Movie Review: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

I have mixed feelings about Silver Linings Playbook. To be sure, it had several laugh out loud moments that felt more meritorious than the cheap laughs achieved in most modern comedies. But the drama was somewhat confusing, and it could either be the case that the writers created a deep and subtle psychological struggle or they were utterly conventional. The main character, Pat (played by Bradley Cooper), has recently been released from a mental institution to which he was dedicated after committing a violent act towards his wife's lover. His motivation throughout the film is to improve himself and regain the affection of his wife. Along the way he meets a similarly eccentric woman, Katniss (played by Katniss), with whom he agrees to help in her dance contest.

Here is why I say the drama is confusing: from the beginning, Pat's quest to woo his wife seems to be a lost cause, and one can reasonably expect that at some point he will become romantically interested in Katniss. [SPOILER ALERT.] He does, but not explicitly until the very end of the movie. It's as if he realizes what the audience has known the entire movie: he doesn't have a chance of reconciling with his wife, but there's a readily available female right in front of him (who happens to be like 15 years younger, but whatever).

I'm also unsure how I feel about the plot element created by Pat's father (played by Robert De Niro) who is a compulsive gambler and decides to put a high stakes bet upon the dance performance of Pat and Katniss. It is reminiscent of the fact that people place wagers on the outcome of events they otherwise have no interest in. Is it the case that the plot absent the betting lacks an adequate amount of tension that the writers feel that they have to add more by having gambling involved? There is an argument to be made that it is: we all know Pat isn't going to get his wife back (as if his success as a dancer had any bearing on it) and they don't expect to be serious competitors but want to pass a minimum score (stipulated by the bet). So, the jury is still deliberating whether this was a legitimate tactic or a cheap way to create more tension.

Lastly, Chris Tucker once again demonstrates why he deserves an award for best supporting actor. We look forward to his next buddy cop film.