Silver Lining Playbook review

Rating: 8/10 (1 October 2015)

All great movies have undiagnosed bipolar and mentally crazy characters in them, am I right? Well in the movie, The Silver Lining Playbook, by David O. Russell, two "crazy" characters are able to create the balance between normal and nutty, resulting to an extraordinary movie, along with the sensational music that helps set the mood. Pat, played by Bradley Cooper is an average Joe, until one mistake sends him away to a mental hospital, redefining the way he looks at life. Eight months later, Pat is released from the mental hospital with only one goal in mind; win back his estranged wife, Nikki, who wants nothing to do with him. As Pats plan seems to be going on a smooth ride, Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence, comes in the picture. She is just as crazy as Pat, having lost her husband to a tragic accident, she is one wheel away from falling off the train tracks. However, little do they know that what they need the most is somebody just as idiotic as themselves. Thanks to Pat, Tiffany is able to join a dance competition that she has wanted to do for years but never has had anyone willing to do it. Together Pat and Tiffany form a friendship over dance, exercise, lost, football, and most importantly life. Not everything in life has an explanation, but with the right attitude one can always find a silver lining. The bondage between Pat and Tiffany is what really ties the movie together as a whole. In the beginning of the movie, both characters are going through a rough time in their lives and do not have anybody to turn to. But, after they meet each other that all changes. Their past is what connects them and allows them to aide each other to overcome who they were with who they want to be. For example, during one of their dance rehearsals Nikki tells Pat how her husband died and what that did to her; with the idea that telling him this would comfort Pat into realizing that it is okay to feel and show emotions. Being crazy together is what they do best and for them that is that exactly what they need to start this new chapter in their lives. Music, something that helps people feel all sorts of emotions, can really be a lifesaver in times of need. With regards to this, in The Silver Lining Playbook, music is just as much a key component to the movie as the camera is to the making of the scene. Each scene has music that elaborates the storyline even more and brings the viewers to a deep emotional connection with the characters. Considering this, during the dance rehearsals, the music always flows with Pat and Tiffany's moods and feeling for that day, bringing the audience to feel as if they are in the movie with them. Just as the characters evolve throughout the movie, the music does as well, making it even more worthwhile. This movie will have the viewers laughing and smiling from start to finish; thanks to the direction of David O. Russell. David O Russell has a distinctive technique when it comes to the makings of his movies. His vision is simple, yet each scene portrays a magical moment that keeps the viewers wanting more. Some of Russell's particular specialties in his movies are the emotional attachment his characters get into, the long images within a scene, and the realness of the narrative content. Russell's distinct delivery of the Silver Lining Playbook is what makes this movie a must see. As a final point, The Silver Lining Playbook, is a movie worth seeing for all generations, guaranteed to brighten your day and help you accept that a little crazy in life can be a good thing.