The movie follows Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a former teacher struggling with severe cases of bipolar disorder and depression. After spending eight months in a mental health institution, he finds himself moving back in with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert De Niro). Determined to get his life back on track and retain a positive attitude, Pat wants nothing more than to reunite with his estranged ex-wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation (she has a restraining order against him following a previous incident). In light of this situation, he tries contacting her through some of his old friends. It's through them that he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl who has complicated problems of her own, and his life suddenly becomes a little more complex. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something for her in return: compete in a ballroom dance competition. And pretty soon, an unexpected bond between them slowly begins to form.
David O. Russell's story about the blooming romance between two unstable basket cases is both quietly subtle and uneasily complex at once. Like I said before, this isn't your typical Hollywood rom-com that demands a needlessly happy ending for everyone involved. It purely focuses on reality, and the characters (and actors) in the film couldn't be more genuine. From the moment the two of them appear on screen together, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence share a fluent, incredibly authentic chemistry. Their characters, Pat and Tiffany, are like loose firecrackers who can explode at any given moment. They always bring out the best and worst in each other, and that's what makes them so likable and interesting throughout the film. You can't easily predict how their individual stories will end since their personalities are wildly uneven, but because of their determined spirits, they genuinely make you want to root for them from start to finish. Despite both their remarkably powerful screen presences, Cooper and Lawrence aren't the only stars in this movie who strike a chord. Robert De Niro gives one of his best performances in recent years as Pat's father, a thoughtful but stern patriarch who constantly obsesses over his hometown football team, the Philadelphia Eagles. As for Jacki Weaver, who plays Pat's loving mother, she smartly underplays the role by staying away from most of the action and providing gentle support to her family when they need it. Chris Tucker, John Ortiz, and Julia Stiles all play their supporting roles to the best of their abilities, even though they star in very few scenes. But even so, this is one of the strongest all-star casts ever assembled for any romantic comedy, and it's only strengthened by the Oscar-worthy talents of Cooper and Lawrence.
Tackling a series of tricky mature themes - mental disorders just being one of many - with grace, heart, and humanity, "Silver Linings Playbook" is a beautifully crafted film that never aims to take the easy way out. Russell's direction is keen and sensitive, and the characters he's created are easily some of the most memorable, authentically realistic protagonists I've seen in a long time. The whole cast is excellent, the screenplay is consistently involving, the score by Danny Elfman is charming as always, and the humor and drama blend amazingly with one another. It's a smart, original film that features Bradley and Jennifer at their finest, and if you have the time, I eagerly recommend giving it a chance. You'll be glad you did.
by AnnaBeeMe I find it funny that some of the people rating this movie poorly do it on the basis of it not being faithful of the reality of the disorder. I find it funny because I am bipolar. Because I have spent time in a hospital. Because I am medicated, and I go to support groups for people with this disorder, as does my mother to support groups for family members, and every single person I know who has seen this movie, and lives with this condition on a daily basis, has loved the movie. I can accept perfectly that people might not like the movie for several reasons, but I don't get this reason.Bipolar disorder is tricky, and manifests differently in different people but there is loads there that any one of us could relate to… and not least importantly that it does provide an inspirational silver lining that strengthens the hearts of people who live in this world.
I confess I laughed a little too much in the movie. Like when the two compare medication, I was chuckling where most of the theater was quiet. Still, even if you take away the bipolar side of it, it's enchanting movie making, and a romantic comedy worth watching… to the likes I hadn't seen in a long time.
The acting was perfect, especially that of the Jacki Weaver, who is less mentioned than the other three, but not less amazing.
The movie is a mix of up and down and finally hope… perfect for a bipolar who is looking to be better… or just anyone really. :-)
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