LIMITLESS Review

Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper, proving he is in fact an excellent actor) a never-was been, fumbles across a miracle drug that bestows upon him the ability to utilize all of his brain, thus surpassing genius. But as the adage goes, with great power comes great responsibility.

Much like Tyler Durden from Fight Club, Eddie finds himself immediately in a precarious position. His narrative flows throughout and the film seemingly starts at the end. A few minutes in and Limitless immediately recalls Fincher's masterful Fight Club. It certainly has some inklings; It is an analysis of the brain under duress, altered states and a personal account of one man's severe issues, all set within the confines of a mostly cynical city in the current economical climate. This constant narrative from Eddie also makes Limitless come across as neo-noir. Eddie has an understanding of the human psyche. Like Tyler Durden he knows the basic science of what is happening to him, and this exposition accompanied by fascinating visuals really helps the movie stand out and it can be taken seriously.

Limitless has clever and more importantly fair pacing given the premise of zero to hero and it does this by utilizing ingenious montages, rapid flash forwards, jump cuts and constant forward momentum; from tidying his room, mastering the stock market and with the aid of Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro, not phoning it in for once) an aggressive corporate takeover. The plot thickens and the scenes that transition his position in life jell. When he is on the drug the visual effects take precedence and Eddie is given a new world view, everything brightens and sharpens. But likewise when the side-and-after effects are felt, Eddie spirals into sickness and confusion; the streets blitz forward rapidly creating effects that rival Inception.

Eddie is a charismatic protagonist, even in his loser state he seems to accept his lot in life and after his girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) leaves him, he utilizes his four digit IQ to seamlessly get back into her good graces. His addiction to the pill is complicated and signs of his addiction begin to show, particularly when coming off the drug, but even this is given an intriguing twist. The responsibility he faces stems not only from the effects of the drug, but also the people associated. In particular a mysterious stalking killer, a rival firm and a Russian mobster that does not seem to go away. Eddie initially refuses to take responsibility, running from these sources but of course they catch up to him, four digit IQ or not.

Does Limitless have a happy ending? This is subject to debate but it is certainly an unexpected one. "I have a recipe for grandeur" quips Eddie, and this is indeed the reality. What life lies for him beyond the film and the long term effects of his life choice remain to be seen. Regardless the journey to get there is breath taking, innovative and very entertaining to watch.