Limitless (2011)

Imagine taking a pill that gave you superhuman abilities. In a matter of days or even hours it could give you the capability to write an entire book, learn a new language, &/or predict the stock market so that you're able to make thousands of dollars in a very short period of time. Your whole world & everything you thought you were capable of would've dramatically changed. Literally, with one little pill, you could literally become the best version of yourself. That's the premise of the film Limitless. 

Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) stars as Eddie Morra, a down on his luck writer struggling with his life & career. He can't finish his novel & has just been dumped by his girlfriend. Then out of the blue he encounters his ex brother in law who works for a mysterious pharmaceutical company. Eddie is given an experimental drug called NZT which is described as having the ability to give him access to 100% of his brain. From here on in the wild ride begins. 

Limitless is an adaptation of the novel “The Dark Fields” by Irish author Alan Glyn. The film explores the notion that on a daily basis human beings only utilize a small portion of their brain capacity. If people were given the opportunity to use all of their mental functions (memory, logic, intelligence) to their full capacity the possibilities would be limitless. 

Limitless is directed by Neil Burger. It boosts one of the best looking casts in show business. Along with Bradley Cooper, the film also features Abbie Cornish (Elizabeth The Golden Age) & screen legend Robert DeNiro. All of the actors look great & succeed at breathing life into this slick sci-fi drama. 

The most impressive aspect of the film is its innovative visuals including the use of color, camera movement, & editing. All of these elements combine to make Limitless a stunning looking movie that's best suited to being enjoyed on a big screen. From the very first shot viewers are taken on a whirlwind voyage that often seems surreal or even dreamlike. The film makes great use of cinematography, special effects, & amazing art direction.

Limitless can be described as a science fiction film because it gives us a portrait of a future product (NZT) & makes us examine the real life repercussions of such an innovation. In this age where on a daily basis we are inundated by commercials heralding medications to treat every conceivable ailment the subject matter of Limitless is both timely & relevant. 

Limitless is an action packed &  unpredictable movie which takes viewers on a strange & exciting journey. Although there are several scenes which could be construed as being over the top the plot is consistent & leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Limitless is an enjoyable film which takes viewers on a cinematic thrill ride that's hard to resist.

Originally published on Helium.