Silver Linings Playbook

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining."

Silver Linings Playbook is a film about obsession, love and the delusions of reality.   Pat (Bradley Cooper) is released to his parents from psychiatric care, after the violent discovery of his wife's lover.  He meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a beautiful but damaged young woman, and with her aid he is determined to win back the love of his wife.

The script delves into the tensions between optimism and negativity, and the implications that are produced both psychologically and physically.   Cooper and Lawrence's performances are perfect: portraying two strong and distinct leads who are constructed through their flaws.  Lawrence approaches Tiffany with sophistication; portraying her character with maturity and depth.  Cooper, meanwhile, perfectly captures the psychological turmoil of his character; the emotional extremes and the explosive tendencies of his fragile state of mind, as he clings blindly to the ghosts of his past.  Together they bring humour and humanity to their damaged characters; allowing the flaws of the human condition to be embraced.

Silver Linings Playbook balances upon the perfect edge between psychological drama and comedy, as it delves into the complexities of emotion.  This produces a film that, despite the underlying darkness, is at once greatly engaging and enjoyable.