"In adapting Matthew Quick's 2008 novel, Russell doesn't merely aim to tell the story of Pat Solatano (...) In a script that never lapses into mundane or uninteresting language, the scenes between Pat and Tiffany are sculpted with an almost David Mamet-like sharpness, amplified onscreen by the intimacy and focus of Russell's direction and the superbly harmonized lead performances. Exuding his usual cranked-up charisma, Cooper has one of his best roles here as a damaged soul whose misconceptions nonetheless hide an unimpeachable core integrity. Yet it's Lawrence's Tiffany who has the most dynamic effect on the picture, always pushing Pat into a defensive position and, remarkably, making him look like a model of sanity by comparison. (...) Yet if "Silver Linings Playbook" is a softer, gentler thing than the director's previous works, following a traditional finding-yourself-and-falling-in-love template in the guise of something moderately darker and more subversive, it nonetheless boasts a level of charm, heart and formal sophistication increasingly rare among adult-driven studio comedies. (...) it's hard to remember the last time De Niro was this effortlessly endearing and relaxed onscreen."
by Justin Chang in Variety
""Playbook" finds Russell once again displaying his talent in pulling unexpectedly authentic performances from his actors. In this case, Bradley Cooper is the biggest beneficiary of Russell’s guiding hand. (...) Cooper delivers his most arresting work so far and should impress even his harshest critics. (...) While Cooper deserves kudos for his performance in “Playbook,” it’s Lawrence who absolutely steals the movie. Her portrayal of Tiffany is both fierce and tragic. She constructs Tiffany as a blunt and intelligent woman that is unashamed of her sexual dalliances even if her friends and family feel she’s just acting out. Tiffany is not a happy or pleasant person most of the time (she rarely cracks a smile), but Lawrence finds a way to have you rooting for her at the end. Lawrence has arguably impressed in every movie she’s starred in during her short big screen career, but her performance in “Playbook” deservedly ranks alongside her Oscar nominated turn in 2007’s “Winter’s Bone.” (...) Russell is assisted by a number of strong supporting performances including De Niro (who delivers some fine dramatic moments) (...) Russell takes a dramatic situation that seems too heavy to play as pure entertainment and flips it on its head by making the everyday humor in a dysfunctional family fuel the film’s storyline. It may not be as deep Russell’s classic “Three Kings” or as dramatic as his Oscar nominated “The Fighter,” but it’s hard to imagine anyone else handling this material any better."
by Gregory Ellwood in HitFix
"While David O. Russell’s foray into conventional drama with The Fighter was a richly satisfying knockout, it’s a joy to see him back in the off-kilter comedy realm with the wonderful Silver Linings Playbook. Cheerfully yet poignantly exposing the struggles, anxieties, disorders and obsessions of ordinary people, this is a film as odd as it is charming. (...) Cooper gives filter-free Pat a desperation that’s both painful and funny, asserting his positivity and growth while at the same time emitting alarm signals. The actor’s work becomes even more appealing once Lawrence enters the picture as Tiffany. (...) Working with cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi and editors Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers, Russell gives the comedy an invigorating messiness. The action is shot and cut with the same nervous energy that hard-wires the two central characters. (...) Pat Sr. is a gem of a role, and De Niro hasn’t been this alive and emotionally engaged onscreen in years. (...) But while the entire ensemble is sharp, their work would be nothing without two such deftly anchoring lead performances to bounce off. Cooper brings enormous heart to a role that easily might have veered toward the abrasive, and Lawrence shows off natural comic chops that we haven’t seen much from her. There’s self-exposure and risk in both these actors’ work here, which makes for rewarding comedy."
by David Rooney in The Hollywood Reporter
"David O. Russell's movies have always been lively affairs, but none maintain the same fluid comedic inspiration of "Silver Linings Playbook." Adapting Matthew Quick's novel both as solo screenwriter and director, Russell assembles a small, bubbly cast for an unexpectedly charming romcom that frequently dances -- at one point, quite literally -- between cynicism and bittersweetness with largely winning results. (...) Buried in goth makeup and dark hair, Lawrence delivers a charged, feisty turn that stands apart from her typically low key performances. (...) Russell directs the proceedings using a fluid approach that never indulges in rote sentimentalism without keeping the wit in check as well. Relying on close-ups and two shots that draw out the nuances of dialogue and performances, Russell gets so close to his actors that he maintains a near-theatrical sense of containment even when the action flares up. (...) "Silver Linings Playbook" is incredibly heartfelt to a large degree because of its cast. Alongside Lawrence, De Niro stands out with a surprisingly effective turn as a middle-aged loser with good intentions that represents his best role in years. (...) Turning frantic relationship problems into breezy entertainment, Russell gives "Silver Linings Playbook" the air of a classic romcom, strengthening it with the type of sophisticated insight into human behavior that Preston Sturges might make today."
by Eric Kohn in Indiewire
OSCAR POTENTIAL CATEGORIES:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (David O. Russell)
- Best Leading Actor (Bradley Cooper)
- Best Leading Actress (Jennifer Lawrence)
- Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro)
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Editing
BUT...
I believe there is no "but" considering all the enthusiasm and certainties around the quality of The Silver Lining Playbook. During TIFF, the movie proved to be an high-quality crowd-pleaser comedy, which explains how it took home the People's Choice Award and everybody knows that winning this prize is almost a guarantee of Oscar love (Slumdog Millionaire and The King's Speech are two recent examples of Best Picture winning flicks that won TIFF's top prize). Plus, having Cooper, Lawrence (who was also brilliant in the acclaimed The Hunger Games) and De Niro walking around the screen and Russell behind the camera, this one is just too Oscary to be ignored by the Academy.
Comments