious and shallow, like his revelation that “happiness is being loved for who you are.”
Ultimately, “Hector and the Search for Happiness” is an entertaining and charming spectacle, with humorous performances by Pegg and an ensemble of other actors, including Toni Collette and Christopher Plummer. For those seeking a feel–good, two–hour diversion, this is sufficient. But if you’re looking for a film that will challenge and surprise you, you may not find complete happiness here.
