Misery loves company and in the case of "Silver Linings Playbook," the new Weinstein Company comedy, dysfunctional fuck-ups seem to travel in packs as well. Directed by David O. Russell ("The Fighter") and an adaptation of Matthew Quick's novel of the same name, "Silver Linings Playbook" centers on a former teacher who moves back in with his parents after a stint in a mental institution. Things get more challenging when the teacher, Pat (Bradley Cooper), meets a mysterious girl (Jennifer Lawrence) with deep-rooted problems of her own that may be even more messed up than his own. Their mutual issues seem to be the myriad depression medication they've both been on which you can see in this new clip. Here's the longform synopsis:
Life doesn't always go according to plan. Pat Solatano has lost everything – his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother and father after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat's parents want is for him to get back on his feet – and to share their family's obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.
By all accounts, including our own, the dramedy was another crowd-pleasing and uplifiting hit for Russell with the same type of humor, spark and bite that "The Fighter" possessed. It won the coveted audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival and so moving into the Oscar season, it's sitting pretty. Our A-grade review called it "big-hearted and hilarious," and this recently released clip is pretty funny and indicative of that tone.
It co-stars Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Julia Stiles, Chris Tucker, Shea Whigham and John Ortiz (who you can see in this clip). And aside from an excellent cast, Russell seems to have perfected the quirky comedy that's inspirational and feel-good, yet with weird, asymmetrical edges that prevent the pictures from being formulaic or cloying. Personally, this writer can't wait to see it. "Silver Linings Playbook" hits theaters November 21st. Check out the new clip below.
