Directed By: David O. Russell
Written By: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Jacki Weaver
Running Time: 122 minutes
Premise: Patrick "Pat" Solitano, Jr., a man with bipolar disorder is released from a psychiatric hospital and moves back in with his parents. Determined to win back his estranged wife, Pat meets recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell, who offers to help him get his wife back if he enters a dance competition with her. The two become closer as they train and Pat, his father, and Tiffany examine their relationships with each other as they cope with their issues.
Written By: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Jacki Weaver
Running Time: 122 minutes
Premise: Patrick "Pat" Solitano, Jr., a man with bipolar disorder is released from a psychiatric hospital and moves back in with his parents. Determined to win back his estranged wife, Pat meets recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell, who offers to help him get his wife back if he enters a dance competition with her. The two become closer as they train and Pat, his father, and Tiffany examine their relationships with each other as they cope with their issues.
Why You Should See It
The movie handles its subject matter of mental illness extremely well, but it also gives us perspective on other things. Out of all the genres in cinema, romantic comedies probably produce some of the most disappointing films (outside of horror), but you won't get that impression after watching Silver Linings Playbook. It isn't predictable and it does not try to be cute. Also, this movie does a great job of showing the culture of a suburban community where everyone knows everyone and information gets around fast. While David O. Russell's American Hustle may be slightly more entertaining (and I do mean SLIGHTLY), this film will definitely grab you and hold you close.
The movie handles its subject matter of mental illness extremely well, but it also gives us perspective on other things. Out of all the genres in cinema, romantic comedies probably produce some of the most disappointing films (outside of horror), but you won't get that impression after watching Silver Linings Playbook. It isn't predictable and it does not try to be cute. Also, this movie does a great job of showing the culture of a suburban community where everyone knows everyone and information gets around fast. While David O. Russell's American Hustle may be slightly more entertaining (and I do mean SLIGHTLY), this film will definitely grab you and hold you close.
Synopsis
After eight months of treatment for bipolar disorder, Pat Solitano, Jr. is released from a mental health facility into the care of his mother Dolores and father Pat Sr. Pat soon learns that his wife, Nikki, has moved away, and that his father is out of work and resorting to illegal bookmaking to earn money with the hopes of opening a restaurant. Pat is determined to get his life back on track and reconcile with Nikki, who obtained a restraining order against him after a violent episode sent him away.
While talking to his court-mandated therapist Dr. Cliff Patel, Pat explains why he was hospitalized: Coming home early from his high school teaching job after getting into an argument with the school's principal, he had found his wife in the shower with the history teacher from his school, and nearly beat the man to death. Despite this, Pat doesn't believe he needs medication to manage his condition. He tells Cliff that he has taken a new outlook on life. This is a reference to the name of the film, as he attempts to see the good, or "silver linings", in all that he experiences, however challenging. As part of this outlook, and transformation, he has lost weight and has attempted to read the literature books that his wife Nikki teaches to kids at her school.
At dinner with his friend Ronnie, he meets Ronnie's sister-in-law, Tiffany Maxwell, a widow who had just recently lost her job. Pat and Tiffany develop an odd friendship through their shared neuroses, and he sees an opportunity to communicate with Nikki through her. Tiffany offers to deliver a letter to Nikki if, in return, he will be her partner in an upcoming dance competition. He reluctantly agrees and the two begin a rigorous practice regimen over the following weeks. Pat believes the competition will be a good way to show Nikki he has changed and become a better man. Tiffany gives Pat a typed reply from Nikki, in which she cautiously hints there may be a chance for a reconciliation between them.
After eight months of treatment for bipolar disorder, Pat Solitano, Jr. is released from a mental health facility into the care of his mother Dolores and father Pat Sr. Pat soon learns that his wife, Nikki, has moved away, and that his father is out of work and resorting to illegal bookmaking to earn money with the hopes of opening a restaurant. Pat is determined to get his life back on track and reconcile with Nikki, who obtained a restraining order against him after a violent episode sent him away.
While talking to his court-mandated therapist Dr. Cliff Patel, Pat explains why he was hospitalized: Coming home early from his high school teaching job after getting into an argument with the school's principal, he had found his wife in the shower with the history teacher from his school, and nearly beat the man to death. Despite this, Pat doesn't believe he needs medication to manage his condition. He tells Cliff that he has taken a new outlook on life. This is a reference to the name of the film, as he attempts to see the good, or "silver linings", in all that he experiences, however challenging. As part of this outlook, and transformation, he has lost weight and has attempted to read the literature books that his wife Nikki teaches to kids at her school.
At dinner with his friend Ronnie, he meets Ronnie's sister-in-law, Tiffany Maxwell, a widow who had just recently lost her job. Pat and Tiffany develop an odd friendship through their shared neuroses, and he sees an opportunity to communicate with Nikki through her. Tiffany offers to deliver a letter to Nikki if, in return, he will be her partner in an upcoming dance competition. He reluctantly agrees and the two begin a rigorous practice regimen over the following weeks. Pat believes the competition will be a good way to show Nikki he has changed and become a better man. Tiffany gives Pat a typed reply from Nikki, in which she cautiously hints there may be a chance for a reconciliation between them.
Things go well for Pat until his father asks him to attend a Philadelphia Eagles game as a "good-luck charm", partly because he has bet virtually all of his money on the outcome. Pat asks Tiffany for time off from practice to attend the game. Even though she is angry at Pat for shirking his promise to practice, she agrees. At the game with his friends, Pat is dragged into a fight and hauled away by police. The Eagles lose the game and Pat Sr. is furious. Tiffany arrives, and also berates Pat, pointing out that the way she "reads the signs," the Eagles do better when she and Pat are together, as they won every game they played when Pat and Tiffany were spending time together. Pat Sr., now convinced that his son being with Tiffany is actually good luck, makes a parlay with his gambling friend that if the Eagles win their game against the Dallas Cowboys, and if Pat and Tiffany average a score of 5 out of 10 in their dance competition, he will win back double the money he lost on the first bet. Pat is reluctant to participate in the dance contest under those conditions, goes outside to re-read Nikki's letter, and notices that it also refers to reading the signs. With the Solitanos' finances in danger, Tiffany and Pat's father persuade Pat by telling him that Nikki will be there.
Pat, Tiffany, and their friends and family arrive at the competition on the night of the football game. Tiffany despairs when she finds that Nikki is in the audience as well, leaves the ballroom, and starts drinking with a stranger. Pat finds her and practically hauls her onto the dance floor. They begin their routine as the Eagles defeat the Cowboys.
At the conclusion of their set, Pat and Tiffany score exactly 5 points. Amid cheers from his family and confused looks from the crowd, Pat approaches Nikki and speaks quietly into her ear. Tiffany sees this and storms outside. Pat leaves Nikki behind after a short conversation, intent on finding Tiffany. Pat's father informs him that Tiffany left and tells him that she loves him right now and that it will be a sin if he does not reach out to this moment that life has given him. Pat tells his father that he loves him, then runs after Tiffany. He hands Tiffany a letter that he wrote for her, in which he admits that he knows she forged Nikki's letter. He confesses his love for her and that he loved her from the moment he met her, and apologizes that it took him so long to come to terms with this. They share a kiss, become a couple, and Pat Sr. opens a restaurant with the money he has won. The final moment between Tiffany and Pat shows that both of them are no longer wearing their wedding rings.
Pat, Tiffany, and their friends and family arrive at the competition on the night of the football game. Tiffany despairs when she finds that Nikki is in the audience as well, leaves the ballroom, and starts drinking with a stranger. Pat finds her and practically hauls her onto the dance floor. They begin their routine as the Eagles defeat the Cowboys.
At the conclusion of their set, Pat and Tiffany score exactly 5 points. Amid cheers from his family and confused looks from the crowd, Pat approaches Nikki and speaks quietly into her ear. Tiffany sees this and storms outside. Pat leaves Nikki behind after a short conversation, intent on finding Tiffany. Pat's father informs him that Tiffany left and tells him that she loves him right now and that it will be a sin if he does not reach out to this moment that life has given him. Pat tells his father that he loves him, then runs after Tiffany. He hands Tiffany a letter that he wrote for her, in which he admits that he knows she forged Nikki's letter. He confesses his love for her and that he loved her from the moment he met her, and apologizes that it took him so long to come to terms with this. They share a kiss, become a couple, and Pat Sr. opens a restaurant with the money he has won. The final moment between Tiffany and Pat shows that both of them are no longer wearing their wedding rings.
Pat Solitano, Jr.
"People like Tiffany, or Danny, or me, maybe we know something you guys don't know, okay? Did you ever think about that?"
Through the first half of the film, it’s obvious that Pat is in denial about his marriage. He won’t take medication because he does not want to admit he has a problem. Pat stresses that Nikki doesn't want to be with him because he was overweight and didn't show interest in her job. While these may be contributing factors, the real reason is Pat’s anger issue. Once Pat loses the weight, decides to read Nikki’s syllabus, and gains a new positive outlook on life, he feels that he has kicked his demons, is in complete control, and does not need therapy. However, this facade quickly diminishes when his dad, Pat Sr., says that Nikki moved away and put a restraining order on him. Pat becomes confrontational and tries to assure his parents that his marriage to Nikki is fine and they are in love.
At the therapist’s office, he has a mild episode when his wedding song comes on and the frightened faces of everyone else in the office remind him that he has a problem. His new therapist then implores him to get a strategy so he doesn't have to go back to the psychiatric hospital. He makes things awkward at Ronnie's by asking about Tiffany's husband’s death (Pat has no filter when he speaks), and stating that he isn't interested in her because of his wife. After walking Tiffany home, Pat begins to unravel because he feels guilty about his attraction to Tiffany. He then unsuccessfully tries to find his wedding video to assure himself that he loves Nikki which leads to a major episode involving a physical fight with his dad.
It's clear that Pat doesn't really love Nikki while he’s trying to win her back. He was just in love with his normal life. When he was with Nikki, his life was good, and now, he just wants to go back to that.
Pat recognizes his faults while on his date with Tiffany. He tries to take advantage of her to communicate with Nikki and as a result, Tiffany rebuffs him. However, he appreciates Tiffany's character when she calms him down and gets him out of trouble. Pat sincerely apologizes for his actions and thanks her while realizing that she cares for him because they are alike.
Pat shows his progress when his brother, Jay, shows up (when Pat first comes back home, he sees his brother picture on the wall while his is on the floor). His brother talks about the great things happening with him and the bad things that happen to Pat, but instead of retaliating, Pat remains calm and expresses his happiness for Jay. Pat cites the dancing lessons with Tiffany as the main reason for his improving condition. Although he seems hesitant at first, it is clear that Pat has genuine fun (and he gets a little jealous when Danny dances with Tiffany). After Pat finds out that Tiffany lied to him about Nikki’s letter, he decides not to confront her immediately because he knows he loves Tiffany and she did it for his own good. The roles between the two switch at the dance competition when Pat must coax Tiffany on to the dance floor. Once the routine is over, Pat finally runs to tell Tiffany how he truly feels. He understands that the normal life he was in love with will never come back, but he loves the way his life is right now and he loves Sundays again.
"People like Tiffany, or Danny, or me, maybe we know something you guys don't know, okay? Did you ever think about that?"
Through the first half of the film, it’s obvious that Pat is in denial about his marriage. He won’t take medication because he does not want to admit he has a problem. Pat stresses that Nikki doesn't want to be with him because he was overweight and didn't show interest in her job. While these may be contributing factors, the real reason is Pat’s anger issue. Once Pat loses the weight, decides to read Nikki’s syllabus, and gains a new positive outlook on life, he feels that he has kicked his demons, is in complete control, and does not need therapy. However, this facade quickly diminishes when his dad, Pat Sr., says that Nikki moved away and put a restraining order on him. Pat becomes confrontational and tries to assure his parents that his marriage to Nikki is fine and they are in love.
At the therapist’s office, he has a mild episode when his wedding song comes on and the frightened faces of everyone else in the office remind him that he has a problem. His new therapist then implores him to get a strategy so he doesn't have to go back to the psychiatric hospital. He makes things awkward at Ronnie's by asking about Tiffany's husband’s death (Pat has no filter when he speaks), and stating that he isn't interested in her because of his wife. After walking Tiffany home, Pat begins to unravel because he feels guilty about his attraction to Tiffany. He then unsuccessfully tries to find his wedding video to assure himself that he loves Nikki which leads to a major episode involving a physical fight with his dad.
It's clear that Pat doesn't really love Nikki while he’s trying to win her back. He was just in love with his normal life. When he was with Nikki, his life was good, and now, he just wants to go back to that.
Pat recognizes his faults while on his date with Tiffany. He tries to take advantage of her to communicate with Nikki and as a result, Tiffany rebuffs him. However, he appreciates Tiffany's character when she calms him down and gets him out of trouble. Pat sincerely apologizes for his actions and thanks her while realizing that she cares for him because they are alike.
Pat shows his progress when his brother, Jay, shows up (when Pat first comes back home, he sees his brother picture on the wall while his is on the floor). His brother talks about the great things happening with him and the bad things that happen to Pat, but instead of retaliating, Pat remains calm and expresses his happiness for Jay. Pat cites the dancing lessons with Tiffany as the main reason for his improving condition. Although he seems hesitant at first, it is clear that Pat has genuine fun (and he gets a little jealous when Danny dances with Tiffany). After Pat finds out that Tiffany lied to him about Nikki’s letter, he decides not to confront her immediately because he knows he loves Tiffany and she did it for his own good. The roles between the two switch at the dance competition when Pat must coax Tiffany on to the dance floor. Once the routine is over, Pat finally runs to tell Tiffany how he truly feels. He understands that the normal life he was in love with will never come back, but he loves the way his life is right now and he loves Sundays again.
Tiffany Maxwell
"I was a slut. There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy, but I like that, just like all the other parts of myself. I can forgive. Can you say the same for yourself, f***er? Can you forgive? Are you capable of that?"
Tiffany is introduced as a lonely promiscuous widow. She invites Pat to sleep with her because after her being alienated by her coworkers, she just wants a friend. Although Pat insults her marriage, Tiffany continues to try and get closer to Pat by running with him. Once Pat calls her a slut, Tiffany finally confronts Pat about his own issues by stating that he cannot accept the ugly and unpleasant things about himself which make him, him.
At the diner, it does not take long for Tiffany and Pat to open up to each other. She tells him about all the intimate details of her termination at her old job. However, Pat uses the information to criticize Tiffany which causes her to leave. When Pat catches up with her, she then goes on a tirade about how he is afraid to be himself for fear of another episode. Seeing Pat struggling to remain calm, Tiffany realizes her mistake and convinces Pat that there is no “song”.
After all the drama, Tiffany still agrees to give Pat’s letter to Nikki, which pleases and surprises Pat. Again, she Pat's motive, but she just wants a friend. When Pat discourages one of Tiffany’s “boyfriends” from picking her up (since they are taking advantage of her), she notices that Pat cares for her and is willing to do something for her if she asks.
Tiffany’s dancing is a coping mechanism for her husband’s death, and she hopes that it will act as one for Pat. The development of their relationship is quite clear throughout their training sessions. Tiffany gets jealous when Pat keeps bringing the books on Nikki’s syllabus, and she tells everyone the benefits (the Eagles winning) when she and Pat are together. By accepting Randy’s parlay, Tiffany knows that she must lie to Pat about Nikki attending the dance in order to get him to participate. Once Tiffany actually sees Nikki at the ceremony, she becomes hysterical and fears she will lose Pat. She has genuine fun with Pat on the dance floor only to see him leave her for Tiffany slowly after, but Pat (trying to be romantic) catches up with a distraught Tiffany to tell her how he really feels.
"I was a slut. There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy, but I like that, just like all the other parts of myself. I can forgive. Can you say the same for yourself, f***er? Can you forgive? Are you capable of that?"
Tiffany is introduced as a lonely promiscuous widow. She invites Pat to sleep with her because after her being alienated by her coworkers, she just wants a friend. Although Pat insults her marriage, Tiffany continues to try and get closer to Pat by running with him. Once Pat calls her a slut, Tiffany finally confronts Pat about his own issues by stating that he cannot accept the ugly and unpleasant things about himself which make him, him.
At the diner, it does not take long for Tiffany and Pat to open up to each other. She tells him about all the intimate details of her termination at her old job. However, Pat uses the information to criticize Tiffany which causes her to leave. When Pat catches up with her, she then goes on a tirade about how he is afraid to be himself for fear of another episode. Seeing Pat struggling to remain calm, Tiffany realizes her mistake and convinces Pat that there is no “song”.
After all the drama, Tiffany still agrees to give Pat’s letter to Nikki, which pleases and surprises Pat. Again, she Pat's motive, but she just wants a friend. When Pat discourages one of Tiffany’s “boyfriends” from picking her up (since they are taking advantage of her), she notices that Pat cares for her and is willing to do something for her if she asks.
Tiffany’s dancing is a coping mechanism for her husband’s death, and she hopes that it will act as one for Pat. The development of their relationship is quite clear throughout their training sessions. Tiffany gets jealous when Pat keeps bringing the books on Nikki’s syllabus, and she tells everyone the benefits (the Eagles winning) when she and Pat are together. By accepting Randy’s parlay, Tiffany knows that she must lie to Pat about Nikki attending the dance in order to get him to participate. Once Tiffany actually sees Nikki at the ceremony, she becomes hysterical and fears she will lose Pat. She has genuine fun with Pat on the dance floor only to see him leave her for Tiffany slowly after, but Pat (trying to be romantic) catches up with a distraught Tiffany to tell her how he really feels.
Pat Solitano, Sr.
"I mean that's what all this Eagles stuff is about. It's about us spending time now. I wanna do everything to help you get back on your feet. That's the whole point."
As soon as Pat comes back from Baltimore, Pat Sr. voices his desire for them to watch games together. Pat Sr. keeps all those Eagles games in his study because he wants to remember the good times with his son. Although he is somewhat annoyed that Dolores brings Pat back without telling him, he understands that they both want to help Pat. He finally breaks down when he admits that he wants to watch the games with Pat to make up for lost time. It should be noted that Pat’s bipolar disorder might stem from his dad, who got kicked out of the Eagles stadium for beating up so many people. Also, his gambling issue frequently consumes and involves him blaming an Eagles loss on Pat and Tiffany (until he realizes that Tiffany knows her stuff).
After the dance sequence, Pat Sr. implores his son to go after Tiffany because she truly loves him and he must seize the moment. By the end, Pat Sr. puts Pat’s portrait back on the wall which firmly states that Pat is an integral part of the family.
"I mean that's what all this Eagles stuff is about. It's about us spending time now. I wanna do everything to help you get back on your feet. That's the whole point."
As soon as Pat comes back from Baltimore, Pat Sr. voices his desire for them to watch games together. Pat Sr. keeps all those Eagles games in his study because he wants to remember the good times with his son. Although he is somewhat annoyed that Dolores brings Pat back without telling him, he understands that they both want to help Pat. He finally breaks down when he admits that he wants to watch the games with Pat to make up for lost time. It should be noted that Pat’s bipolar disorder might stem from his dad, who got kicked out of the Eagles stadium for beating up so many people. Also, his gambling issue frequently consumes and involves him blaming an Eagles loss on Pat and Tiffany (until he realizes that Tiffany knows her stuff).
After the dance sequence, Pat Sr. implores his son to go after Tiffany because she truly loves him and he must seize the moment. By the end, Pat Sr. puts Pat’s portrait back on the wall which firmly states that Pat is an integral part of the family.
Dolores Solitano
"I don't want him to get used to the routine here. Eight months is long enough."
Dolores seems to operate behind the scenes, but she is always wary of the unity of the family. Even after Pat Jr. hits her, she begs Pat Sr. to stop hitting him. Both parents decide not to send Pat to Baltimore after his major episode which shows their compassion for their son. Throughout the film, she tries to get Pat Sr. to stop his bookmaking, but to no avail. Also, she is cautious about lying to Pat, but she knows it is necessary. We find out that she informed Tiffany of when Pat was jogging so they could spend time together. Dolores seemed like the least important of the main characters but it turns out that she is the primary catalyst for the story.
"I don't want him to get used to the routine here. Eight months is long enough."
Dolores seems to operate behind the scenes, but she is always wary of the unity of the family. Even after Pat Jr. hits her, she begs Pat Sr. to stop hitting him. Both parents decide not to send Pat to Baltimore after his major episode which shows their compassion for their son. Throughout the film, she tries to get Pat Sr. to stop his bookmaking, but to no avail. Also, she is cautious about lying to Pat, but she knows it is necessary. We find out that she informed Tiffany of when Pat was jogging so they could spend time together. Dolores seemed like the least important of the main characters but it turns out that she is the primary catalyst for the story.
Themes
Love as a Disease
Both Pat and Tiffany are afflicted with mental illnesses but they infect each other with another disease: Love. Pat tries to assure himself that he still loves Nikki by telling other people, but the more he hangs out with Tiffany, the more he falls in love with her. It’s clear when his feelings for Tiffany grow when he sticks up for her while talking to his family and completely dedicates himself to the dance competition (to the point that he ignores reading Nikki’s syllabus). Tiffany was the one person who treated Pat as a normal person and wasn't afraid to confront him directly about his illness. She never beat around the bush and she gave him a release that helped him cope with his ailment.
Belonging
As soon as Pat returns to his old neighborhood, he is seen as a pariah. His parents treat him differently and a teen neighbor pesters him about his bipolar disorder. Pat is disturbed by the idea that in order to “belong”, he must take his medication and go to therapy. Once he realizes that everyone in his family has their problems, he does not see his therapy as an obstacle but as instrument for improving as a person. Additionally, his relationship with his family is probably better than it had ever been. Seen together in perfect harmony with everyone else at the end of the film, Pat and Tiffany clearly belong.
Love as a Disease
Both Pat and Tiffany are afflicted with mental illnesses but they infect each other with another disease: Love. Pat tries to assure himself that he still loves Nikki by telling other people, but the more he hangs out with Tiffany, the more he falls in love with her. It’s clear when his feelings for Tiffany grow when he sticks up for her while talking to his family and completely dedicates himself to the dance competition (to the point that he ignores reading Nikki’s syllabus). Tiffany was the one person who treated Pat as a normal person and wasn't afraid to confront him directly about his illness. She never beat around the bush and she gave him a release that helped him cope with his ailment.
Belonging
As soon as Pat returns to his old neighborhood, he is seen as a pariah. His parents treat him differently and a teen neighbor pesters him about his bipolar disorder. Pat is disturbed by the idea that in order to “belong”, he must take his medication and go to therapy. Once he realizes that everyone in his family has their problems, he does not see his therapy as an obstacle but as instrument for improving as a person. Additionally, his relationship with his family is probably better than it had ever been. Seen together in perfect harmony with everyone else at the end of the film, Pat and Tiffany clearly belong.
Citation
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 Aug. 2014.
- I ONLY USE THIS FOR THE PLOT SYNOPSIS
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 Aug. 2014.
- I ONLY USE THIS FOR THE PLOT SYNOPSIS