2012 was a notable year for Jennifer Lawrence in both a commercial and critical sense. Apart from kickstarting The Hunger Games franchise that currently stands at $3.3B, the actress also headlined David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook, starring Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper.
Despite starring opposite acting icons, Lawrence, who was 22 at the time, didn’t lose her ground. Moreover, one of her most impressive scenes from the film was improvised by Lawrence, which further justifies her Oscar win for Best Actress for the role.
Jennifer Lawrence Improvised Her Dialogue-heavy Scene With Robert de Niro
Speaking of the pivotal scene in the film, which sees Tiffany being accused of spoiling the Philadelphia Eagles’ winning streak by Robert De Niro‘s Pat, Lawrence revealed, for the scene, she “didn’t memorize my lines”. While the entire scene with De Niro was pretty dialogue-heavy, comprising seven pages, the actress refused to prepare for it beforehand, joking (via Vanity Fair):
There’s something about wrapping [a day’s worth of work] where in my mind I’m never going back to work ever again
Even though she flipped out after learning the scene was with De Niro, despite not having memorized her lines, the actress headed in and did it anyway.
Reflecting on The Hunger Games star‘s impeccable improv, the Taxi Driver star commended the actress, stressing “She’s terrific”.
She’s great. It was a scene. She had all the right moves and hits all the rights notes with her energy. She’s terrific. I love Jennifer.
Although it’s hard to imagine anyone in the shoes of Tiffany than Jennifer Lawrence, who completely nailed the character, O. Russell initially felt the actress was too young for the part.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Skype Audition Was Just a Formality
Instead of meeting her in person, David O. Russell conducted Lawrence’s audition through Skype, which he recalled was just a formality, stating he initially felt the actress was too young for the gig.
He recalled (via TheWrap):
Quite frankly, it was like a formality. I didn’t think she was really a contender. We had three very serious contenders (already). We had a lot of major actresses in town interested in the role, from Angelina Jolie to some other big stars, because it’s a dimensional role for a young woman. Jennifer we frankly thought was too young
Even though they had some big stars stored up their sleeve, things took a turn after the Oscar winner turned her camera on, and it didn’t take O. Russell long to recognize her acting chops.
She kind of has an ageless quality about her, which is remarkable
Lawrence later sang the director’s praises for shaping her as an actress, and the two would once again join forces a year later for American Hustle.
Silver Linings Playbook is available to stream on Max.
