Crossing The Silver Line

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2013)

David O. Russell's 'Silver Linings Playbook' takes a look at mental illness from a different perspective, with a touch of humour. At the same time, the humour doesn't overshadow the film's depiction of the reality of mental illness (in this case bipolar disorder), its destructive effects (not only on the person suffering directly but also on his loved ones) if help isn't sought and the stigma. Russell doesn't preach about it either because what he offers here is an almost solid story that is primarily about two people who, after a shattered past, find a second chance to mend their broken wings. While Tiffany seems to be keen on Pat, Pat's primary concern is to win his ex-wife back.
My quibble about the story was Pat Sr's betting/gambling habit and how this was treated towards the end. This man gambled his entire savings and more...and when things don't work out he has the audacity to blame his son (who's fighting his own battles). Clearly, he too was suffering from a mental disorder (addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder). I wasn't crazy about how Russell chose to use that to end his film without addressing the damaging effects of his habit. For example, if something bad were to happen or if he were to lose another bet in the future, would Tiffany get blamed because she wasn't the good luck charm anymore? The other flaw was how the Dr. Patel character shifts roles from therapist to buddy. There's a reason (an important one) why therapists are taught not to socialize with patients outside their sessions.
However, where writing is concerned, I mostly enjoyed the playful dialogues especially the banter between Tiffany and Pat. On the technical side it's quite adequate. However, I did like some of the zoom out shots. The soundtrack too is quite pleasant.
'Silver Linings Playbook' has some fine performances. Both Cooper and Lawrence are good. It's nice to see an underrated talent like Jackie Weaver get fine roles. She has few lines (compared to her co-stars) but her character's the one who keeps it all together. Robert De Niro too does a fine job. Chris Tucker seems to be the token black guy whose character has no real purpose in the film. What's Julia Stiles doing here? Overall, 'Silver Linings Playbook' is a decent little film with an likable story and quirky characters and that touches on some issues concerning mental illness.