Film Review: Limitless
Review by Candice Wyatt
Relativity Media and director, Neil Burger (The Illusionist), prove that an award-winning history isn’t needed to make a successful film. Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper, The Hangover), was a struggling writer with nothing going for him. Mere coincidence and a nothing-to-lose attitude landed him on a drug trip that would soon take him on a succession of highs and lows with an unpredictable, déjà vu ending.
With the opening scene reminiscent of Vanilla Sky starring Tom Cruise, Limitless makes a bold promise as to the level of entertainment viewers will receive and it lives up to it. Set in busy New York City, the crowded streets make it an ideal setting for a high tempo, fast paced movie.
So, what would you do if you could unlock the parts of your brain that were previously inaccessible? For a writer, a limitless access to the brain’s creativity is the ticket out of Morra’s writer’s block. Unlike most drug-centric movies where money, deprivation, and violence is the cornerstone of the portrayed drug lifestyle, Limitless paints an optimistic picture of the ability this drug, NZT, can have on society. This drug business is not a profession but rather a secret and those at the top are full of secrets.
The suspense of a limited supply and daunting withdrawal effects make this a race-against-time thriller. So, what happens when your brilliance isn’t reachable without a pill? What happens when the extroversion, intelligence, exoticness, and fearlessness wear off and everyone sees that you’re just the failed writer who couldn’t fulfil the stipulations of his book deal? That very fear of normality is what drives Morra to continue his daily supplement, in hopes of unlocking the recipe and sustaining this life filled with success and love.
With little acclaim under his belt, cinematographer Jo Willems does an amazing job with dark lighting and time-lapsed shots that bring the viewer into what it feels like to be in a drug-induced state. Up-and-coming superstar Bradley Cooper may have bought his way into a starring role by backing the film financially, however, his superb acting and charming smile transcends from previous movies and plays a vital role to the innocence of his character. Throughout the movie, you can’t help but wish him success despite his illegal and dangerous addiction. With a secret like his, even at the top you’re not in control.
Two-time Academy Award winner and co-star, Robert De Niro (Carl Van Loon) does a good job of bringing a big name to this rookie film cast also starring Australian actress, Abbie Cornish (Lindy). De Niro delivers a jaw-dropping speech which will no doubt be quoted and remembered for years to come. Men and women alike will enjoy this film. The suspenseful action and fight scenes are enough to keep the males engaged while the women drool over Morra’s smile and wish for a hopeful end to the love and relationship he shares with Lindy throughout the movie.
Relativity seems to have its first box office hit on its resume, with the film grossing $19 million in the opening weekend in the U.S. and taking the number one box office spot. With the film’s modest budget of $27 million, the film is sure to end up in the black and promise more opportunities for Relativity Media.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
