It’s Oscar time of year, my favorite of the award
shows. As most writers, I love the
movies. I usually run a fun Oscar pool with family and friends to see who can
predict the most winners. It’s always
been my Superbowl-the gowns, wise-cracking M.C. (Whoopi is my fave), long
speeches, and of course the films! Part
of my Oscar ritual is rushing to the movies to see as many of the nominations
as I can. I’d like to share my reviews
on movies and performances.
I’d like to start my reviews off with Silver Linings
Playbook which checks a lot of the nominees boxes in categories of: Best Movie,
Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Best Supporting
Actor (Robert DeNiro), Best Supporting Actress (Jackie Weaver), Best Director
(David O. Russell), Adapted Screenplay (David O. Russell), and Film Editing.
First off, I’d like to add a
quick disclaimer to this review that I am NOT a fan of romance or rom-com
genres. I can count on one hand the romance
movies that I enjoyed (The Notebook, We Bought A Zoo, and Bridges of Madison County are the only ones that come to mind). In fact, if I
see Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, or Katherine Heigl headline, I avoid the
movie at ALL costs, usually caving in because my daughters and husband like
those kinds of movies. The story is
always the same-girl meets boy and falls in love, conflict that breaks them up,
true love triumphs in the end, and Silver Linings Playbook (SLP) is no exception to basic plot. What makes this movie stand
out are the characters, dialogue, and ongoing theme of mental stability.
To sum it up, Pat (Cooper), a manic depressive, loses
control after finding his wife with another man. He reacts violently, and as a consequence, lands himself into a mental institution. He vows to get
his wife back who in turns files a restraining order. Tiffany (Lawrence) is a young widow who faces
plenty of her own demons. An unconventional relationship evolves.
I loved this movie.
It wasn’t some grand, Hollywood, earth-shattering love affair that defies all
barriers, but a much more quiet love between two very flawed individuals who lean on each other for help. I liked how neither of the characters
entrenched themselves in endless therapy, meditation, and self-introspection, but
chose a task to take them away from themselves.
Tiffany makes a deal with Pat to partner in a local ballroom
dance competition in return for sneaking his letters to his wife. Her funny yet dejected performance is as
brilliant as the nomination suggests.
Despite her questionable sanity, she knows who she is and the work she
has to do, choosing dance as a means of therapy. Pat, on the other hand, has yet to realize his
problem and even plays the comparison game by suggesting that he is superior to
her in terms of sanity.
The plot includes the hardship on the family unit when dealing
with bipolar. A very powerful scene in
which Pat goes “berserk” portrays the manic state by adding a third dimension
to the character. DeNiro, always masterful, plays
the quirky father with plenty of his own issues who tries to understand but
loses his patience at times. Weaver also
gives a fine performance as the doting, submissive mother who strives for peace
within her family.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, humerous, realistic, and
interesting rom-com that kept me captivated from start to finish. Looking for something that isn’t too “Oscar”
highbrow and relatable? This flick is worth the price of the ticket. Love to hear your thoughts and views-please
leave a comment. Will try to see Zero Dark Thirty next week!5 STARS
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