Silver Linings Playbook

It appears that The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has finally fallen in love with David O. Russell. I admit that his first few films were quirky so he now makes films that are less quirky.
Mental illness is an issue that film makers like to explore in their work. It provides them with characters that have interesting traits which allow them to seem different to regular people. Pat is on the mild side of mental illness. He is not as wild and crazy as some people we see depicted in movies. He does have anger management issues and that is what makes the film tense because you keep expecting him to have a big blow up and go crazy. But ultimately this is a romantic comedy about two people who are just a little bit off. They find each other and manage to come together for a project which  helps them over come their issues. David O. Russell is one of my favourite film makers and he does an excellent job here. As I said this is a romantic comedy but does not feel like a romantic comedy. He takes the story of two people with issues and watch as we fall in love. Pat does have that clichéd thing of speaking his mind with no filter and that provides a lot of the films comedy. There is also the funny parents. Despite these familiar elements the film is still excellent. There is also a great deal of emotion in Pat and his relationship with his father. 
Bradley Cooper has become famous from 'The Hangover' trilogy, not a series of films which will get him awards. He has proven to be an excellent actor and so it is great to see him get some awards recognition. Bradley manages to make Pat a very believable character because his mental illness is not that obvious. We know there is a problem because of what he's previously done but it does not become an issue in his life. Jennifer Lawrence has proven before she is a brilliant actress (despite being in trash films like 'The Hunger Games'). I think she is brilliant in this film and she gives one of her best performances. Her character is so amazing and Jennifer is more than up to the challenge of playing her. There are so many subtle things that Jennifer does which totally blew me away. Robert DeNiro has finally gotten a role that reminds us he is a brilliant actor. His performance as Pat's father is so wonderful. I also loved Aussie Jackie Weaver but just wish she had a bit more to do. Her role is more subtle than obvious and Jackie play. The biggest surprise for me was Chris Tucker. He is mostly known for playing wild and crazy characters like in 'Rush Hour' but here he gives a nicely subdued performance and is brilliant at it.
A romantic comedy that does not feel like a romantic comedy. David O. Russell may use a few clichés but he does it in a subtle way.