‘Silver Linings Playbook’ a creative blend of divergent themes
When “Silver Linings Playbook” was nominated for an Oscar, there was surprise mostly among moviegoers, if not so much with the critics. That disconnect may be attributed to the subtlety laced throughout “Playbook.” It’s not so much that it’s a love story. Instead, the beauty of “Silver Linings Playbook” lies at the nexus between stunning simplicity and surprising depth. It’s exuberant and feverish, depressing and angry and so much more all at once without ever seeming convoluted. It deserves all of its silvery praise and more.
Directed by David O. Russell, who also adapted the screenplay from Matthew Quick’s novel, “Playbook” manages to maintain its attraction through two full hours — through the inspiring good times and the heartbreaking bad times. A love story that at once is funny and sad, “Playbook” keeps us intrigued throughout it all, as we become enamored with its engaging cast.
We’re introduced to Pat (Bradley Cooper), a former teacher, being released from a mental hospital. The goal is to reintroduce him to society, his family and his friends after his wife’s affair with another teacher snaps his mental psyche. Waiting for him are his mother and father (a captivating Jacki Weaver and a refreshing Robert De Niro) along with his friend Ronnie (John Ortiz). Not waiting for him would be his wife, who moved on after the whole debacle.
The quirks begin in earnest right from the start. From trying to smuggle another patient (a hilarious Chris Tucker) out of the ward to launching Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” out the window at 4 a.m. because it’s too depressing for real life, Pat shows that he might be better than he was, but he’s still not well.
This prognosis continues throughout the remainder of the film, and is greatly exacerbated when Ronnie introduces Pat to his sister-in-law, Tiffany (an absolutely captivating Jennifer Lawrence). There’s a connection, an instant spark, between the two — and it only marginally has to do with the fact that she’s just as crazy as he is. However, Pat wants none of that, doing his best to stymie any chemistry, perceived or real. You see, he has no issue with her — in fact, despite his awkwardness, he’s mostly kind to her — but he’s under the delusion he will be getting back together with his wife. And he’s quick to remind Tiffany of her own trauma, that her ex-husband is dead and she hasn’t quite moved on.
Still, Pat and Tiffany’s search for silver linings in what could only be construed as chaos of the highest order is intensely personal. And while the ride is more or less predictable, it’s their personalities that truly drive the film. On that note, while Cooper ably handles his character’s many flaws, it’s Lawrence who shines here. Her Tiffany manages to tame not only her demons but Pat’s as well.
From the start, you get the feeling this group of misfits, because that’s what they are, can’t possibly achieve the happiness they seek. But somehow, with each other and in spite of each other, they manage to find their silver linings.
Five insane stars out of five, and a critic’s pick.
Silver Screening Reviews 