Silver Linings Playbook

Well the SAG awards are currently underway and I am quite happy with most of the results. Most of all though is Jennifer Lawrence's SAG award. If you haven't seen Silver Linings Playbook I think you should definitely consider doing so, not just because of the buzz surrounding it now, but because of the caliber of acting and the subject matter that it deals with.

I want to preface that the film's trailer makes it look like a film on par with Les Mis in terms of depressing material, but it's much more upbeat than it lets on. Silver Linings is the story of a young man, recently separated from his wife, who struggles to deal with his bipolar disorder. He befriends Jennifer Lawrence's character who's husband was recently killed in a car accident. Both of these characters are struggling to adjust to their disorders and their new lives. They find comfort in getting to know one another and rebuilding themselves through their relationship. (So if you're expecting a movie with guns or explosions, it's not about that. It's also, not about a football coach either, though the Eagles are referenced throughout). The strength is certainly in the dynamic of the relationship; it is touching and trying. And in a time where mental health is on the fore front of the nation's attention, this film appropriately portrays these characters in such a way that makes them relatable and realistic. Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Chris Tucker offer eccentric characters that cause the audience to reflect on some of the issues with mental health that are often passed over in mainstream media, or marginalized to extremes.

The actors are all phenomenal. What the story lacks in plot it makes up for in the strength with which these actors adopt these strong personalities. But by far, Jennifer Lawrence truly steals the film. (Alongside Robert De Niro, who even in such a small role, he is so dynamic). She portrays her character in such a way that she is impulsive and violent and then quickly able to withdraw so that the audience empathizes instead of judges her for her actions.

Hopefully with the buzz around the Golden Globes and now SAG there will be some attention given to this great film overshadowed by historical dramas and western epics.