This awkwardly charming movie is based on a novel called “Playbook.” If you’re not a huge football fan, you might be asking yourself, “what’s a playbook?” Nevertheless, if you are not a fan of the sport, do not be discouraged to watch. The movie presents football in an all too funny perspective for football and non-football fans alike.
The movie begins with protagonist Patrick, played by Bradley Cooper, being released from a mental hospital after experiencing a downward spiral that resulted from his violent assault of his wife’s lover. Pat is a former teacher with bipolar disorder, who must move back home with his parents. Pat’s father, Robert DeNiro, is concerned for his son’s health, but could do with some help himself for his gambling addiction and his Obsessive-compulsive disorder. His father’s illness and fear of “juju” create the backbone to this peculiar story.
While working towards getting his life back, Pat is introduced to the equally troubled Tiffany. Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence, is a young widow who deals with depression by sleeping with everyone in town. This odd pair creates a bond though trading insults, comparing medications, and a bet that ends up bailing his father out of a loan shark dilemma.
The combination of characters in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ is what makes this film feel extraordinary. These characters possess mental illnesses but manage to be quirky and sad and funny and charming all at once. Director David O. Russell takes some serious themes and delicately treats them with humor.
Russell’s script, packed with originality and unpredictability, sets the film apart from a typical standard. Silver Linings Playbook, is wrapped in a bittersweet exterior. The characters and their lines never stop feeling recognizably real.
The film explores themes of family bonds, second chances, and what is thought to be “normal” in this world. Through humor (often dark humor) we experience an upbeat, feel-good story that feels genuine. The film stays with you long after you’ve left the cinema, and leaves a smile on your face.
Patricia’s Rating:
Saw this one, I must admit, the movie took a long time to have a point. It was towards the end that the main problem was introduced.
Jennifer Lawrence’s character was a supporting actress; but I feel she was co-protagonist! It was a strangely plotted storyline, yes. But the down-to-earth-ness made me feel like I knew the characters personally. That’s something I look for in a movie.