This past December, a friend of mine alerted me to the newest Robert DeNiro film: Silver Linings Playbook. He asked me to meet him at Century Theatres near the Metreon, but when I got there, he was nowhere to be found, so I proceeded to watch the film alone. (It turns out he walked into a different theatre and proceeded to watch that film.)
I was not aware of the film's synopsis, but any film with DeNiro is a guaranteed viewing. It was about 15 minutes into the film before the screen went black; then the fire alarm went off. Hmm. I looked around and saw a bunch of confused looks. We figured someone pulled the alarm and the film would be back on shortly. My friend called me to inform that the whole mall was being evacuated.
"No. It's just a false alarm. Come join me in the theatre."
After about a half hour, the usher came in and said that the movie wouldn't be back on and that we'd be given complimentary tickets. Snaps. And the film was getting good, too. My friend called again and said that fire trucks were out front. I guess the fire alarm was true. As I exited the theatre, I noticed an ice cream stand still open. I proceeded to order a scoop before departing the area. As I was coming down the escalator, my friend spotted me and started laughing.
"You stopped to get an ice cream?"
I smiled, "I figured they were still serving and I had an urge."
"The whole building could be on fire and you actually stopped to get an ice cream?" he asked again.
"Yeah," I answered, "I would've gone down with the Titanic, but not without a brandy first"
It took awhile before finally watching Silver Linings Playbook in its entirety. I managed to fit it in my Santa Cruz trip amidst all the other activities I had planned. I have to say that I was very impressed with the film and its subject matter. In fact, I had an immediate connection to it.
The film centers on Pat Jr., a former high school teacher who suffers from bipolar disorder. His back story is that he had been court mandated to receive treatment at a mental health facility following a violent assault. He is released to his parents' care and continues therapy treatment as well as engaging in activities to aide his progress.
Of course as all movies do, it contains the archetypical themes; the usual boy meets girl, the bumbling dad, the overprotective yet concerned mom, the elusive intimate. But what stands out most is this film's themes.
Support
Quite possibly what helped Pat Jr.'s healing was the overwhelming support he receives from family and friends. Despite the internal pain this man was coping with, no one left his side. He definitely exhausted his parents, but they demonstrate true parental love. Moms and Dads suffer their children's pain, too, but no matter the cost (be it emotional, physical, or financial) loving parents remain at their child's side always. Parental responsibility doesn't end when a child turns 18. They're a child for life and parents' commitment to their children ends at death.
Pat Jr.'s friends remained supportive even though at times their efforts seemed fruitless, they still offered their support, maintained open lines of communication and offered encouraging words. And it isn't just about lending an ear, but it's also about watching their friend's back. You know you have true friends when in moments of adversity, they continue to remain at your side.
Of course there were few who weren't supportive, but they didn't matter to him. He valued those who remained a positive force in his life.
Having Interests
Pat Jr. developed a passion for dancing. He committed himself to learning and practicing several dance genres. This taught him discipline and commitment, but most importantly, it taught him to focus. These qualities extend beyond the dance floor. They are needed for every aspect of life both professional and personal. Dancing also helped him develop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
Pat Jr. and his father are diehard football fans. It was football and a passion for their football team that built a father/son relationship (though in the film, it is quite humorous). It was also an avenue to divert and exert tension/frustrations as he learns to control his emotions (though they are tested in the pivotal tailgate scene) and display them when/where appropriate.
Things Happen for a Reason
The most prominent theme is the message that one incident can change your life and its direction. It affects not only the central figure but the people around him/her. It also forces you to rethink the next phases of your life and this is precisely what happens to the film's protagonist. I don't want to divulge too much as I believe this is a film that everyone should see.
As I watched this film, there were moments when I laughed, but most of the time, I was in tears. I identified so much with the character, and I could see my family and friends reflected in the secondary characters. The only difference between the character and myself is the type of disorders we suffer. He was bipolar. I have post traumatic stress disorder. Bipolar is organic whereas external factors bring the onset of PTSD. Regardless, the suffering is similar.
My parents have been my number 1 supporter in my healing process, but sometimes I can be difficult especially when I began exhibiting symptoms. When I feel a sense of dread or after I suffer a severe anxiety attack, I call my parents just to hear their soothing voices. Usually they'll make the 6 hour drive to spend the weekend with me. My other relatives and my friends, both near and far, have always helped me through crisis (as I would for them as well). Even through the most difficult adversity, none turned their backs on me. I learned that the people in my life were truly good people who care deeply. It's not easy to find people like that especially when there are some who mask their love and care with deceit and evil. But for the most part, I have been blessed with the people who are in my life. They see me for me; it doesn't matter what anyone else (wrongly) thinks of me.
I've learned to self-heal since it is I who suffers the disorder; I have to keep on top it because it sucks going through anxiety attacks. I heal through various activities that I've committed myself to: my hiking, my gardening and (of course) my dancing. Swing dancing saved me. Though I had been doing it for years prior to my traumatic experience, I hadn't delved completely into it until 4 years ago. It was not only physically and emotionally healthy, it kept me social. Swing dancing is what makes me happiest.
Sometimes we ask God why He lets bad things happen. It may seem that way at the time but upon reflection, you realize that it happened for a reason. A person has to go through moments of adversity because the path they were on could have led to something worse. Those moments teach you to become a better person.
Prior to the events between 2007-2010, I was a very closed individual. Whatever bad happened to me, I kept to myself thinking that I could take care of it myself. In the end, it blows up in your face. Sometimes you have to accept that things are beyond your control, and it's okay to ask for help. That is one thing I learned. I am now open with both family and friends. If I'm going through difficult times, I let them know, and they are all very willing to help me through them.
There is a misconception that bad events or mistakes are failures. They aren't; they're learning experiences. Experiences that help build a better person; a better character. It's only a failure if you refuse to learn from them.
***
It took awhile before finally watching Silver Linings Playbook in its entirety. I managed to fit it in my Santa Cruz trip amidst all the other activities I had planned. I have to say that I was very impressed with the film and its subject matter. In fact, I had an immediate connection to it.
The film centers on Pat Jr., a former high school teacher who suffers from bipolar disorder. His back story is that he had been court mandated to receive treatment at a mental health facility following a violent assault. He is released to his parents' care and continues therapy treatment as well as engaging in activities to aide his progress.
Of course as all movies do, it contains the archetypical themes; the usual boy meets girl, the bumbling dad, the overprotective yet concerned mom, the elusive intimate. But what stands out most is this film's themes.
Support
Quite possibly what helped Pat Jr.'s healing was the overwhelming support he receives from family and friends. Despite the internal pain this man was coping with, no one left his side. He definitely exhausted his parents, but they demonstrate true parental love. Moms and Dads suffer their children's pain, too, but no matter the cost (be it emotional, physical, or financial) loving parents remain at their child's side always. Parental responsibility doesn't end when a child turns 18. They're a child for life and parents' commitment to their children ends at death.
Pat Jr.'s friends remained supportive even though at times their efforts seemed fruitless, they still offered their support, maintained open lines of communication and offered encouraging words. And it isn't just about lending an ear, but it's also about watching their friend's back. You know you have true friends when in moments of adversity, they continue to remain at your side.
Of course there were few who weren't supportive, but they didn't matter to him. He valued those who remained a positive force in his life.
Having Interests
Pat Jr. developed a passion for dancing. He committed himself to learning and practicing several dance genres. This taught him discipline and commitment, but most importantly, it taught him to focus. These qualities extend beyond the dance floor. They are needed for every aspect of life both professional and personal. Dancing also helped him develop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
Pat Jr. and his father are diehard football fans. It was football and a passion for their football team that built a father/son relationship (though in the film, it is quite humorous). It was also an avenue to divert and exert tension/frustrations as he learns to control his emotions (though they are tested in the pivotal tailgate scene) and display them when/where appropriate.
Things Happen for a Reason
The most prominent theme is the message that one incident can change your life and its direction. It affects not only the central figure but the people around him/her. It also forces you to rethink the next phases of your life and this is precisely what happens to the film's protagonist. I don't want to divulge too much as I believe this is a film that everyone should see.
***
As I watched this film, there were moments when I laughed, but most of the time, I was in tears. I identified so much with the character, and I could see my family and friends reflected in the secondary characters. The only difference between the character and myself is the type of disorders we suffer. He was bipolar. I have post traumatic stress disorder. Bipolar is organic whereas external factors bring the onset of PTSD. Regardless, the suffering is similar.
My parents have been my number 1 supporter in my healing process, but sometimes I can be difficult especially when I began exhibiting symptoms. When I feel a sense of dread or after I suffer a severe anxiety attack, I call my parents just to hear their soothing voices. Usually they'll make the 6 hour drive to spend the weekend with me. My other relatives and my friends, both near and far, have always helped me through crisis (as I would for them as well). Even through the most difficult adversity, none turned their backs on me. I learned that the people in my life were truly good people who care deeply. It's not easy to find people like that especially when there are some who mask their love and care with deceit and evil. But for the most part, I have been blessed with the people who are in my life. They see me for me; it doesn't matter what anyone else (wrongly) thinks of me.
I've learned to self-heal since it is I who suffers the disorder; I have to keep on top it because it sucks going through anxiety attacks. I heal through various activities that I've committed myself to: my hiking, my gardening and (of course) my dancing. Swing dancing saved me. Though I had been doing it for years prior to my traumatic experience, I hadn't delved completely into it until 4 years ago. It was not only physically and emotionally healthy, it kept me social. Swing dancing is what makes me happiest.
***
Sometimes we ask God why He lets bad things happen. It may seem that way at the time but upon reflection, you realize that it happened for a reason. A person has to go through moments of adversity because the path they were on could have led to something worse. Those moments teach you to become a better person.
Prior to the events between 2007-2010, I was a very closed individual. Whatever bad happened to me, I kept to myself thinking that I could take care of it myself. In the end, it blows up in your face. Sometimes you have to accept that things are beyond your control, and it's okay to ask for help. That is one thing I learned. I am now open with both family and friends. If I'm going through difficult times, I let them know, and they are all very willing to help me through them.
There is a misconception that bad events or mistakes are failures. They aren't; they're learning experiences. Experiences that help build a better person; a better character. It's only a failure if you refuse to learn from them.
