Toronto dispatch who knows?: Jennifer Lawrence, Pierce Brosnan, "Silver Linings"

I was talking with another critic here today and we had talked earlier during the festival and we couldn’t remember when. That’s how it is, it all becomes a blur.

Standing out spectacularly in the blur, though, was “Silver Linings Playbook,” which I saw early this morning and which confirmed that Jennifer Lawrence is the Streep of her generation. She plays a young widow driven to crazy-destructive behavior, it’s like nothing she’s done before, and my lord she is ferocious. And funny. This is a once-in-a-generation talent.

The sweet thing is that hers is just one among many fine performances, including Bradley Cooper as a mental patient trying to get his life together and Robert De Niro — in his best role since I don’t know when — as his football-addicted father.

All of which make the film sound like some total downer, but it’s absolutely hilarious while also touching and heartfelt. From director David O. Russell (“The Fighter”), who suddenly seems to want to make audience pleasers — hey, dude, keep it up — this will surely be an Oscar contender. Lawrence, De Niro in supporting, film, screenplay and maybe even Cooper, who is developing way beyond his looks. Look forward to it.

Other than that it was an interview and party day. How cool to meet the perpetually under-appreciated Pierce Brosnan and find out he’s the congenial gentleman you assume.

Tomorrow I have John Hawkes at 9 a.m. — honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever interviewed anyone at that time — and then, happily three films: “The Iceman,” “Jayne Mansfield’s Car,” and “Arthur Newman.” Bliss.