Drug enhanced excitement

Rating: Null/10 (9 August 2011)

A writer samples a new nootropic drug, NZT-48, which gets him over his writers block allowing him to complete his book. However, it also gives him 100% of his the brain's power which opens up limitless opportunities.
Surprisingly Limitless is a finely constructed piece of film, not only in it's intriguing fast paced scripting by Leslie Dixon but in Neil Burger's refreshing style and use of camera movement to progress the story. In certain scenes it's slightly reminiscent of Sherlock Homes and Revolver with its narration and delivery but for the most part it oozes originality.
The sets and locations act as a superb backdrop showing the extravagant contemporary slick interiors of New York in contrast to the down trodden streets and apartments. The music score complements the city skylines, atmosphere and on screen feats and drama.
Andrew Howard is notable as Gennady a Mafia thug and the subplot involving borrowing capital from mafia gives Limitless an edginess throughout. A-Team and Hangover's Bradly Cooper is first rate as "Eddie" Morra playing the average everyday man come stock market genius perfectly; his display of desperation, physical altercations and cold turkey is excellent. Robert De Niro's small but pivotal role is wonderful, playing the heavyweight business man Van Loon effortlessly. The film arguably has only two short comings which are Abbie Cornish's uneven performance as girlfriend Lindy and Anna Friel's makeup that simply has trouble making her look rough and frail.
It's a refreshing film that has all the Hollywood polish without all the Hollywood trappings, possible due to the source material of Alan Glynn's novel (The Dark Fields). If Russian mafia, mergers, murder and drug enhancement excites you Limitless comes highly recommended.