The movie “Silver Lining Playbook” portrays the psychological disorder of bipolar

disorder, specifically focusing on the character Pat Solitano Jr., who was played by the actor

Bradley Cooper. This Literature Review will talk about bipolar disorder and how it was

portrayed in the film, it will include three examples of the character’s behavior that illustrates the

symptoms, behaviors that are inconsistent with the disorder, and a critical analysis of how

accurate we found the portrayal of the disorder/therapy.

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which the individual experiences periods of mania that

alternate irregularly with periods of severe depression. Pat has bipolar disorder. This disorder

involves three phases: mania, hypomania, and depression. Pat normally faces the mania phase.

The mania phase is a disturbance of mood in which the individual experiences a euphoria

without cause, that is characterized by unrealistic optimism and heightened sensory pleasures.

Pat’s unrealistic optimism is to get back his wife who has cheated on him.

Pat’s behaviour illustrated bipolar disorder through heightened physical Activity. In the

film, a clear example of this occurs when Pat becomes hyperactive and restless. He engages in

various activities with heightened intensity and vigor, such as jogging compulsively through his

neighborhood or participating in rigorous dance rehearsals for the upcoming dance competition.

His behaviour was also illustrated through Disrupted Sleep Patterns. Individuals with

bipolar disorder often experience disruptions in their sleep patterns, insomnia, and excessive

sleep. In the film, Pat struggles with insomnia, frequently waking up in the middle of the night

and finding it difficult to fall back asleep. This contributes to his overall instability and

exacerbates his mood swings and impulsivity. An example of this happened in a scene where Pat

woke up from his sleep around 3:00 am and wanted to find his wedding video and refused to go

back to sleep until he found it therefore resulting in him fighting with his father.
 Increase Loudness was also one of the ways bipolar was illustrated through Pat’s

behaviour. In one scene, during a family dinner gathering at Pat's parents' house, Pat becomes

increasingly loud and talkative as the conversation progresses. At first, the conversation is

relatively calm, with multiple family members engaging in polite exchanges. However, as the

discussion turns to topics that trigger Pat's emotions, such as his estranged wife Nikki or his

struggles with mental health, he becomes more animated and louder.

However, there were some inconsistent behaviours illustrating this disorder. Moments of

Clarity and Insight, At times, Pat displays moments of clarity and insight into his behavior and

struggles. For example, he acknowledges the impact of his past actions on his relationships and

expresses a desire to improve himself and reconcile with his ex-wife. This is inconsistent with

the disorder since bipolar disorder impairs judgment and insight during manic episodes.

. Another inconsistent behaviour was Pat’s ability to maintain employment and social

connections. In events before the movie, Pat is shown to have held a job and maintained social

connections. Pat's ability to function in certain areas of his life suggests a level of resilience and

adaptability that may not always align with common perceptions of bipolar disorder.

Capacity for emotional regulation also occurs when Pat experiences intense mood swings

and emotional dysregulation characteristic of bipolar disorder, there are occasions where he

demonstrates an ability to regulate his emotions. For instance, he makes efforts to control his

temper and manage his reactions.

This film effectively captures the intense euphoria, heightened self-esteem, racing

thoughts, and reduced need for sleep characteristic of mania. The movie's acknowledgment of

genetic factors contributing to the protagonist's diagnosis is in line with the known biological

predispositions to bipolar disorder. However, The movie portrays Pat's recovery as primarily
reliant on a romantic relationship with Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence, rather than a

comprehensive treatment plan involving medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. This

oversimplification fails to capture the complexities of managing bipolar disorder and may

perpetuate misconceptions about mental illness.

while the film may simplify aspects of therapy, it does highlight its potential effectiveness in

resolving conflicts and facilitating personal growth, reflecting some positive outcomes of

treatment. Overall, "Silver Linings Playbook" offers a compelling and largely accurate portrayal

of bipolar disorder, shedding light on its symptoms and impact on individuals and their

relationships

In conclusion, "Silver Linings Playbook" effectively portrays the psychological disorder of

bipolar disorder, particularly through the character of Pat Solitano Jr., portrayed by Bradley

Cooper. The film accurately depicts symptoms such as heightened physical activity, disrupted

sleep patterns, and increased loudness, reflecting the realities of living with bipolar disorder.

Additionally, it portrays normal behaviors that are not inconsistent with the disorder, showcasing

the complexity of individuals' experiences with bipolar disorder in real life. Overall, the movie

provides a nuanced and realistic portrayal of bipolar disorder, shedding light on its various

manifestations and challenges.

References