I just watched the trailer for a new movie that looks great called Silver Linings Playbook.
The storyline for the movie from IMDB says:
“Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Pat Solatano has lost everything – his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother and father after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet – and to share their family’s obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.”
This film looks like it could highlight some of the real challenges, stigmas and issues related to mental illness in a heartfelt, authentic and entertaining movie, as the main character (played by Bradley Cooper) spent eight months in a state institution diagnosed with schizophrenia. Diagnosed mental illness is one of the most mysterious challenges people and us as a society face. The causes are not entirely known ranging from biological, genetic, environmental, psychological and even some would argue metaphysical. There is also a spectrum or range of severity for how each mental illness effects a person ranging from suicidal and homicidal acts to minor impairments in daily functioning. However, through the right treatment, people with mental illness can live powerful, loving and productive lives. Hopefully, this movie will demonstrate that…