At one time or another we all have wished for a way to be smarter without all
that hard work and difficult studying that is. A sizeable amount of science
fiction has been based on the assumption that we typically use only a small
fraction of our brains. I have read some of these ‘studies’ and compared them to
accounts in actual peer reviewed journals and most of those ‘only 10% usage’
claims have been debunked. While there are many areas of the brain that are
still not completely functionally mapped and much of the internal biochemical
basis of neural functionality remains just beyond the understanding of the
scientific community there is plenty to learn about the eight pounds or so of
neurons that sits upon our shoulders. This is not to preclude amazing
discoveries that encompass amazing discoveries encompassing what we now
categorize as paranormal. It is certain that the functionality of the organ that
defines our humanity, the brain, will provide sufficient mysteries to supply
Sci-Fi writers for many years to come. One example of this age old desire to tap
into the deep recesses of our mind is the film released by 20th
Century Fox, ‘Limitless’. The premise is simplistic and that is one of its
greatest strengths. Imagine if there was a simple pill that could unlock the
entire potential of your mind. With just the act of taking this experimental
substance your memory would be perfect, you mind calculating beyond the capacity
of a super computer and you creativity unbounded by any restrictions. Suppose
this substance was addictive and had serious adverse contraindications and side
effects? How much risk would be acceptable to receive such a boon above mortal
man’s abilities? ‘Limitless’ does deliver although there is a tendency to dip
into the ‘more sizzle than steak’ syndrome. At least this doesn’t take effect
fully until the third act of the film leaving the majority of the movie a quite
enjoyable experience. This is the kind of science fiction movie that you don’t
have to be a Sci-F9 geek to understand or enjoy. While the fundamental premise
is pure Sci-Fi the story unfolds as a character based thriller. In some way the
pill is a classic Macguffin, more important to the characters within the story
than the audience looking on. This transforms the film into an extremely
relatable story that reaches for a humanistic reaction.
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is an aspiring writer living in the hectic
environment of New York City. As the story opens life is not exactly unfolding
the way Eddie had hoped. Not only is he experiencing a professionally fatal case
of writer’s block but his girlfriend, Lindy (Abbie Cornish) just dumped him.
Surrounded by his own shortcoming Eddie was in a very receptive frame of mind
when he runs into Vernon Gant (Johnny Whitworth), the brother of his ex-wife,
Melissa Gant (Anna Friel). Vernon is a purveyor of drugs but his inventory
extends beyond the usual street drug including the new experimental nootropic
drug, NZT-48. Vernon assures Eddie that this pill would boost his brain’s
utilization to100%. Eddie is dubious but desperate and seeing nothing to lose
takes the drug. Eddie is pleasantly surprised when his mind clicks like never
before allowing him to finish his book in record time. Eddie is exhilarated by
the rush of the increased brain capacity and trades running a few ‘errands’ for
Vernon in exchange for more of the drug. Upon returning Eddie discovers the body
of recently murdered Vernon and calls the authorities. It is obvious that Vernon
was in over his head so Eddie helps himself to a stash of cash and NZT-48 using
the combination to win big in the stock market. The drug may have made Eddie
more intelligent but it certainly didn’t increase his smarts to any significant
degree as evident by Eddie’s borrowing from the Russian mob to fuel his new
found economic prowess. This puts him in the sights of mobster Gennady (Andrew
Howard).Eddie; the new wunderkind on the Street is snatched up by successful
businessman Carl Van Loon (Robert DeNiro, a job that paves the way for reuniting
with Lindy. The mood turns decidedly sinister as Eddie begins to notice that he
is being trailed by a man wearing a tan coat ((Tomas Arana). In order to keep up
with the increasing demands of his new life Eddie increases his dosage only to
find the drug has side effects including palpitations and gaps in his
recollection of events. During one of this period of lost time evidence begins
to mount that Eddie is responsible for the murder of a woman (Caroline Winberg).
The moral foundation of the movie is reminiscent of a pivotal line in
‘Jurassic Park’ the gaining knowledge without working to obtain it is like
giving gun to a child; power without establishing the moral compass to direct
its use. Eddie is a typical movie slacker that is miraculously given the means
to soar above the rest of humanity. The downside is, as stated there is a vast
difference between intelligence and wisdom as and D&D enthusiast will tell you.
Eddie gained the raw capacity for intelligence but none of the wisdom that
experience would bring to be able to use it constructively. Robert De Niro is
unquestionably one of the greatest actors of his generation but of late he has
been taking roles not exactly challenging to the stature of his talents. For
actors like his co-star here, Bradley Cooper, it had to be a learning experience
to work alongside such a consummate professional. Thus far Cooper’s career has
not been such to showcase his abilities with ‘R’ rated comedies like the two
‘Hangover’ flicks and the recent big screen rendition of the camp TV series,
‘The A-Team. He does very well here as the lamentable Eddie playing it in such a
fashion that it is possible to feel a modicum of sympathy for someone who is
essentially a selfishly motivated slacker. After establishing herself on the
independent film circuit Abbie Cornish is broaden out her roles with more action
oriented roles such as this and ‘Sucker Punch’. She is able to hold a scene
together in the quieter moments giving her performance greater depth.