“Is that crazy enough for ya? Want me to take a shit on the floor?” With this inquiry, Jack Nicholson’s legendary character in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest aptly summed up countless false impressions about mental illness. And while Hollywood has tackled some of the most contentious issues in our society, mental illness remains a subject that is rarely broached.
Taking a serious look at this oft-ignored or misrepresented subject and the effects it can have on a family, David Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook challenges typical conventions of mental illness with its candid portrayal of Pat Solatino (Bradley Cooper) and his struggle with bipolar disorder. With a dynamic cast, Playbook proves a heartfelt, enjoyable film, managing to combine the best of drama and rom-com in a way that is touching without proving uncomfortable or unrealistic.
The story centers on Solatino, a former teacher who was recently released from a mental hospital after an eight-month stay. Solatino went willingly as a part of a plea deal after a violent incident and a misdiagnosis. Starting from this bleak point, Solatino tries to rebuild his life and stay positive, while living under the watchful eye of his parents.
Back at home he reconnects with his friend Ronnie, masterfully played by John Ortiz, and his wife Veronica, played by Julia Stiles. Showcasing the difficulty of reintegration into one’s community and the pressures of family life, Stiles and Ortiz remarkably capture the hardship of trying to support a friend in such a transition.
In the performance of his career, Cooper plays Solatino with a dignity which showcases the varied nature of bipolar disorder. With “Excelsior” as his motto, Solatino always searches for a silver lining, and strives not only to do better but to prove to himself and others that he is doing better. Cooper balances this tension beautifully, his optimism overcoming any clichéd associations and carrying the film in a sincere and inspiring way.
While the supporting cast impresses, it is the interaction between Cooper and co-star Jennifer Lawrence that really stand out. Lawrence shines as Tiffany, a dancer and the young widow of a policeman who also has bipolar disorder. Lawrence wows in this role, portraying her character with humor, seriousness, and overwhelming depth. Cooper’s and Lawrence’s undeniable chemistry brings their scenes to life, whether in more serious moments—like when Tiffany defends Solatono from his father, artfully played by Robert DeNiro—or in more playful scenes of the pair dancing.
Unlike other dramatic films on similar subject matter, Playbook does not pigeonhole bipolar disorder and the characters suffering from it. Instead, it allows room for Cooper and Lawrence to navigate the trials of life not as afflicted people, but as human beings. While such a serious issue could potentially dishearten viewers, the film displays a full range of emotions and narratives.
At one point in the movie, Solatino says that “Life is not a PG feel-good movie. Real life often ends badly.” Despite such dark sentiment, Playbook leaves its audience with a remarkable and unexpected sense of hope and fulfillment.
