By Synthia Tashfi
Edited by Nadya R.
I had watched the movie Silver Linings Playbook for the first time about a decade ago. Although I had noted that it was a pretty good film at the time, rewatching it now as an adult makes me appreciate it so much more. A story that revolves around the character Pat Solitano Jr (portrayed by Bradley Cooper) and the handling of his bipolar disorder after the separation with his wife, the film gives an unromanticized and real depiction of mental health.
There are several scenes throughout the movie that hits just the right spot to those who can resonate having a mental struggle, like the therapy sessions which Pat attends to. Pat reflects on the time he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, remarking how he had this condition throughout his life until that point, not knowing what it was and trying to push through the feelings and symptoms that it brings. It is a simple detail that signifies the importance of education and awareness of mental illnesses, without which, a patient can never take the first step to healing.
Pat works his best to stay healthy but refuses to take medication, and is adamant about getting back together with his wife who has long left their relationship. When his parents try to explain the inevitability of his doomed marriage, Pat replies back,
“ Excelsior! That means you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to take all this negativity and use it as fuel, I’m gonna find a silver lining.”
A sentiment that he expresses throughout the film. It shows that Pat is putting his efforts and positivity in the wrong places. He is delusional about his progress as he sometimes still gets triggered into a manic episode, in the aftermath of which he is shown to be in deep guilt and shame. Even during a breakdown, Pat shouts out that he is not ashamed of his condition but it signifies the opposite – he hasn’t come to terms with the circumstances of his life nor the severity of his condition in the coming future if not worked on properly.
Pat then meets the character Tiffany (portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence), who is also dealing with a mental illness. They connect through their unfiltered conversations about medications, relationships and their circumstances. Despite their similarities however, Pat takes offence to being compared to her, which angers Tiffany. The interactions that follow prove as a turning point for Pat. He realises he is unaccepting of the uncomfortable parts and sides of having a mental condition, which is why he unrightfully judges Tiffany despite being on the same boat. Tiffany serves as a mirror to Pat so as to accept himself with all those parts.
Silver Linings Playbook not only addresses the denial and shame one can have in handling their mental health, but also shows that acceptance is a long and non-linear path. It shows the companionship Pat had with Tiffany, how one does not need to be alone in their healing journey. It showed them how to learn to dance together, how having a purpose outside of their problems can in turn tend to their wounds. Most of all, it accepts the fact that a mental illness just doesn’t go away or vanish. Maybe the silver lining is not mastering your mental illness, but living a fulfilling life in spite of it.
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