Finding the Silver Lining
by Paige Senk and Andrew Valentin
“Life is not a PG feel-good movie. Real life often ends badly. Literature tries to document this reality, while showing us it is still possible for us to endure nobly,” said screenwriter Matthew Quick. Aside from the obvious romantic aspect of the movie, Silver Linings Playbook takes an unconventional approach to the typical theme of love at first sight.
The director demonstrates his emotional expertise in eliciting a response from the audience that does not overshadow the romance with humor, and ensures the seriousness of the romantic aspect of the movie while making it relatable to an individual or couple. By mirroring the ups and downs of romantic relationships through the inner and external conflict that the characters are met with, the director captures the essence of a romance, fulfilling half of the genre’s title, and fulfills the other half of the genre’s title with
subtle digs, gags, and situational humor. Although the humor tends to be dry at some points, it seems to be intentional, so as not to detract from the true purpose of the film--which is mostly centered on the trials and tribulations of unrequited love. The humor was
appreciated; it made what could have otherwise been considered a dramatic tragedy, a lighthearted and feel-good film with an obvious conflict in plot.
Bradley Cooper demonstrates emotional appeal that is unprecedented and takes on a role that is not only foreign from his usual roles, but performs well as a man with dynamic change and charisma in doing so. While his funny one-liners were more subtle and relatable than in The Hangover, he still kept the audience laughing from start to finish.
While each character appealingly had its own distinctive personality, Jennifer Lawrence’s character was uniquely dark and original. This role was the perfect fit for her to not only as an extremely talented actress, but also play an empowered female role that isn’t typically “cookie cutter.” The initial introduction to the multifaceted and daringly specific story lines and their complications were overwhelming for several moments.
However, this concern evaporated as the movie flowed fluidly, leaving the audience with no time to think about anything but the next scene. What was most enjoyable about the film was how the emotional landscape of the novel ceased to fail. Seldom was there
a scene in which it was entirely known as to what the characters were thinking, contributing to both their complex nature, and mirroring the nature of relationships and human feelings as a whole. Each scene was more charming, clever, and heart-warming
than the next.
“Life is not a PG feel-good movie. Real life often ends badly. Literature tries to document this reality, while showing us it is still possible for us to endure nobly,” said screenwriter Matthew Quick. Aside from the obvious romantic aspect of the movie, Silver Linings Playbook takes an unconventional approach to the typical theme of love at first sight.
The director demonstrates his emotional expertise in eliciting a response from the audience that does not overshadow the romance with humor, and ensures the seriousness of the romantic aspect of the movie while making it relatable to an individual or couple. By mirroring the ups and downs of romantic relationships through the inner and external conflict that the characters are met with, the director captures the essence of a romance, fulfilling half of the genre’s title, and fulfills the other half of the genre’s title with
subtle digs, gags, and situational humor. Although the humor tends to be dry at some points, it seems to be intentional, so as not to detract from the true purpose of the film--which is mostly centered on the trials and tribulations of unrequited love. The humor was
appreciated; it made what could have otherwise been considered a dramatic tragedy, a lighthearted and feel-good film with an obvious conflict in plot.
Bradley Cooper demonstrates emotional appeal that is unprecedented and takes on a role that is not only foreign from his usual roles, but performs well as a man with dynamic change and charisma in doing so. While his funny one-liners were more subtle and relatable than in The Hangover, he still kept the audience laughing from start to finish.
While each character appealingly had its own distinctive personality, Jennifer Lawrence’s character was uniquely dark and original. This role was the perfect fit for her to not only as an extremely talented actress, but also play an empowered female role that isn’t typically “cookie cutter.” The initial introduction to the multifaceted and daringly specific story lines and their complications were overwhelming for several moments.
However, this concern evaporated as the movie flowed fluidly, leaving the audience with no time to think about anything but the next scene. What was most enjoyable about the film was how the emotional landscape of the novel ceased to fail. Seldom was there
a scene in which it was entirely known as to what the characters were thinking, contributing to both their complex nature, and mirroring the nature of relationships and human feelings as a whole. Each scene was more charming, clever, and heart-warming
than the next.