“Silver Linings Playbook” is a romantic dramedy from Oscar-nominated writer/director David O. Russell. This is not a genre that normally produces films that generate awards season buzz. But following a surprising win of the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, “Silver Linings” built momentum, thanks to great reviews, and ended-up being one of the most celebrated films of 2012. And rightfully so.
The film is set in 2008 in and around Philadelphia. Bradley Cooper stars as Pat, a school teacher who, for the past eight months, has been in a mental hospital being treated for a breakdown he suffered thanks to the traumatic experience of seeing his wife cheating on him with another teacher. He beat the guy up pretty badly. He’s released and moves back into his parents home. His caring but worried mother is played by Jacki Weaver. His father, played by Robert De Niro, is happy to have his son back in the house and considers Pat to be his lucky charm as he watches his beloved Philadelphia Eagles play on TV every week (he can no longer go to games in-person because he got banned from the stadium for fighting).
Pat’s goal is to get back together with his wife. But a new woman suddenly comes into his life. Her name is Tiffany, and she’s played by “Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence. Tiffany’s husband recently died so she’s also dealing with some emotional issues. But that’s about all these two have in common, at least at first. However, a relationship grows – but in ways you don’t expect and can’t predict.
“Silver Linings Playbook” is simple, but very special. It’s an off-beat film, that’s both consistently funny and dramatically effective. It knows just when to make you laugh (with sharp, dialogue-driven humor) and when to be serious. And you can’t help but become wrapped-up in the lives and situations of these quirky but believable characters.
The cast is phenomenal – earning nominations in all four Oscar acting categories. Cooper is strong throughout and Lawrence gives her best on-screen performance to date. Her ability to play Tiffany as strong and tough on the outside but sad and fragile on the inside is remarkable. She deserved all of the honors she picked-up throught awards season. De Niro gives one of his funniest performances in years (truly funny, not like in the “Focker” films). He and Weaver are perfect as Pat’s parents. And Chris Tucker (who hasn’t been seen on screen since 2007’s “Rush Hour 3”) adds some flare in a memorable supporting role.
Russell chose to shoot “Silver Linings Playbook” pretty tight and so there are a lot of close-ups of the characters. And he also uses quick transitions, which normally bother me, but not here. Maybe it’s because of the terrific screenplay, which he adapted from the novel by Matthew Quick. It’s an unusual story with no true villain, major conflict or obvious goal. It’s a “slice of life” film that works every step of the way.
“Silver Linings Playbook” is rated R for language, mild violence, and brief nudity. It’s appropriate for teens and up. I especially enjoy films that are a true change of pace and this is an exceptional one.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Silver Linings Playbook” gets an A.