Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

Director:

David O. Russell

Writers:

David O. Russell (screenplay), Matthew Quick (novel)

Stars:

Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro

Won 1 Oscar. Another 60 wins & 70 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bradley Cooper	...	Pat
Jennifer Lawrence	...	Tiffany
Robert De Niro	...	Pat Sr.
Jacki Weaver	...	Dolores
Chris Tucker	...	Danny
Anupam Kher	...	Dr. Cliff Patel
John Ortiz	...	Ronnie
Shea Whigham	...	Jake
Julia Stiles	...	Veronica
Paul Herman	...	Randy
Dash Mihok	...	Officer Keogh
Matthew Russell	...	Ricky D'Angelo
Cheryl Williams	...	Tiffany's Mother
Patrick McDade	...	Tiffany's Father
Brea Bee	...	Nikki

Storyline

Against medical advice and without the knowledge of her husband Pat Solatano Sr., caring Dolores Solatano discharges her adult son, Pat Solatano Jr., from a Maryland mental health institution after his minimum eight month court ordered stint. The condition of the release includes Pat Jr. moving back in with his parents in their Philadelphia home. Although Pat Jr.'s institutionalization was due to him beating up the lover of his wife Nikki, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Nikki has since left him and has received a restraining order against him. Although he is on medication (which he doesn't take because of the way it makes him feel) and has mandatory therapy sessions, Pat Jr. feels like he can manage on the outside solely by healthy living and looking for the "silver linings" in his life. His goals are to get his old job back as a substitute teacher, but more importantly reunite with Nikki. He finds there are certain instances where he doesn't cope well, however no less so ...

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Plot Keywords:

philadelphia eagles | restraining order | institutionalization | beating | ex wife | 

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Taglines:

Watch for the signs

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Happiness Therapy

Filming Locations:

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$21,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$443,003 (USA) (16 November 2012)

Gross:

$132,028,680 (USA) (17 May 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Weinstein Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Datasat Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film originally was intended to be directed by Sydney Pollack with Anthony Minghella producing. However, pre-production was shelved following the deaths of both men. It took 5 years and 25 rewrites before David O. Russell could direct it himself as Pollack told him it was tricky to have emotional, troubling, funny and romantic content mixed together.

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Goofs

At the Eagles game a fan can be seen wearing a Michael Vick jersey. Vick was not signed to the team in 2008.

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Quotes

Pat: I don't have an iPod. I don't have a phone. They don't let me make calls. I'm going to call Nikki.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Episode #10.1 (2013)

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Soundtracks

"Fly, Eagles Fly"
(uncredited)
Written by Charles Borrelli and Roger Courtland
Published by Scion Three Music LLC

User Reviews

Most Enjoyable Film of 2012 So Far

I don't even know where to begin when it comes to this film. First of all, I think it's about time I profess my love for David O'Russell because he keeps making movies that I simply can't get enough of. If there's one thing I've learned this year when it comes to movies, it's find a director you love and follow him or her blindly. There's styles you'll love, and styles you'll hate, find the ones you click with and never let go.

Silver Linings Playbook has generated a lot of hype since its worldwide premiere at TIFF, and frankly, as far as I'm concerned, it deserves all the praise its received. It is by far the best film I saw at the festival, and is easily one of the most memorable films of 2012. Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, Silver Linings follows the life of Pat (Bradley Cooper) as he moves back into his parents' house after spending months in a mental institution because of a violent outburst that occurred after he found his wife with another man. The movie follows Pat as he attempts to get back his life back, but he meets a new challenge as Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence, who is completely girl crush worthy) finds his way into his life.

I honestly can't remember the last time I enjoyed a movie more from beginning to end. O'Russell brilliantly tells a heartwarming, yet complicated and hilarious tale, that leaves you on the edge of the seat. The cast is wonderful, and all deserving of nominations in the 2012 award season. If people didn't know of Jennifer Lawrence before, they will now. She's quirky, complicated, hilarious, and you really just can't get enough of her. DeNiro also delivers a strong performance as Cooper's Philadelphia Eagle's loving, somewhat OCD father.

If there is one movie worth seeing this year, it's Silver Linings Playbook. The story may follow a family in a very serious situation, but we can all identity with the truth and emotions that comes with struggling through times. It's a story that's easy to connect with, and it's a film that will make you smile from beginning to end. Catch this movie when it comes out in November, and I promise you, you won't regret it.

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