When things go bad, people usually say “How could things get any worse” or “There is no where to go but up.” Whether they believe in God or in fate, everyone tries to find a silver lining, a plan, to rebuild themselves. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) is not exception.
Pat lost his wife, his job and his house when he found his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee), cheating on him with her fellow teacher. Because of the shock and Pat’s bipolar disorder, he reacted by pummeling the teacher ultimately sending Pat to jail for eight months.
The Silver Linings Playbook begins with Pat leaving jail after serving his full sentence although he must continue to take medication and see a therapist. Pat is a free man, however there was never a legal divorce between him and Nikki; only a restraining order.
Pat goes around trying to fix the marriage he thought he messed up; this misunderstood maniac believes he still loves his wife. Even when he meets another bipolar person, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), Pat tries to stay true to a woman who betrayed his heart.
In an attempt to reach his wife without violating the restraining order, Pat makes a deal with Tiffany. She will deliver Pat’s letter to Nikki in return for Pat’s participation in a local semi-professional dance competition.
Pat’s dedication to Nikki is tested throughout The Silver Linings Playbook. Not only does Pat have to choose between his female friend and his wife, Pat’s father (Robert De Niro) expects him to share the family passion as fans of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Overall, the movie deserves the Oscars best picture nomination it received earlier this month. Never have I seen such a borderline romantic/comedy that could hold a man’s attention the way it did.
Although I don’t think this will win best picture, it is my top 10 films of the year and probably the best film to see with a special someone. The Silver Linings Playbook earns an 8.7 on my scale of 10, which means the best movie of all time.
To elaborate, I found the plot impressively unique but not surprising. The storyline was quite predictable, however I was fascinated with bipolar disorder added to the typical romantic mix. Without the phenomenal acting, this movie would have been offensive to mentally impaired viewers.
David Russell, director, took a gamble that paid off in The Silver Linings Playbook. Russell filled his Frankenstein-like film with A-list actors such as Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver and Jennifer Lawrence, the beautiful Hunger Games actress, .
Cooper and Lawrence also received Oscars for acting because they were able to sell themselves as bipolar. The duo came off as hostile in the beginning but added comic relief from the awkward situations created by their bipolar disorders as the movie progressed.
Keep The Silver Linings Playbook in mind as the Oscars approach because this one may steal a few important awards. The film is adorable and interesting for all, and it may inspire a silver lining in some people’s lives.
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