“Silver Linings Playbook” is the most optimistic movie I’ve seen in a long time.
Pat, played by an excellent Bradley Cooper, is determined to beat the bipolar disorder that helped the disintegration of his marriage and led to his stay in a mental facility. Rather than relying on an array of medication, Pat focuses on living a positive life, finding a silver lining in every situation.
Along the way, he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who understands his plight and helps him navigate through the trying times he faces.
In the end, they dance.
The movie is hilarious. The scene in which Pat chastises Ernest Hemingway has to be my favorite and will resonate with anyone who has read “A Farewell to Arms.” Self-deprecating humor about being crazy pepper Pat and Tiffany’s conversations. Such comments seem to be a part of both characters’ healing processes.
Robert DeNiro is a master. Playing Pat Sr., DeNiro captures all of the emotions that fly through the brain of a father trying to deal with such a son. All at once, his eyes convey empathy, fear, compassion and frustration. His affinity for the Philadelphia Eagles and OCD tendencies on game day make his character endearing. A fight between the two Pats is the most emotional in the film and played well by both actors.
Cooper is wonderful as a lovesick cock-eyed optimist. He underplays the “crazy,” which elevates the movie from a soapy drama to a film focused on the difficulties of the human condition. One scene in particular tugged at my heartstrings: all Cooper does is look at Jennifer Lawrence. He looks at her in a way that is packed with something. I don’t even know what to call it, but I nearly melted in my chair – and that had nothing to do with his piercing blue-gray eyes.
Lawrence was great – hilarious and truthful, exactly what the character called for.
Jacki Weaver stole the show. As Pat’s mother, Dolores, she was frazzled, exhausted, afraid and hopeful. She was perfect, so convincing and real. She should win the Oscar.
Also, Chris Tucker makes an entertaining appearance as Pat’s friend Danny who is repeatedly leaving the mental facility.
The movie was a little gritty, like its Philly setting, but also warm and energetic. It never got overly dramatic or ridiculously silly.
5.0 for sure.
Roz Writes 