David O. Russell’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” an early Oscar contender, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, will debut a week early in select markets, The Weinstein Company announced Monday.
Critics have raved about the film since its early festival screenings, with praise spread around to Russell, his two stars and Robert DeNiro for his supporting role.
As a result of that buzz, The Weinstein Company will release the film in 10 markets Nov. 16 in advance of its Nov. 21 wide release.
“We are thrilled with the fantastic reception the film has received thus far," Erik Lomis, TWC’s president of Theatrical Distribution and Home Entertainment, said in a statement. “Looking at the marketplace, we thought we would take advantage of the great word of mouth and have some exclusive runs in advance of our wide release."
The film, which won the audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival, opens in a two-week stretch overflowing with likely awards contenders.
Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis as the nation’s 16th president, moves from limited engagements to a wide release Nov. 16. “Anna Karenina,” Joe Wright’s adaptation of the classic novel, opens the same day. A day earlier, the final installment of “The Twilight Saga,” “Breaking Dawn Part II,” will open for its millions of devoted fans.
When “Silver Linings” Goes wide, new competition will include Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi” and DreamWorks Animation’s “Rise of the Guardians.” However, only “Twilight” features a pair of actors with the buzz of Lawrence and Cooper.
