Silver Linings Playbook: We're All Nominated
"If you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." ~Pat Solitano, Jr
WE'RE ALL NOMINATED
I saw the movie, Silver Linings Playbook, about a month ago. I remember identifying with Bradley Cooper's character, Pat Solitano, in the funny and emotionally intense scenes of the movie. Sitting in the theatre, I could tell who receives treatment by the laughter in certain parts. I could tell who the family members are by some of the tears. I could also tell who is absolutely ignorant about mental illness in society by those who have no idea why people like the movie so much. This movie touched on every important aspect of mental illness within the family. This movie is all of us. I feel like we're all nominated.
FAMILY TRUTH
This movie was so simple yet captured so much of what 1 in 5 people and 1 in 3 households experience. This truth is often a family truth. In my family, I call it the Famiano Family Gift:-) I have heard of relatives generations ago having "nervous breakdowns." I have had an uncle and cousin commit suicide. That part of the illness is the scary part, and the flip side of that coin is the gift...if we can endure the painful times. The Solitano family did touch on some OCD tendencies and a gambling addiction. It was a family illness in this movie. Pat was the center of the conflict, but he was the only one actively looking at his life to make it better.
STIGMA
Walking away, I thought about how much I enjoyed the movie. What I didn't know was...I would continuously think about the movie for weeks and posting quotes on various social networking sites. I'm very open about talking about my illness. This is not the case for most people because of the stigma that people who have mental illness are deranged lunatics and a danger to themselves and others. Even though this is extremely false, this abstract concept makes people keep their truth inside. Silver Linings Playbook has allowed us to have these important discussions. We can talk about Pat and Tiffany in a way that it doesn't put the focus all on us, knowing they are symbols of us.
OSCARS
I'm writing this blog at the beginning of the Oscars. Whether the actors win or lose, they have opened the door to so many people to talk about mental illness. I thank everyone involved!
"EXCELSIOR!"~Pat Solitano, Jr. :-) :-)
Cheryl Junker
9:45 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
This movie by far surpassed 'Argo' in my book. It felt real to me and yet managed not to get too dark. It tied with 'Searching For Sugarman' as one of the best films I have seen in a long time.
One of my best friends is bipolar and has worked as a mental health advocate in Los Angeles. I have learned a lot from her both from living with her as well as keeping in touch over the years. Her illness is remarkable. She has overcome challenges I could not even begin to fathom. Thank you for sharing!
Janice Rex-Weaver
8:48 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Your blog posts are always so supportive to my family and I. Thank you so much for your honesty and deep commitment to changing the views and stigma of mental illness. So very important!
Kristen Famiano
11:53 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Thanks for being such a good support to your friend in LA:) We cannot do this without a support system!
I have not seen Argo yet but plan on seeing it. I would have to imagine it is seemingly more complex than SLP. I say seemingly because the beauty of SLP is that it seems so simple and obvious...but is so deep it hits you days and weeks later. Many people don't look as deep as we do:-) We should pick the winners:-)
Kristen Famiano
11:59 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Thanks, Janice! We're in this together:-) I have a great deal of hope that the stigma will get weaker with time. Sometimes it's hard to see that...but the more we talk about mental illness and educate others...the better it gets. It's good to be connected with others in the area like you:-) That helps me a so much as well:-)