If you’ve ever thought you could write a book, play the stock market, or just make a heap of money and sleep with dozens of beautiful people, if only you could focus your mind, get motivated, and unlock your full potential, you’re likely to be intrigued by Limitless, and look to buy the clear pill that does all of the above for Bradley Cooper.
Eddie Morra (Cooper, The Hangover) is basically a waster; a clueless, scruffy, wannabe novelist who’s somehow managed to con his way into earning a book contract, but can’t even bring himself to clean his grotty apartment, let alone write a single word; and is often mistaken for a homeless guy, until one day, after his girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish, Sucker Punch) dumps him and his life is looking as dull as ever, he bumps into his ex-brother in law Vernon (Johnny Whitorth, Gamer); a drug dealer who offers him a free pill he talks up as a miracle cure for Eddie’s life.
Not being one to turn down a free tab, Eddie decides to take Vernon’s miracle drug (dubbed NZT-48), and within a few seconds of injesting the little pills turns into a genius; finding that he suddenly sees everything so much clearer, can access memories he never knew he had, process new information quicker than the blink of an eye, and charm the pants off even the angriest landlord’s wife.
Instantly realizing the benefits of this miracle, life-enhancing, drug, Eddie goes back to Vernon and picks up a fairly large quantity of the pills, before realizing that his stash has completely dried up; although refusing to think of the future he begins to take as much of the drug as he pleases, finishes his book in a matter of days, masters several new languages at the drop of a hat, beds numerous beautiful women, and learns several new skills and scientific formulas with minimum effort (causing him to know just about everything, about just about everything, and still remain more charismatic than he’s ever been before).
Not content with simply being a popular and well-read novelist, Eddie then takes the leap that almost anyone who had his brain power would; going after the big bucks in the stock market (unfortunately taking a loan from a nefarious Russian loan-shark in order to buy in); making millions, and taking Wall Street by storm; earning the attention of not only the national media, but stock market guru, and business giant, Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro, Heat).
Then, juggling several balls at once, we watch as Eddie tries to mend the broken relationship he had with his former girlfriend, broker the largest ever corporate merger in history (for Mr. Van Loon), and simultaneously get his hands on more NZT (as he’s been steadily upping his dose, and rapidly running out of pills), elude the mysterious and unsavory character that’s been following him, and figure out why everyone else he knows of that has every taken NZT is either sick or dying, all whilst trying to avoid the advances of the rather unfriendly Russian loan-shark.
Cooper was the perfect choice for the role of Eddie; as even though he’s slightly difficult to believe as the good-for-nothing waster, he’s not only great at playing the charismatic genius (as he simply oozes charm and confidence), but is one of very few actors that both male and female audiences want to see succeed; and bounces well off screen legend Robert De Niro; who, although he’s beginning to look his age, gives a predictably strong showing as business tycoon Carl Van Loon, making sure not to steal Cooper’s scenes outright, despite instantly commanding respect whenever he appears onscreen (just as his character does when he enters a room).
Supporting actors also fare well for the most part; as although Andrew Howard’s (Revolver) Russian loan-shark is a fairly cliched and generic character (who could have realistically been paid off by anyone as clever as Cooper’s character in an instant), he plays the part pretty believably, and never seems too cartoonish, and Anna Friel (the London Boulevard star who appears as Eddie’s ex-wife Melissa) is excellent as the broken down ex-party animal/college girl she portrays; while Abbie Cornish’s Lindy could have been portrayed by just about any halfway attractive blonde who can deliver the odd line, and pass through an entire film while barely showing any emotion.
Possibly the best thing about Limitless however (aside from the obviously intriguing concept; which came from the book The Dark Fields; upon which it is based) is the stunning direction of Neil Burger (The Illusionist), who helped craft the story’s fast pace, and effectively maintains it throughout by utilizing a series of unique and inventive techniques that provide a true visual extravaganza, is a marvel to behold, and in some instances is reminiscent of Edgar Wright’s early work; with inventive cuts used in places of traditional flashbacks, and interesting monologue provided by Cooper, and not only the use of extreme changes in saturation to simulate the effect of NZT on the user, but fantastic and crazy city shots; showcasing movement, confusing the viewer, and perfectly illustrating the memory loss Eddie begins to experience.
Limitless is therefore a film for just about everyone; suiting children and adults, as well as males and females alike; as not only do women adore Bradley Cooper, but men want to be like him (at least they do when he’s on NZT), and there isn’t a person alive who wouldn’t want to unlock the full potential of their brain, gain that all important motivation, and soar to heights they never dreamed of achieving, just by taking an attractive little pill (something that’s theoretically possible to achieve; only not with current pharmaceutical standards).
Cooper’s always easy to watch, the supporting cast is great (having De Niro basically says it all), and while the plot does cling to a number of tried and tested threads (such as searching for the illustrious stash, being followed by a silent and nameless attacker, and more obviously including the Eastern European loan-shark) it’s so intriguing, and directed so brilliantly, that it’s undeniably captivating, fun and easy to watch, and not only a film you should definitely see at the cinema (if you haven’t already), but one you’ll be sure to watch again when it’s released on Blu-ray and DVD.
