Wednesday 27 August 2014

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)








Director: David O. Russell

There are usually two types of films: ones that are widely advertised and actually exceed the expectations, and then there are those that are overrated and have got the popularity only due to the misleading advertising campaigns (because otherwise these films would hardly make it to the top). "Silver Linings Playbook" can be fairly added to the first category. It's been two years since the film was released. All this time, I kept remembering the trailer I saw on MTV and thinking that I must watch the film (not only because Jenny got the Oscar for this role). I don't know why I waited so long. It's probably because I thought that "Silver Linings Playbook" is a typical American drama without a decent plot and food for thought (I've seen a lot of bad films and I regret wasting time on them), just this time there are also some psychos involved. In other words, I considered this film not be an appropriate choice for a quiet and restful evening. But I gave it a shot, and it paid off.

"Silver Linings Playbook" is indeed a story about a man who's just come out of a mental institution and tries to get back the life that he had before. Former teacher Pat (Bradley Cooper) believes that his wife will want to live together with him again if he acts cool, doesn't make any trouble and improves his intellectual and physical abilities by taking up some sport activities. Pat's plans change when he meats Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a wannabe dancer who has her own issues and eventually forces Pat to take back control of his life, forgetting about the past.


Now, let me clear some things up. This film might seem like a very depressing drama, but actually, it's quite optimistic and funny from time to time. "Silver Linings Playbook", as the title suggests, really is about finding the positive in every situation, in everything you do or experience. If you did something bad in the past, that doesn't necessarily mean that you are and will be a bad person for ever and ever. Anyone can make a mistake, but not everyone takes the advantage of second chances. And sometimes the things you initially strive for are not the ones you really need. "Silver Linings Playbook" shows perfectly what happens when you meet the right person at the right time and place.

Talking about the cast, Bradley and Jennifer is a great on-screen couple, and both are outstanding at portraying mentally unstable characters. Not once did I have a feeling that these were not real life personages. And let's not forget Robert de Niro who's just as good at playing a football-obsessed and concerned dad. But the biggest props should be given to Matthew Quick whose novel was used to write the screenplay and David O. Russell who was both the writer and director of the film. If you're still not sure whether to watch "Silver Linings Playbook" or not, I suggest you watching it anyway. This film is a perfect combination of a comedy, drama, and romance and will excite both male and female audience.

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