Film Review: Silver Linings Playbook

 

    Based on the debut novel of the same name by Matthew Quick comes this incredible romantic, comedy, drama film about true love, second chances, family bonding and having faith for the bright side of life. Currently nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and all four Best Acting Categories, "Silver Linings Playbook" is easily one of the best and disappointingly overlooked films to come out of 2012.

Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) is a recently released mental health patient suffering from Bipolar Disorder and episodes of violence after walking in on his wife, Nikki, having an affair with another teacher. Released after 8 months into the custody of his parents Pat Sr. and Dolores Solitano (Robert De Niro & Jacki Weaver), Pat begins to "better" himself by training mentally and physically for his supposed reunion with Nikki. Along the way he develops an odd friendship with the young, beautiful, recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence) who is also a recovering sex addict and has gained a reputation as the "town whore". Discovering their shared emotional struggles, Tiffany agrees to give a letter to Nikki, as Pat's restraining order prevents him from contacting her, but only if he will be her partner in an upcoming dance competition. In between all this Pat struggles with his condition, holding back violent tendencies every time he hears his old wedding song, being his father's "good luck charm" for the Philadelphia Eagles and looking for the "silver lining" in his life.

 

 

Bradley Cooper is at his manic best as a character who in one second can turn from a shy, respectable man driven by love into a raging powerhouse destroying anything and anyone in his way. Cooper, who is best known for his role in "The Hangover" quite possibly gives his best performance to date. Playing Tiffany, Jennifer Lawrence proves that she is without a doubt one of Hollywoods' youngest and obscenely talented stars. Despite being sixteen years junior to Cooper, Jennifer more than well holds her own on screen as a woman who has many neurotic, foul mouthed and manipulative tendencies on the surface but internally suffers from insecurities and demons from her past. Legendary actors Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver play very loving but fair parents who want nothing more than to see their son find happiness...and to see the Eagles win.

 

 

Despite several differences between the original novel such as the time period Pat spent in treatment, the significance of his therapist Dr. Patel, Stevie Wonder haunting his thoughts instead of Kenny G. and the age of Tiffany who in the novel was a women a few years older than Pat was changed to someone who is considerably younger, are all minor gripes in an otherwise fantastic and very moving film. It is not without its moments of light hearted-ness specifically the banter and quips between the two main characters as well as portraying how seriously a city can take a national sport. But unlike so few romantic comedies there are plenty of serious heart wrenching scenes that would be enough to make one start shedding tears and reconsider one's life.

 

 

In a year glorified with superpowered teams, caped crusaders, wizards, secret agents and teenagers fighting eachother to the death, "Silver Linings Playbook" was a severly overlooked film that did not get the proper recognition it deserved when it was released in the fall of 2012. Powerful, driven but yet witty and depressing with superb acting, this film should be watched by those who missed their chance before, fans of the novel and movie audiences that are looking for something different.