Films like THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK seem pretty straightforward: pretty cast, cute story, happy times for all, right? The truth is that a film like this become completely forgettable when cranked out by the studio system for a quick buck. However, when they’re given a little bit of extra attention – especially in the direction and editing for instance – they end up becoming pretty special.
The movie is about Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), an undiagnosed bipolar who has just done a nine month stretch in a mental institution. When his family decides to vouch for him and bring him home, he makes it his mission to get his life back in order – namely to get his wife Nikki to take him back. As he goes about his personal mission, he is introduced to Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) whose husband has recently died and is feeling just as screwed up as he is. The two develop an uneasy friendship based on personal goals, attempts to feel better, and dancing.
The whole package is unexpectedly good, and I have to believe that comes down to that extra bit of attention I mentioned off the top. The film is largely a series of conversations, but so many of those conversations come with a tommygun rhythm. Getting the actors to dig in and almost spar with each other as they talk while still spanning a whole range of emotional beats is no easy trick. It’s the sort of thing that makes a film like this stand out in an era of bright shiny boy-meets-girl stories.
The movie is something of a comeback for director David O. Russell (THREE KINGS, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER). Russell found unexpected success with his last film THE FIGHTER, which was a studio project he took on when his latest self-penned film fell apart. While he brought a lot of his usual touches, he was primarily a hired gun in that film. Now, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK allows him to get back to what he does best, which is to steer a bumper crop of actors through some manic and absurd dialogue, and keep the laughs coming. Russell gets great things from everyone involved, especially some unlikely sources like Chris Tucker and Robert DeNiro.
The good thing about a film like this over-delivering on expectation is that it can become a surprise source of great joy in a week of heavy films. After a few days of human drama and down notes, one needs a laugh or two – and just trying to keep up with Bradley Cooper as he rattles off his life views with no sliver of social skill is just the sort of remedy one wants in the course of a film festival.
Much as it might seem like “another rom-com” or “a weird football and dance movie” at a glance, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK is a great watch with a lot to take with you.
10 comments
Stevee says:
Sep 12, 2012
When I saw the trailer, I was kinda confused as to what this was trying to achieve (and Jennifer Lawrence didn’t really win me over in that role, but I’ve heard she’s great). However, I’ve heard some really good things about this one, and I can only imagine that it’ll be a big fish come Oscar season.
Ryan McNeil says:
Sep 13, 2012
I can’t say for sure how it will factor into the Oscar race (seems like there are too many things still to play out first). What I can ay though is that it’s a VERY sharply written comedy; one that doesn’t insult the viewers’ intelligence.
Do track it down when it drops over there.
Mettel Ray says:
Sep 14, 2012
Sense of relief just came over me, I wanted to like this movie and now, as I read this, I have a feeling I will! Sharply written comedies are the best and I might overlook the fact that I kind of see Cooper as just a pretty face.
Ryan McNeil says:
Sep 16, 2012
This morning the film was named The Audience Choice Award winner, so count that as even more relief. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Cooper put on the sort of stellar performance he does in this film, so keep those hopes high until the film comes your way.
PS – Even Robert DeNiro is awesome!
Peter says:
Sep 17, 2012
Watched this film at the additional screening on Friday night. Interesting story: Upon exiting the theater, the Alliance reps and the TIFF volunteers are pushing us hard to vote for the movie. They were practically begging us to vote. I have never seen them doing this so blatantly. Me and my friend looked at each other and said that they must really want this to win the audience choice award.
Anyway, I did like the movie, it’s a good crowd pleaser and Lawrence + Cooper has great chemistry together.
ruth says:
Sep 18, 2012
I never thought Chris Tucker and Robert DeNiro would be mentioned in the same breath, ahah. I’m so excited that this movie will premier at our wee film fest in town, esp a movie that won the most coveted award at TIFF!! I always think of Bradley Cooper as a pretty boy type but stellar you say? Wow, now I’m really curious.
Ryan McNeil says:
Sep 20, 2012
I never thought that very breath would be talking about Chris and Bob as the best qualities of a movie ever again! Do try to score yourself a ticket at TCFF – you won’t be sorry.
Colin Biggs says:
Sep 19, 2012
The trailer didn’t leave much of an impression though I will set this aside for a watch come winter.
Ryan McNeil says:
Sep 19, 2012
I watched the trailer the night after watching the film. It shirt-sells the film TERRIBLY! Don’t trust it.
Have a little faith in an old blogging friend and give it a look when you have the chance.
Colin Biggs says:
Sep 20, 2012
That’s good to know, Ryan. I was hoping the trailer was a misdirection given the talent of the cast and director.