Film Review: Silver Linings Playbook

Directed by: David O Russell. Screenplay by: David O. Russell and adapted from: The Silver Linings Playbook  by Mathew Quick.  Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker. Released November 2012

When Silver Linings Playbook won the Audience award at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival I, and many others were surprised. Many thought that Ben Affleck’s Argo (an enjoyable and pretty solid film all around) was going to win.  Then this little film that almost came out of nowhere continued to win at the Hollywood Film Awards, Gotham Awards, Austin and Philadelphia film festivals among other festivals and award ceremonies. Now with awards season about to begin in earnest, Silver Linings Playbook is considered one of the top contenders.

The story of Pat (Cooper) who suffers from bi-polar disorder after being released from an eight month court ordered  stay at a mental health facility, as a result from beating (almost to death) the man who his wife has cheated on him with. He still believes that (despite a restraining order) he can reconcile with his wife. He then meets Tiffany (Lawrence) a young misunderstood widow who out of depression, anger and loneliness isolates herself and is known for being the former town slut who is “crazy” herself.  

It is difficult to blend drama and comedy when it comes to issues of mental health, especially with the social stigma (and still largely misunderstood) attached to bi-polar disorder and crushing depression. Thank you Charlie Sheen. David O. Russell does a decent job of the blend and the film is an overall crowd pleaser, but I personally would have liked a grittier look at these issues. At times the film feels a little too much like a romantic comedy for my tastes and metal health is more of a plot device to make the characters quirky and these serious mental health issues more fun than how they can seriously affect one’s life and those around who love them.  

The performances and the chemistry are the stand outs in the film. I’ve only seen Bradley Cooper in a few other films and was/still am neutral when it comes to him as an actor. I don’t think he’s terrible but I haven’t been blown away by him per se. He does seem to want to challenge himself as an actor and break away from the image of his character from The Hangover and I respect that. I agree that that this seems to be his strongest performance so far. His comedic talent comes in handy with the witty dialogue but doesn't overshadow when the dramatic emotions and moments that come along and often at the same time.  It doesn't feel like a forced performance and you want Pat to succeed in staying positive, believe in his “silver lining” theory and be able to handle his illness and live his life. He shows a range of emotions throughout the film and even within the same scenes seamlessly.  Some believe a nomination is possible for Cooper, I wouldn't be totally surprised if it happens, but a win is long shot. If he continues with performances like this in his career he will be known as a strong actor with a sold resume.

The standout performance for me was Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany. At this point in the Oscar race for lead actress, it seems between Jennifer and Marion Cotillard (Rust and Bone).  You also can’t exclude the Harvey Weinstein connection and power behind Jennifer’s campaign, but that’s another discussion altogether. At 22 and on the cusp of her second nomination, Jennifer Lawrence is showing that all the talk of her being a force is true.  In her short career Jennifer has showed range in terms of the types of characters she can play. She can do young (Katniss Everdeen, Mystique) and mature  (Ree in Winter’s Bone) among other characters along with her subtle and effective performance as Tiffany. Tiffany is still dealing with her husband’s death and the result of her actions after. She is aware of this and accepts her issues as well as how others see her and doesn't shy away from it. In her words “I like the messy parts of myself.” At the same time she does attempt in her own way to deal with her depression and anger and live her life.  Jennifer also shows the ability of depicting a range of emotions in a short amount of time that doesn't feel forced and realistic to someone in her situation.

As mentioned before with both characters, my minor issue is that at times mental health feels more quirky, but the face paced and witty banter between Pat and Tiffany is one of the standouts of the film. I’m personally harsh when it comes to on-screen chemistry and often am not impressed in romantic couples with their chemistry. It’s not mind blowing, but they play off each other well and I became invested in their relationship and how they were helping each other heal.  I’m not the only one who liked the chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Producers liked what they saw so much the two were hired again and will be seen as husband and wife in the depression era film Serena next year.

To round off the solid performances is Robert De Niro as Pat’s father-Pat Sr. His gambling on football and superstition (borderline OCD) can be seen as a parallel to Pat Jr’s bi-polar. He wants a relationship with his son, but the two often clash, but in the end and not surprisingly manage to mend their relationship. Jacki Waver as mother and wife adds a touching and sympathetic perspective as well. Chris Tucker as a fellow inmate of the mental health institute that Pat stayed at adds comedic levity to certain scenes, but in the end his character doesn't actually add anything to the plot and story.

It’s not a typical romance and David O. Russell does well once again showing family dynamics and drama like he did with The Fighter. The performances in the end are the stand outs, but the portrayal of bi-polar and depression is attempted to have a light shed upon them and the stigma taken out, but falls short when used too lightly in moments. In the end it is still enjoyable and a strong film and I became invested.