Yesterday, I went to the movies to see “Silver Linings Playbook” with my friend, Spring. We had both seen the previews and were intrigued and looking forward to see it. I think we were both quite pleased with the movie.
If you know nothing about the movie, I’ll give you a very brief synopsis: A man, dealing with a major break down of his marriage has a violent episode that sends him to a mental hospital where he is diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. After serving his time, he moves home to his parents house where he must learn to cope with his illness, as well as his family of origin (full of its own mental health and co-dependency issues). Along the way, he meets a woman in the ‘same boat’ of sorts and it goes from there.
My own life has been filled with moments of dealing with mental illness. I have struggled with depression my whole life (although it was never diagnosed until after having three babies in three years). Additionally, I have worked with, lived with and loved many people who have been completely overwhelmed with mental health issues.
As he progresses, he learns how to cope with all of his triggers. He gains control over things that used to control him. He is able to forgive his family for past transgressions. Even his father, who was never diagnosed with anything but who has obvious issues with OCD and anger, learns a lot about his own mistakes as a parent.
This movie allowed me to feel joy about mental illness. Watching the two main characters struggle, and eventually succeed, through their illnesses, was uplifting. I found myself laughing, out loud, at many moments that others probably found awkward. Having walked in their shoes, however, I was able to see the humor. I truly was laughing with the characters, not at them.
If you have any history of mental illness in your life, I strongly recommend you watch that movie. (One caution from Spring: a lot of the filming is spinny/jerky/uneven which did not bother me but made her feel a bit queasy.)
I left with this thought that I have read many times before… We are all a bit crazy. The key is finding someone who likes our kind of crazy!
With over thirty years in the mental health field I have seen the reality of the extremes of bipolar disorder in the emergency room, outpatient and inpatient services and in severe cases, even state hosptialization. I also saw this movie with a friend, who has had no experience with mental illness and she enjoyed the movie which she classified it as a “Click Flick.” I thought it was a light hearted look at bipolar disorder but I was a bit disappointed how the movie portrayed recovery. I acknowledge that I was expecting something more serious and “heavy” like “A Brilliant Mind.” We both left saying that we didn’t think it was “Oscar worthy material” and have been surprised that Jennifer Lawrence was recognized by the Golden Globes and SAG Awards as Best Actress.
Thanks, Kathy. I read about the director, who has a brother with bipolar. I think making this movie was a bit cathartic for him, as he had lived through the dark side of that particular disorder.
In spite of better diagnosis and a slightly better understanding of mental health, many people still don’t seem to ‘get it’ that it is a MEDICAL issue. People do not choose to be mentally ill.
I am grateful for this movie as it showed the possibility for a ‘happy ending.’ In reality, the two characters have a very difficult road ahead, as they are both going to be dealing with their demons for the rest of their lives.