Bipolar Disorder in the Movie 'Silver Linings Playbook' Directed by David O. Russell

Name:
Professor’s Name
Course:
Due Date:
Bipolar Disorder in the movie Silver Linings Playbook
Short Description of the Plot
The movie Silver Linings Playbook provides the audience with an interesting take on mental illness. The main character is named Pat Solitano. Solitano had been in a court-ordered stint for eight months, and the reason for this was that he beat up his wife’s lover. Upon his release, Solitano moves back in with his parents but not of his own volition. This was also among the conditions that were set for his release. Also, he was required to have mandatory therapy sessions and take medication for his bipolar disorder condition. After getting released, Solitano decides that he wants to rebuild his life back, get his old job back, and eventually get back together with his wife, Nikki. What Solitano does not realize is that Nikki has already moved on and even took a restraining order against him (Silver Linings Playbook, 00:38:38 – 00:38:40). Therefore, he cannot see her and try and rebuilding what he so badly wants.
Solitano resorts to jogging and looking for the silver linings in his life, which at this point happens to be quite difficult to come by. However, one day, his friend Ronnie invites him for dinner. While at this dinner, he meets Tiffany, Ronnie’s wife’s sister (Silver Linings Playbook, 00:24:50). Like Solitano, Tiffany has her own problems as well. After suffering the loss of her husband, she has had trouble coping with the loss. The two start a relationship that is based on mutual benefit after Solitano learns that Tiffany has access to Nikki. He asks her to take his letter to Nikki when she next sees him, while she asks him to be his dance partner in an upcoming dance competition (Silver Linings Playbook, 00:44:06 – 00:44:09, 00:56:48 – 00:57:16). After reaching this agreement, the two start a love-hate relationship that unknowingly to both of them blossoms, and they end up together. A typical Hollywood story.
Description of the Psychological Issue
The movie showcased several psychological issues, but the one under study is bipolar disorder that Pat Solitano had. Bipolar disorder is a condition that is characterized by depressive and manic episodes, and these are clearly showcased in the film, especially the manic episodes. The condition causes changes in the moods of the patients while also influencing their focus and concentration. The mood changes are usually extreme and can fluctuate from one extreme to another. “People with bipolar disorder, however, rebound to the opposite state, known as mania” (Carpenter & Huffman, 352). While in a manic episode, a person can either be excited, full of energy, or highly irritable. On the other hand, while in a depressive episode, a patient can be sad, feel alone, be hopeless, and have extremely low energy. The length of these episodes is unpredictable and can last for either a few days or a few months. As seen in the movie, Solitano is majorly showcased to have manic episodes, which last throughout the film.
Background/Etiology Related to the Psychological Issue
Bipolar disorder affects people of all ages. However, for most people, it showcases itself in the teen years (NIH). Th...