Silver Linings Playbook (2012) filmReview

Release: November 16, 2012

Budget: $21 million

Director: David O. Russell

Script: David O. Russell

Cast: Bradley Cooper
         Jennifer Lawrence
         Robert DeNiro
         Jackie Weaver
         Chris Tucker
         Julia Stiles




Paul (Oscar nominee, Bradley Cooper) is a highschool history teacher just released from a mental health facility. We learn through flashbacks that Paul was sent to the funny farm after he came home to find his wife in the shower with a fellow teacher and then commenced to beat him to within an inch of his life. He now has restraining orders that force him to keep away from his estranged wife and from his former workplace. Now, Paul must live at home with his mother (Oscar nominee Jackie Weaver) and Philadelphia Eagles-fanatic, father (played with surprising heart and feeling by Robert DeNiro). Tiffany (Oscar nominee, Jennifer Lawrence) is a recently widowed 23-year-old that has dealt with her grief by moving back to her parent's house and sleeping with as many men as possible. The lives of these two damaged individuals collide to comic and touching affect in the brilliant film, Silver Linings Playbook.

Bradley Cooper, David O. Russell & Jennifer Lawrence

Nominated for eight Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, as well as acting nods for all four principals), this is by far one of the best films of 2012. After a rather middling beginning wherein we see the prequisite run-ins between Paul and his parents (who patiently try to deal with their son's troubling behavior - he is very fond of waking them up at 3:00 am to rant about something, be it Earnest Hemingway or the loss of his wedding video), his friends and former coworkers. However, once Jennifer Lawrence's character enters the scene, the film takes off and never faulters on its way to an emotional finale which may have some of you wiping the mist from your eyes.

Bradley Cooper (in a well-deserved Oscar-nominated role) may be the focal point of this film; however, it is Jennifer Lawrence that really steals the show. At 23, she just might become the youngest Best Actress in Oscar history, and deservedly so. Her enigmatic and fiery Tiffany is one of the best performances I've seen in a long time. Every time she's on screen, you simply can't take your eyes off of her. Brilliant.

I was also very glad that this wasn't a cliched look at mental illness. Director, David O. Russell (The Fighter) takes a very respectful and emotional look at a subject that doesn't get enough attention. He shows all aspects of what it means to deal with mental illness on a day-to-day level. He shows Paul going to therapy, taking medication (or not taking it), dealing with the fall-out from the damage he's done, struggling to function on a "normal" (whatever that is) level, and his attempts to connect to another equally damaged person. The film also shows Paul coming to grips with the fact that he indeed has serious problems. "Oh my god! You think I'm crazier than you are, don't you!" Tiffany exclaims at one point.

Jackie Weaver and Robert DeNiro

Ultimately, though, this film is about letting go and learning how to accept people for who they are. Paul's scenes with his father are particularly effective. We learn that Paul's father's obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles borders on OCD, particularly when it comes to gambling. Still, by film's end, Paul has found newfound respect for his family and has taken a few necessary steps into becoming a better person. This film is an example of what great cinema is all about: solid direction and an intriguing premise, anchored by phenomenal performances and dialogue that bites and rings true.

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