De Niro was sitting reserved while "Silver Linings Playbook" co-star Bradley Cooper and directer David O. Russell discussed the challenges bipolar disorder played on and off the set. Russell's son, who suffers from bipolar disorder, was his inspiration to create the film.

De Niro has four sons of his own, and when asked how he related to the film, he started to choked up.

"I don't like to get emotional, but I know exactly what [Russell] goes through," said De Niro.