Silver Linings Playbook: Moving & Clever Love Story

Film

Silver Linings Playbook

- 08/01/2013

Silver Linings Playbook: Moving & Clever Love Story

Bradley CooperChris Tucker...
ComedyDrama...
David O. Russell
In 1 Cinema

reviewed by

Marija Loncarevic

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Silver Linings Playbook: Moving & Clever Love Story

Complex characters, dysfunctional relationships and emotional healing are just some of the elements that tend to play the central role in films by David O. Russell. Russell’s 1994 breakthrough, Spanking the Monkey, showed off the director’s skills and aptitude for strong character development.

His latest feature, Silver Linings Playbook, is yet another example of how brilliantly Russell’s razor-sharp vision and talent for rendering human anguish sets him apart from his peers.

The story is centred on Pat Solitano (Cooper) – a bipolar man and a former teacher who gets released from a mental institution after a stay of several months. In order to try and get a grasp on the reality of his estranged wife – and to take time to readjust to society – Pat moves in with his parents. Overly-caring mom Dolores (Weaver) and superstitious football fanatic dad Pat Sr. (De Niro) are worried; Pat refuses to stay on his medication which cause unpredictable behaviour and erratic mood swings.

During a dinner party at his best friend’s house, Pat meets Tiffany (Lawrence). A girl, whose social skills, or lack thereof, immediately intrigue Pat; the twosome almost immediately find a mutual ground to stand on. This unexpected companion soon offers to help Pat bypass a restraining order and contact his wife, but only if he partners with her in an upcoming dance competition. However, not everything is as easy as it seems.

Adapted from Matthew Quick’s novel of the same name, this quirky yet tender tale of friendship and the emotional journey one goes through when trying to heal is captivating. Even though Silver Linings does eventually end up where you suspect it’s going to go, the twists and turns along the way are a delight to watch. The film’s honest approach to mental illness is commendable and the underlining dark, comedic relief that it provides is surprising and very, very funny.

Silver Linings‘ story would not have been possible without the good character chemistry; it’s Russell’s matchmaking skills of the two leading characters that makes this rom-com a great viewing experience. Lawrence, who has cemented her reputation in Hollywood as one of the finest young actresses around in the past few years, shows amazing range and and remarkable consistency.

Cooper, who is supposedly only capable of handling a broad comedy, is nothing short of amazing. As a man who struggles to get to terms with his illness, Cooper manages to captivate the audience and he finally proves that he’s got more tricks up his sleeve.

The supporting cast is just as good; both De Niro and Weaver shine in their roles as the caring and loving parent, while Tucker, who makes an appearance as one of Pat’s buddies from the mental institution, offers more comic relief.

Silver Linings Playbook is a touching tale of friendship, love and its hardships. It’s a film that offers plenty of laughs and perhaps a few unexpected tears.