Romantic comedies. We know what to expect, right? The insanely cute first meeting. The initial antagonistic relationship between the romantic leads. The wacky friends. Silver Linings Playbook has all this and more cliches of the genre. But this isn't your typical romantic comedy. This is a hard edged, exceptionally funny, and smartly written example of the genre, pretty much what you would expect from David O. Russell, the director of Three Kings and The Fighter. Working from his own script, adapted from the novel by Matthew Quick, Russell has delivered a movie overflowing with genuine humour and some career best performance from it's cast.
Diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) suffered a mental breakdown after catching his wife with another man, resulting in an eight month stint in a state institution. Released into the care of his parents (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver), Pat is determined to rebuild his life, and reconnect with his wife. When he meets the troubled Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), they form a bond which changes both of their lives in ways they never expected.
Mental illness might not be peoples first choice for a comedy gold mine, but here it is handled with a delicate touch. It is never used for cheap laughs, and comes from the characters, who feel like real people, suffering from real problems and real anxieties. It is perfectly pitched, providing plenty of laugh out loud moments, thanks in no small part to a fantastic script peppered with some brilliant lines, but not skimping on the drama either. The story hits the ground running, dropping us into the middle of Pat's world, and brings us up to speed quite quickly. Once it hits it's stride, the story never drags, and builds towards a thoroughly satisfying, if predictable, conclusion. This is helped by Russell's faultless direction. The camera is very naturalistic, giving us intimate access to these people's lives, and floating effortlessly from character to character.
The triumph of this movie is the cast assembled. Everybody brings their A game, especially Cooper and Lawrence whose chemistry together is undeniable. They are the heart of this story, and each plays their role perfectly. Watching them verbally spar with each other is an absolute delight, and the maturing of their relationship is so sweet that you can't help but cheer for them. Pat is so far removed from any of Cooper's other roles. Gone is any trace of his usual cockiness and smarm, replaced with a surprising vulnerability and infectious hope. Pat may have the most serious problems, but this doesn't stop him from helping the other characters, who are all battling their own demons. This only adds to his likability Tiffany is the perfect match for Pat, and Lawrence knocks this one out of the park, with probably the best role of her short career. Smart and funny, she is hiding behind a tough shell, ready to drop at moments notice. De Niro provides solid support as usual, as does Weaver, providing a bitter sweet couple who only want to help their son, but lack the tools to properly communicate with him. The rest of the supporting cast, including Chris Tucker in his first role in five years, play their parts exceptionally well.
Silver Linings Playbook is a breath of fresh air. Smart, original, and above all else, extremely funny, you are missing out if you don't see this movie.
