Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 8, 2012

12

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

 Mountain Views News Saturday, December 8, 2012 

SEAN’S SHAMELESS 

REVIEWS: 


JASMINE’S CORNER

Book Reviews by Jasmine Kelsey Williams 

Review By Sean Kayden

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

When the first trailer debuted for Silver Linings Playbook, I had my reservations 
about it. It seemed too nice, too safe, especially for writer/director David O. 
Russell (The Fighter, I Heart Huckabees, Three Kings). I was also afraid of it 
being a formulaic quintessential Hollywood romantic comedy. While the ending 
was predictable, it was the finale you were rooting for all along. What separates 
this picture from others in the genre are the strong 
multifaceted characters, the impeccable balance of 
both drama and comedy, and keen sense of insight on 
the subject matter at hand. Silver Linings Playbook is 
a strong showcase in all aspects—intelligent writing, 
perceptive direction, and razor-sharp efforts from 
the talented ensemble of actors. 

 Bradley Copper plays Pat Solatano, a 
substitute teacher getting released from state institute 
for beating up the man his wife was cheating on him with. Determined to turn his life around, Pat will 
do whatever it takes to win back his wife despite the circumstances that stand in his way. However, he 
isn’t allowed to speak to her because of a court-ruled restraining order due to his violent nature and 
temperamental mood swings. In the mean time, his mother and father want the best for their son and 
have him be a part of their obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pat’s dad, played by Robert DeNiro 
(seriously his best role in years and one worthy of a supporting Oscar nomination) is a superstitious 
bookmaker. His superstitions play a significant role in the film, but ultimately he just wants to reconnect 
with his son, who’s seemingly lost and driven to get his wife back that may not even love him anymore. 
However, Pat meets Tiffany, a girl with her own baggage and deeply ingrained problems after the death 
of her husband. The two individuals form an unconventional and rather unlikely friendship after Pat 
reluctantly agrees to team up with her for a dance competition. In return she gives a letter he wrote to 
his wife. With the Philadelphia Eagles season on the line, the dedication it’ll take for Pat to practice for 
this dance competition and the unreserved optimism in him that his wife will take him back, the movie’s 
storylines blend effortlessly together. Silver Linings Playbook is more than a character-driven story, it’s 
exceedingly far more gratifying than a typical rom-com, and with characters you actually care about and 
root for, the overall package is undeniably difficult to dismiss. 

What easily could have been a tame and rather lame one-dimensional dud ended up being an invigorating, 
emotionally packed gem that is brutally honest, sincere, quite humorous and surprisingly uplifting. The 
film has everything you could possibly want: drama, laughter, romantic elements, family dynamics and 
the sense of authenticity within each and every supporting character. For a film that tackles the themes 
of changing your life for the better and finding that silver lining, it truly exceeds on nearly all accounts.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5

MARILYN & ME: A PHOTOGRAPHER’S MEMORIES

By Lawrence Schiller

 As we continue into the early days of December, 
the next choice follows the example set from the 
previous selection and follows the non-fictional 
route, this time providing the reader with another 
enchanting read and one that is considerably 
lighter in volume. Copyrighted in 2012, ‘Marilyn 
& Me’ is one part autobiography and one part 
memoirs, all told from the perspective and experiences 
of Lawrence Schiller, who is both author 
and photographer. In eight wonderfully executed 
short chapters, Lawrence showcases his times 
and experiences with the iconic Marilyn Monroe, 
who was viewed as America’s Sweetheart 
and sex symbol of her time. Also included with 
each chapter is a black and white photo of Marilyn 
herself, highlighting her simplest moments 
in front of the camera to a photo that reveals a 
peek into her personal life, along with an excerpt 
of an interview with Marilyn from Vanity Fair. 

 In just eight chapters and totaling in only 114 
pages, Lawrence recounts his memories and encounters 
with Marilyn with excellent clarity and 
with a hint of nostalgia. Although readers may 
find this a shorter read than previous choices, it 
will be a refresher for those who wish to who wish to take this book on the run or during 
travel. Schiller’s tone is both crisp and insightful, never faltering when he brings the reality of 
what he knows to the reader. Even in the light of Marilyn’s death Schiller still maintains his 
tone throughout the book, providing not just a strong sense of resolve to the reader, but one 
that wonderfully gives a peek into the life of a legendary icon.

 
Written and Directed by: David O. Russell

Based on the novel by: Matthew Quick

Rated R for language and some sexual 
content/nudity 

Release Date: November 21st, 2012 (limited)


SIERRA MADRE FARMERS MARKET 

The Sierra Madre Farmer’s Market hours have changed to 3:00pm through 7:00pm 
every Wednesday in fall and winter. Vendors include Dry Dock which has fresh 
and wild caught fish, Rustic Loaf with artisan breads, Cutie Pie with fresh pies and 
much more!

For those interested in being a vendor contact Melissa Farwell with Raw Inspirations 
at 818-591-8161 ext. 806.