Robert De Niro Tears Up Discussing Bipolar Disorder On Katie
Silver Linings Playbook has been out a few months, racked up some fine box office figures and is heading towards the Oscars with a chance of glory – but Robert De Niro still gets teary-eyed thinking about its content matter.
De Niro was with director David O Russell and co-star Bradley Cooper on Katie Couric’s show Katie, to talk about the Oscar-nominated film, which deals with issues of bipolar disorder. O Russell’s son suffers from bipolar, and De Niro was asked if he felt a greater responsibility in the film because of that. "Of course, I um –- I understand," replied De Niro said while becoming dewy-eyed. "I don't like to get emotional," the usually stoic actor said, while getting choked up. "But I know exactly what he goes through."
Russell stepped in and confirmed that this wasn’t the first time De Niro had gotten emotional thinking about the subject matter. "When I first was in his apartment and I was talking about the screenplay this what happened," the 54 year-old commented. "And I thought he was having Hay Fever and I realized he was having an emotional reaction. I sat there and I watched Robert De Niro cry for 10 minutes. And I said, Wow, he's really connecting with this material and this could be a beautiful thing if it worked out." And you have to admit that it really has. But to what extent? We’ll find out on Oscars night, February 24.