Written and Directed by David O. Russel
Based off novel by Matthew Quick
Starring Bradley
Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jackie Weaver, and Chris Tucker.
‘An Unforgettable Romantic Comedy’
It’s always difficult to deliver a clear message. For most films today, the jest and meaning are often overtaken by entertainment value. This is because some films are only made for entertainment purposes. Very few have a true meaning.
One of the most realistic and heartfelt movies of the decade is “Silver Linings Playbook”. It delivers an astounding message that gives a true meaning to life. Unlike other films in the genre, it works tremendously due to a fantastic script and phenomenal performances. Even though it follows a formulaic storyline, the execution of it is spellbinding.
Bradley Cooper stars in the main role as Pat, a confused middle-aged man with bipolar. After spending an extended period of time in a mental institution, Pat moves back with his parents and tries to settle his relationship with wife. Things don’t work out as expected until Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own. A relationship forms between Pat and Tiffany, as they start to see silver linings or hope in their life.
For a genre so overrun by predictability and formula, this is a rare film that offers inventive and creative characters. David O. Russell, the director, manages to tell a story with knowledge and devotion to the subject matter. He knows how to direct character interactions in scenes very well. In a sense, this film is highly realistic.
Each scene has reality projected into it. The situations seem real and so do the characters.
David O. Russell’s screenplay is one of the major highlights of this movie. It’s filled with witty and humorous dialogue that enhances the film’s quality to another level. In addition, the screenplay also contains character development which is very vital to how it succeeds. This movie has great characters. You feel for them and though they behave strangely, relate to them too.
This movie has larger-than-life performances from its whole cast. Everyone is at the top of their game.
Bradley Cooper delivers one of his finest performances to date. He grasps his character’s intentions with skill, translating them through an extremely likable personality. His expressions are marvelously orchestrated too. A strong contender for best actor of the year, Cooper deserves praise and much more.
Jennifer Lawrence is fabulous as Tiffany. Coming of her teen phase, Lawrence lets loose in this performance. She is strange and weird, but also convincing and charismatic in the way she acts. Her beauty doesn’t exceed her acting, which is quite an accomplishment for any actress.
Robert De Niro is another standout. Despite his age, he still shows class and quality in his acting. The legendary actor is in control and it is undeniably displayed though his emotionally powerful performance.
While “Silver Linings Playbook” does entertain, it accomplishes so much more through delivering a positive and relatable message. The film is like a breath of fresh air. It’s one of the best movies of the year and a flawless example of filmmaking.
As a final note, I have to say that I didn’t want this movie to end. I was so immersed and interested in the characters, that I completely lost track of time. That rarely ever happens and may be the greatest achievement for any film.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 