David O. Russell opens up about son’s mental health issues

David O.Russell, the man behind the movie ‘The Fighter’, has revealed his inspiration for his new movie ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ which tells the story of a man who moves in with his parents after spending time in a treatment facility. Russell says that because of his own son’s battle with bipolar disorder he wanted to portray the condition and treatment in as real a way as possible.

“It’s very personal to me,” Russell told The Hollywood Reporter. “My son, I’ve been through this with my son and his friend, and that’s why I did the movie. So when it’s personal, you know that you’re coming from the right place. You’re not coming from a reckless place. You’re coming from a very careful place. I’m 18 years deep with this kid, so I’m very invested in him and his friends.”

Russell and his screenwriter Matthew Quick hope that the film will help educate audiences about the reality of living with mental health issues and in turn make them more accepting of those with mental health problems.