The Weinstein Company, as noted a few times already, has quite the slate of films to throw at the wall this awards season. But what will stick? Will Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” sweep through the branches as a favorite or will it just be seen as a fun romp? Will Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” find a welcome rhythm? Will “Lawless” and “Killing Them Softly” find a much warmer reception than they did at Cannes? And what of something like Dustin Hoffman’s “Quartet,” stealthy and unassuming?
“The Silver Linings Playbook” is part of all of this too. It was featured with “Django” and “The Master” at Cannes as part of a footage screening package and comes from “The Fighter” director David O. Russell. I’ve heard this and that about the film, about how Robert De Niro is finally not phoning it in, about how stand-out “it” girl Jennifer Lawrence is, etc. But I’ve also heard Bradley Cooper is a bit surprising with his performance, and judging by the recently released trailer, I can see immediately he’s firing on different cylinders than usual.
The Film, adapted from the novel by Matthew Quick, tells the story of a former teacher who spends some choice years in a mental hospital before moving back in with his folks with the goal of reconciling with his ex-wife. Who knows how much the script may have morphed since Russell came on board, but it’s a quality role for Cooper. Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker also star.
Awards? Well, who knows? It’s certainly the one on TWC’s lips when you ask them lately. But we’ll have to see in a few months’ time. I doubt this is one for the festival circuit, but I suppose it could be. “The Master” seems more likely to hit the Telluride/Toronto/Venice corridor to me.
Cooper will also be seen in “The Words” from CBS Films, which played Sundance and could be added fuel for whatever Best Actor campaign he lights this year.
Check out the new trailer above. “The Silver Linings Playbook” opens November 21.