SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

Blessed with terrific performances from the lead actors and a delicate screenplay, this is undoubtedly one of the best movies of 2012 and the best work from David O Russel to the date.

Name: Silver Linings Playbook
Director: David O Russel
Year of Release: 2012

Silver Linings Playbook' is the gentleman among the 2012 Oscar Nominees. It is neither a technical burlesque nor a universal anticipated one,yet managed to bag the 8 major Oscar Nominations and become the silent winner in the race. Based on Mathew Quick's novel of the same name, 'Silver Linings Playbook' is a simple but honest love story between two mentally agitated persons and a reparation on their family bonds. Blessed with terrific performances from the lead actors and a delicate screenplay, this is undoubtedly one of the best movies of 2012 and the best work from David O Russel to the date.

Pat, who is suffering from bipolar disorder, is released from a mental institute into the care of his parents. Pat wants to set things right with his wife Nikki. During his efforts, Pat comes across Trifanny , a young widow who is also a recovering sex addict. Trifanny makes a deal with Pat that if Pat partner her in a dancing competition,she will help him to patch up with Nikki. Mean Pat Sr. is also on his way to do things with his son whom he lost long ago because of his own ignorance. The movie ends on a happy note without doing much drama nor leaving any place for wild guesses. The plot is too simple and quite predictable. It does possess the usual cliche clouds  of American romantic comedies like a baseball match,  dance competition, dinner at a restaurant. But thanks to the finespun writing of Russell that add silver linings to the movie that make you leave the theater with a smile. 


The best part in 'Silver Linings Playbook' resides with the characterization. None of them are subjected to any exaggeration and laid on the most natural manner. We never feel any kind of faking among them. Russel adapted the novel in the most serene manner maintaining integrity with the original work.

Albeit the lucid approach in drafting, 'Silver Linings Playbook ' deal with a heightened philosophy and delivers a mind plunging message. Whom do you call as a normal person?  To a level we are all screwed up in the mind. We all tweak our mind to live in the society. In the movie we can see the same. Pat & Trifanny are considered as quirky but to the end we can see that they are better than those normals out there. The superstitious & OCD Pat Sr. , the highly emotional Dolores, the timid Ronnie, over powering Veronica are all in no way better than Pat or Trifanny. The movie convince the message in an effortless and natural manner. May be that's one of the prime reason for it to get nominated in the Best Picture category.

Brad Cooper is on screen with his best performance to date.Rober De Niro is amazing as usual. Good to Chris Tucker again after a long time. But the one who charges the entire atmosphere for each and every scene in Jennifer Lawrence.Triffany was definitely something heavy for Lawrence since she has to pair with someone who is 17 years older than her. However the age difference is rarely noticed. In other words I would say, the movie gets life once Lawerence comes on screen. The scene between Robert De Niro & Lawerence where she convinces him to place the bet speaks for herself. The Golden Globe she earned and the Oscar nomination for Triafnny was truly deserving for this upcoming star.

In few words, "Silver Linings Playbook' can't be called as a great but deserves a watch with the family. Once the credit rolls you can retain a smile on the face and feel contended for spending a good time with family!!