Review: Silver Linings Playbook [The Novel]

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Usually, if you've already seen the movie of something, I don't recommend reading the book. Screenwriters are wise to choose the best and most exciting scenes of every novel, so if you pick up the book later, you'll already know where the story is heading. You may even envision the actors from the film in the roles of the characters in the book, which is never a good thing. You're not getting the full experience.

But Silver Linings Playbook is different. Early on through the book (About page 100 or so), I was honestly going to make the bold statement that the movie was better than the book. The character of the father, played so deftly by Robert DeNiro in the movie, is almost entirely unlikeable in the book. DeNiro made him a character you could sympathize with. Same with the Danny character, played by Chris Tucker in the film. He doesn't appear in true form until toward the end of the book, I really missed him and didn't think he'd be in the book at all, other than as a mention.

But then, the book took wild turns the movie didn't even bother to. Let it be known, you can definitely read the book and see the movie, since they have an entirely different feel to them. The movie, while depressing at parts, never really feels it because of the witty banter and character dynamics that the director, David O. Russell, likes to bring to most of his films. But the book by Matthew Quick, is, while humorous at times, a thoroughly depressing story. It also delves much deeper into Pat Peoples' (The protagonist, played by Bradley Cooper in the film) head, as all good novels do. That said, it doesn't really give much spotlight into the other characters' heads, which is one of the highlights of the film.

So again, they're different. Kind of like One Flew Over the Coockoo's Nest if you've ever read that. The POV changes everything.

So, in conclusion, if you adored the movie as much as I did, then I highly recommend reading the book. Not to compliment the film, but to extend it. It's a very touching story, and a beautiful novel, but one that's nowhere near as upbeat as its film counterpart. Neither is better, and both are fantastic, so you'll definitely like it if you love well-written characters and good stories. Pick it up.



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My Top Nine Favorite Movies of 2012 (Yes, Nine)

It must be that time of year again. That time when I release all my angst and fluids (Eww), fluids as in tears (Oh) talking about my favorite movies of the year. You may wonder why there are only nine entries here instead of ten. Well, being that I haven't seen Django Unchained yet, which I'm sure would make the list somewhere, I'm keeping it to an odd nine. I'm sure Django, if it's anything like Taranatino's last couple of efforts, would probably land at around five or six, so consider it landing there. As for the rest of these films, well, they're the creme-de-la-cream, the bees knees, the best of the entire year. You may disagree, and you're welcome to your opinion, but remember, I've seen thousands of movies and have awesome taste, so if not one of these movies made your list, then YOUR taste in movies sucks, not mine. Okay, now on with it!

 (Image taken from: imdb.com)

9. The Amazing Spider-Man

The greatest Spider-Man movie of all time, The Amazing Spider-Man is the first film in the web-head's cinematic career where I think the director got it all right. Andrew Garfield's casting as Peter Parker was perfect, and the action scenes with The Lizard were stellar. This movie actually FELT like Spider-Man. It also didn't stumble on corny moments like forcing Peter Parker to dance down the street, or embarrassing falsehoods, like the webbing being part of Spider-Man's DNA. This movie set it all straight. Not only that, but it was a genuinely good film. For an origin story, it was quick paced and different from the original trilogy to make it feel like a necessary substitute. I can't wait for number two. Bring on Electro!

(Image taken from: imdb.com)

8. Argo

Argo is a phenomenal thriller (Though, I'm not sure I trust its accuracy) that fully proves that Ben Affleck is a better director than he ever was an actor. He has talent. What makes this film so enjoyable is that the "facts" come second to actually telling a good story, and it's a film that's as edge-of-your-seat exciting as it is comical--John Goodman and Alan Arkin are hilarious. Ar-go f**k yourself! 

(Image taken from: en.wikipedia.org)

7. Cabin in the Woods

Cabin in the Woods is probably the most fun I've had all year in the theater, and it isn't surprising as Joss Whedon had a hand in writing this with first time filmmaker, Drew Goddard. And Joss Whedon is always fun. Taking all of the horror tropes and lovingly turning them on their head (Or is that making fun of?), Cabin in the Woods builds and builds to an outrageous climax that is unlike anything I've ever seen before. And as a fan of the horror genre, it was fun counting all the shout-outs and in-jokes that kept popping up. This movie was a blast. A sequel, please. 

(Image taken from: imdb.com)

6. The Grey

Coming out super early in the year, I've had The Grey on my mind since January. You just can't shake a film like that out of your head. Featuring the scariest plane crash I've ever seen put to film, the movie tackles everything from survival to searching for God in Hell. It's unlike any other film I've seen all year, and it's also probably the most abjectly depressing. See more of my thoughts on it here. I gave it a much more thorough review.

(Image taken from: imdb.com)

5. Lincoln 

Though I question its historical truth, Lincoln is an epic, honest-to-God great movie from Steven Spielberg that doesn't get too maudlin or fantastic. It's a perfect blend of both War Horse's melodrama and Schindler's List's seriousness. In other words, Spielberg hits that sweet spot of a commercially enjoyable, but critically important film that the Academy just eats up. I ate it up, too. Daniel Day Lewis was of course magnificent, and the pacing of this film is impeccable. Not once did I feel like it dragged on, which is quite an accomplishment. A thoroughly enjoyable movie. I just wouldn't count it as a history lesson. Some of it seemed pretty embellished. I don't know how much I trust.

(Image taken from: imdb.com)

4. The Avengers

The Avengers is a landmark film in the superhero genre because it actually managed to pull off a collaboration of some of the biggest names of the Marvel roster. Honestly, after this came out, I couldn't help but believe that the sky was the limit for Marvel. Finally, the movies actually felt like the comics I grew up with. I was elated! That said, comics aside, the movie itself is just so much fun. Each member of the team feels like they get their moment to shine, but again, you can find out more of my opinion here, as I already wrote a review for that picture, too. I had a busy year. :)

(Image taken from: Comingsoon.net)

3. Dredd 3D

Dredd 3D may not have been better than The Dark Knight or The Avengers in terms of quality, but it's now become my favorite comic book movie of all time. I can't help it, I think of this movie pretty much every day. It was a good year to be a fan of comics, and Dredd 3D is my primary reason for saying that, since The Dark Knight Rises certainly disappointed. This movie made up for that cinematic stain. What made this film so memorable was the fact that unlike all other superhero movies, Judge Joseph Dredd never felt like a superhero at all in this film, which differs greatly from the bombastic original with Sly Stallone. In this movie, Dredd is just another cog in the machine who stands firmly behind his principles. He doesn't have to scream that he's the law, because he is the law, and that's it. His gun does the rest of the talking. Dredd 3D feels like a very grungy version of the original Die Hard and I love that it mostly takes place in a single area, just like this year's The Raid Redemption. Dredd's character never changes throughout the entire film, but that's what makes him so badass. I don't know, I could talk forever about this movie and I expect to receive it in the mail soon to review, so I'll post it when I get it. Stay tuned. I still have a lot to say about it.

(Image taken from: imdb.com)

2. The Master

After Paul Thomas Anderson's last clear masterpiece, There Will Be Blood, I fully expected to be blown away yet again. But I wasn't. By the time I left the theater, I was left with more questions than feelings of excitement. I really didn't think I liked the film at all. But then, I thought about it, and I played it in my head again and again. I took a step back and really looked at it, just as Joaquin Phoenix's character looks at the window in the picture. Phoenix's troubled character tried to find something in the window and he only found himself. And that's what the film made me feel. I had a lot of self-reflection for weeks after I saw this movie, and for a film to actually make me feel lost in myself, well, that says a hell of a lot. I don't know if I could watch it again and again like I do with There Will Be Blood, but I think my initial viewing was enough. It's a film that truly sears and sticks with you. It's a masterpiece, just a different kind. It's art.

(Image taken from: imdb.com)

1. Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook is the perfect movie, and I don't say that lightly. It has it all. Just like pizza is the perfect food, this movie just has everything to offer. I laughed. A lot. I cried. In secret. (During Robert DeNiro's part telling Bradley Cooper's character how he just wants to spend time with him. That part had me dabbing my eyes). It made me feel awkward, and it made me feel uplifted. Honestly, this film has it all. I don't understand how this film isn't making more best-of lists, but it's not, and it's a shame. I think it's because it's more a comedy than anything else, but it's a damn good comedy with astounding pacing and a jarring style of direction that mimics the craziness going on in its two main lead's heads. Again, it's the perfect movie and my pick for the best film of 2012. Go see it.