Written by: Nyama Amat
Edited by: Eindrea Myaing
The film Silver Linings Playbook (2012) is a romantic-comedy drama directed by David O. Russell and boasts an esteemed cast featuring actors Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert DeNiro. The film received widespread positive acclaim at the time of its release, earning several accolades, including Oscar-nominations for its cast’s performance and overall compelling story. Silver Linings Playbook follows the life of Pat Solitano Jr., played by Cooper, after an eight month stint in a mental health facility for treatment of his bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex and multifaceted disorder that garners intrigue and misunderstanding in both clinical settings as well as in popular culture. The cinematic portrayal of Pat Solitano and his condition provides a nuanced view of the challenges and triumphs individuals living with this disorder may face.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by fluctuations in mood, energy, and activity levels. This disorder exists on a spectrum, displaying varying courses and severity from person to person. Bipolar disorder is sorted into three types when diagnosing an individual. While the film does not directly state which type Pat Solitano is diagnosed with, it is likely that his condition aligns with bipolar I disorder. While all types of bipolar disorder involve clear changes in mood, encompassing “periods of extremely ‘up,’ elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very ‘down,’ sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes)” (NIMH). Individuals with bipolar I disorder are differentiated as they experience manic episodes that persist for at least 7 days nearly everyday for most of the day, and depressive episodes typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Pat’s manic episodes are vividly depicted through bursts of energy, heightened enthusiasm, and marked impulsivity. A significant manic episode is triggered when he catches his ex-wife’s infidelity, and he nearly kills the man she was with which resulted in his admittance to the psychiatric facility. Consequently, when she files a restraining order against him, Pat still believes they are married and is determined to win her affections back nonetheless. In his relentless pursuit, Pat is over-optimistic and hyper-focused, immersing himself in an excessive regimen to “improve” himself mentally and physically through over-exercising and reading.
Alongside the mania he experiences with his condition, Pat also experiences depressive episodes. He is emotionally fragile, unable to hear his wedding song in his therapist’s office waiting room without breaking down and assuming it is a personal attack against him. He is also unable to engage in social interactions or conversations as he spirals into profound feelings of despondency and hopelessness. Pat experiences a notable loss of interest and joy in his life, losing motivation to engage in the activities he once enjoyed, such as his job as a high school history teacher. Pat’s obsession with reconciling with his ex-wife only contributes to his depression, spurring feelings of hopelessness about the future and a hyperfixation on her alone despite anything else. Furthermore, Silver Linings Playbook depicts an intricate portrayal of the challenges inflicted upon one’s interpersonal and intimate relationships when living with bipolar disorder. Pat’s familial relationships, especially with his father, experience a significant strain due to his mental health struggles. His father struggles with his own mental issues which resultantly clash with Pat’s condition, creating further misunderstandings and strife between the two. Pat’s emotional volatility and the unpredictability associated with his mood swings also make it difficult for him to build and maintain meaningful relationships with others. Pat gets emotionally involved with Tiffany, another character dealing with her own emotional turmoil, stemming from the passing of her husband and presumed mental health issues. Initially, it is difficult for them to establish a healthy connection as their emotional dispositions clash as they navigate their respective mental struggles. The film offers an authentic and closely accurate portrayal of living with bipolar disorder, highlighting the interpersonal obstacles many individuals with this condition face.
While bipolar disorder varies across individuals, Pat Solitano portrays the challenges an individual may face within their social and occupational functioning when living with bipolar I disorder, and the interpersonal difficulties associated with this. In this regard, SIlver Linings Playbook offers a realistic depiction of how this condition can change the trajectory of one's life and livelihood as well as the struggles one may experience with this diagnosis. While this film is not an exhaustive representation of the disorder, Silver Linings Playbook provides viewers with a lens through Pat and aims to foster empathy and understanding for individuals who must navigate this complex disorder.
References:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Bipolar Disorder. National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH).
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Russell, D. O. (2012). Silver Linings Playbook. The Weinstein Company
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