Silver Linings Play Book

When I first saw this advertised I thought it was going to be a boring romantic love story, a film similar to 'Dear John' or 'The LuckyOne' (I'm still owed at least 2 hours of my life back for watching those!) I also thought what is Bradley Cooper the star of 'The A-Team' and 'Limitless' doing in a film like this? I take it all back. It's somewhat of a rom-com, but is edgy and quirky dealing with mental health issues and depression. David O Russell is famously a temperamental director, but he has pulled a good one out of the bag with this rom-com that's almost not a rom-com but also not a chic-flick. It is a very likeable film, with a cast that makes you feel like you're in good hands and it should be a good film. (Rob DeNiro, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence were all nominated for Oscars, only Jennifer Lawrence won)

Bradley Cooper plays the part of Pat, a recent divorcee who is coming to grasps with the fact he has bipolar. Pat is determined to prove to everyone he is getting his life back on track and desperate to prove to his ex wife that they are meant to be together. Sadly though it is clear to everyone this is not the case and you have to feel sorry for him. It is also plainly clear he will never get back with his wife. I can understand why Bradley Cooper was nominated for an Oscar for this part, he plays it perfectly, over enthusiastic, over confident and someone who will speak their mind no matter what the situation.

Jennifer Lawrence produces a performance beyond her years, it is hard to believe she is only 23, she starred in the teenage film 'The Hunger Games' last year playing a 19 year old. She plays Tiffany a widow to a local police officer, who now has issues with intimacy and trust. As well as loosing her job she has a few boundary issues after sleeping with everyone in her office! In the scene when Bradley Cooper hears this, his jaw practically hits the floor! It is obvious that the pair are meant to be together, the issues that they have mean that there is an equilibrium and they fit well.

The movie is a rom-com but slightly less com than rom, it is easy to guess what will happen, but then again it always is. It is a well paced enjoyable movie, there is also an obvious on screen chemistry between Lawrence and Cooper despite the 15 year age difference. Rob DeNiro also has his usual presence around him and his on screen relationship with Cooper is very good. 

 My Rating: 7/10

Directors: David O Russell    Cast: Anupam Kher, Bradley Cooper, Chris Tucker, Jacki Weaver, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Stiles, Robert De Niro