2013 Oscar preview - "Silver Linings Playbook"

"Silver Linings Playbook" is very hard to describe in terms of genre. It's a romantic comedy-drama that happens to focus on several people who suffer from certain mental disorders, conditions, and stigmas. Pat (Bradley Cooper) snapped after catching his wife with another man, and attacked the man in a violent manner. He was then institutionalized for 8 months on court order. His mother Dolores (Jacki Weaver) signs him out after the required eight months, even though Pat suffers from bipolar disorder and is still not quite ready for society. Pat's dad, Pat Sr. (Robert DeNiro) who suffers from OCD and a terrible gambling habit, is happy to see his son, but is very concerned about the issue of stability as Pat moves back into their home. Pat is determined to live life without his medication simply by looking for the silver linings in life. When he reconnects with his best friend Ronnie (John Ortiz) and his catty wife Veronica (Julia Stiles) over dinner, he is introduced to Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a reecovering sex addict who lost her husband suddenly several years back. Tiffany and Pat develop a volatile and confusing relationship, with pat re-evaluating his determination to win his ex-wife back.

Great acting abounds in this movie. Cooper, Lawrence, and De Niro all scored Oscar nominations for their performances, which are all powerful in different ways. I haven't seen De Niro catch fire like he does in this movie for quite a long time. I have only known two people with bipolar disorder (that I am aware of), and have only seen one have what I guess might be called an episode. From what little I know, Cooper really captures how the triggers work for someone with the condition. Lawrence is vulnerable yet tough, not to mention beautiful. I hope that she lives up to her potential. David O. Russell, who directed "The Fighter" a couple of years back, is able to keep this one from becoming overly predictable.

If you want to see an Oscar nominated movie that portrays a semi-realistic situation, this movie is for you. There is plenty of language, so be aware. I rate "Silver Linings Playbook" 91/100. Out of the Best Picture nominees I have seen, I rate it 5th, but in a very tight race for the top five slots.

"Silver Linings Playbook" is showing locally at AMC Showplace New Lenox 14, Marcus Orland Park Cinema, and Cinemark Louis Joliet Mall.