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.

Watch the Silver Linings Playbook trailer below.