Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook.
It is hard to go to the movies without hearing about the Oscars. “Lincoln” and “Zero Dark Thirty” are expected to win big, but another movie, “Silver Linings Playbook,” deserves as much praise as the other movies that will be competing for the coveted title of Best Picture.
From the commercials, the movie looks like the typical romantic comedy where boy meets girl and they fall in love, but be warned: This is not a stereotypical chick flick.
There are funny moments driven by funny characters and there is a romance, but the movie is unique in that it presents a realistic view of mental illness, recovery and family.
The movie follows Pat, played by the handsome Bradley Cooper, as he is released from a mental health facility after he broke down when he caught his wife with another man.
He meets Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence from the “Hunger Games,” who is dealing with the death of her young husband.
They make a deal where Pat will dance with Tiffany if she will deliver letters to his wife who he can’t see due to a restraining order.
There are some movies where the romance feels forced, but in “Silver Linings Playbook” the sparks fly between Cooper and Lawrence. Right away their characters feel meant for each other and you can’t help but root for them to end up together.
The pair is supported by Pat’s family, including his father, played by Robert De Niro, who is obsessed with the Philadelphia Eagles football team.
They make new friends as they try to help Pat’s father win back money he bet on the Eagles and compete in a dance competition.
Jennifer Lawrence is the stand out. Her character is open about her troubled past and is able to vocalize her desires.
The character is emotional, grieving and witty. Lawrence rightfully won a Golden Globe for her performance and she is a strong contender for an Oscar.
She shows that she can give depth and understanding to a potentially unsympathetic character.
As she warned the other best actress contenders during her opening monologue on last week’s Saturday Night Live: ladies, look out.
The movie is made to make audiences think, and not mindlessly enjoy looking at the beautiful people on screen.
Many of the characters are struggling with mental illness and the movie does a good job of showing their struggles and triumphs. “Silver Linings Playbook” shows that every one is fighting with some inner turmoil, but with help there is a silver lining.
