Hatchet reporter Emily Holland shares her latest movie experience.

“Silver Linings Playbook” (2012)
★★★★½✰

When two major actors step out of their traditional cinematic comfort zones, it serves tales of mental illness well. Just ask Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.

A quirky interpretation of a Matthew Quick novel, “Silver Linings Playbook” tells the story of Pat Solitano, Jr. (Bradley Cooper), a man diagnosed with bipolar disorder after breaking into a violent outburst sparked by the discovery of his wife’s cheating ways. Upon being released from a treatment facility after eight months, Pat adopts a new philosophy of optimism and belief in silver linings in order to be reunited with his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee). Along his quest to fix his marriage, Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a widow of a police officer with her own set of complicated mental issues. The pair’s friendship flourishes through their dance partnership, but even more through their shared emotional struggles and past pains.

The film boasts many other “crazy” characters, including Robert De Niro as the OCD, football-obsessed Pat, Sr. and Chris Tucker as Pat’s friend from the mental hospital. Both Cooper and Lawrence deliver their best career performances in the movie, and the role is a refreshing change for the typically comedy-leaning Cooper. With their surprising yet superb chemistry, the pair display their mastery of the entire spectrum of emotions and an ability to convey a hidden complexity beneath the surface of their characters. The performances felt so authentic that the audience couldn’t help but clap after Pat and Tiffany performed their dance.

With a confidence that garners favor from audience members and critics alike, and a carefully crafted script which reveals a soft, humorous side to mental illness, this crazy, fun, drama-filled film is nearly flawless, carried by masterful direction, a clever script and unprecedented performances.

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: David O. Russell
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
Release Date: Nov. 21