Limitless

Limitless, a 2011 science fiction thriller film, directed by Neil Burger and produced by Leslie Dixon, Ryan Kavanaugh, and Scott Kroopf, is anchored by the powerhouse performance of its leading man, Bradley Cooper, alongside Anna Friel and Abbie Cornish.

Bradley Cooper takes on the role of Eddie Morra, the movie’s specimen of choice to try out a vastly under-tested, experimental drug that unlocks the presumed unknown intellectual capacity of the human brain. Morra is a struggling writer who is down on his luck, living in New York, struggling to finish his book. His unkempt and disheveled look reflect his miserable existence.

In contrast to Eddie is his ex-wife Melissa (played brilliantly by Anna Friel). Sharp and successful, Melissa becomes another significant character reflecting Eddie's life before the experimental drug.

Enter an old friend who offers Eddie a pill that he claims will change his life. The drug, known as NZT-48, can reportedly unlock one hundred percent of the user's mental prowess, rather than the alleged twenty percent that humans supposedly utilize. With nothing to lose, Eddie decides to take the risk, and the results are immediate and miraculous.

The new version of Eddie Morra comes in stark contrast to his previous self. His creativity, memory, and intelligence are off the charts. Everything he's ever heard, seen or read is instantly organized and available to him. He completes his long-overdue novel nearly overnight, learns new languages with eyes shut, delves proficiently into piano, and even hones newfound financial trading skills.

His sudden change catches the attention of the beautiful Lindy (played by Abbie Cornish), who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. She finds herself drawn to Eddie's charm and brilliance, a man so different from the one she had previously known.

As Eddie continues to transform, his success reaches unimagined heights. He attracts the attention of a ruthless business tycoon named Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro), who ropes him into the high-stakes world of finance, using Eddie's abilities to make untold fortunes.

However, with every high, comes a low. The story takes on twists and turns as Eddie realizes that when he is off the drug, his cognitive abilities decline and he suffers severe withdrawal symptoms. The rest of the film unfolds as Eddie grapples with the dangers, and uncovers the dark secrets of his newfound abilities.

The exhilarations of Eddie's high-stakes juggling act, the mounting tension, and the cascading series of conundrums create a pulsating narrative that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. Neil Burger's innovative use of color saturation and camera tricks perfectly mirror Eddie's mental state.

Bradley Cooper gives a standout performance, effortlessly transitioning from the downcast writer to the high-powered wizard, while Anna Friel does a remarkable job portraying Melissa’s desperation and concern. Abbie Cornish lends credibility to the conflicted Lindy, while Robert De Niro shines in his role as the intimidating magnate.

In essence, Limitless is a wild ride through the effects of presumptive power. It's thrilling and fast-paced, skillfully balancing science fiction, action, and drama. Overall, the movie presents us with an intriguing question: What if we could use the full capacity of our brains? It propels us on a journey that explores the possible consequences, both alluring and dangerous, of that very hypothetical scenario. Though it begins as a tale of redemption and salvation through science, it eventually evolves into an exploration of the abuse of power, addiction, and the potential downfall that follows an unchecked ambition.

Limitless, with its exhilarating premise and strong performances, serves as a visually-enticing, thought-provoking venture into the human intellect's unlimited potential.