Movie Extra Credit: Silver Linings Playbook
How do Pat & Tiffany help each other recover?
Pat, a bipolar male who was recently released from a mental institution and assaulted a person after witnessing his wife’s affair with the man in question. Tiffany is suffering from severe stress or anxiety issues after her husband’s death. The plotline begins with both characters being sporadic and reserved. Over time, however, the two develop an odd relationship in which they both seem to love and hate each other. Tiffany teaches Pat how to deal effectively with a stimulus to his bipolar reactions (a Stevie Wonder track played both during his marriage and in the cheating sequence), and also how to interact once again with the society despite the pseudo-isolation he is in. Tiffany learns how to love again through Pat despite her ex’s car accident death and frivolous sexual behavior. Pat, for instance, flies out of control after reading Ernest Hemingway’s book. He throws the book through a window. Pat’s rampage also occurs when, in the very early morning hours, he is searching for his wedding videos. Pat’s obsession with Nikki is shown throughout the entire story. Pat improves his life solely to get back together with her. Pat’s behavior changes after Tiffany finds out about his life. Pat dances with Tiffany to take his mind off of his problems, but he is still pursuing Nikki. Pat begins to feel more attracted towards Tiffany as the film progresses. Pat dances with Tiffany initially to deliver a letter to Nikki. But he soon realizes Tiffany’s purpose is to help him cope both with the loss and his condition. Pat starts to ignore Nikki’s importance and only dance and sleep. Pat’s maturity is shown when he confronts Nikki, and claims that his love for her is so strong that he will forgive her.
Tiffany’s interaction with Pat allows her to forget about her husband, Tommy. Tiffany felt deprived of sexual intimacy before Tommy’s passing. Tiffany had sex at work with 11 men after Tommy’s tragic death. Tiffany, after meeting Pat, realizes she doesn’t want nonstop sexual relations, but rather the kind of intimacy she has with Pat. Pat can be a comfort to Tiffany because both of them are considered mentally ill. Tiffany is also able to heal from Pat through dancing and resuming training.
The traditional therapy doesn’t help Tiffany and Pat, even though they have both likely had therapy to help them adjust and cope with their issues. The dancing they do helps them to recover, they are more sociable. Pat’s relationship with both his father and Tiffany improves. Tiffany says that Tiffany is the one who brought the Eagles good luck at the moment, rather than Pat. They are able to lead a comfortable life by focusing on their shared goal. In the final scene, they embrace, but neither is wearing their wedding bands.
