Silver Linings Playbook
Pat (Bradley Cooper), suffers from what appears to be a bipolar breakdown and is admitted into a mental institution. Now, months later, Pat moves in with his parents (Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver) as he tries to set his life back on course; but, with the strong temptation to try and reconcile with his ex, Pat appears to be stuck on a destructive path – until Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). Almost as unbalanced as Pat, Tiffany may just hold the secret to balancing both of their neuroses, but what’s the strategy?
Written and Directed by David O. Russell, a compelling and oddly believable story is once again key, exploring the family dynamic, mental instability and unpredictability, and ultimately one’s ability to come to terms with one’s own self. Admittedly, while some of the story feels “just too convenient,†this is a minor quibble when looking at the work as a whole. Both Cooper and Lawrence give us plenty of drama to sink our teeth into with stark contrast to what might be the expected. Unconventional laughs also keep the ship righted and true. Definitely worth your consideration. Silver Linings Playbook is rated R.