Review: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

★★★★☆
Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro

Silver Linings Playbook is the consequences of the bond formed between two misfits. Pat (Bradley Cooper) is discharged with the aid of his mother from a mental health institution, albeit against medical advice. After losing his home, his teaching job and his wife, Pat is forced to live with his parents as he tries to prove to his wife that he has become the man she wanted him to be. This has to be done from afar and with the aid of friends because of a very strict restraining order she holds against Pat. When he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), an equally odd soul, she agrees to be a go between and Pat finds his way to communicate with his estranged wife. Along the way Pat and Tiffany form a special bond that cannot be ignored. 

For me this film is made special by the performance Bradley Cooper gives. His approach to a quirky character, who has no filter when he speaks and is socially awkward, is effortless. Pat is a character who is looking for happiness, but doesn't quite understand how to overcome his problems. This inner turmoil is the reason his bond with Tiffany is so compelling. I didn't feel any genuine affection or sympathies for Tiffany, but to some extent I don't think you are meant to. She is a bittersweet character that is difficult to fully appreciate, but makes Cooper's character shine. 

Robert De Niro plays Cooper's obsessive compulsive father, Pat Senior. His OCD is displayed in the form of his superstitions whilst running his illegal bookkeeping business. The relationship between Pat Senior and Junior is endearing to watch. It has such a beautifully real quality to it and reinforces the plots central idea - everybody has their demons, but not everyone knows how to  live with them. 

It is a success because it has a set of very real characters that are learning how to get by with what they have. With an endearing quality that gives it heart, but still full of banter, it is a great watch.