[Review] Limitless - 20th March 2011

★

★★★★★★ 

- Good [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog] 

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Release Date: 23rd March 2011
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Director: Neil Burger
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Writers: Leslie Dixon (Screenplay) - Alan Glynn (Novel)
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Cast: Bradley Cooper - Robert De Niro - Anna Friel - Abbie Cornish

Review

When you learn that Neil Burger only has three other films listed in his filmography, you wonder how he managed to attract such names as Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro - but after viewing 'Limitless' it becomes clear. Neil Burger is a hidden gem. 

'The Illusionist', 'The Lucky Ones' and 'Interview With The Assassin' are Burgers previous films, which he both directed and wrote, and though they starred high calibre actors like Edward Norton, Tim Robbins and Rachel McAdams, his name still remains shadowed. With 'Limitless' Burger chose the directional route, leaving Leslie Dixon to write a screenplay based on the novel 'The Dark Fields' - a transition that has in no way altered the quality of his films - 'Limitless' incorporates solid direction, accurate writing, advanced acting, engaging effects and sound to create a film that grips the viewer and does the primary job of a film perfectly; entertains.

The narrative of the film plays out very naturally, using voiceovers at regular intervals, producing a highly character driven film that flows perfectly. It does not drag or linger at any point, and constantly incorporates twists that re-engages the audience, leaving no time for boredom. Leslie Dixon wrote a quietly unique script that understandably attracted the attention of the lead cast and laid a strong narrative foundation for a good film to build upon. 

Neil Burger subsequently built upon this narrative, and incorporated his own directional style to make 'Limitless' a very memorable, concise film. He uses subtle effects and sounds, quick scene breaks and close ups to visually explain the thought processes of the main character, and thus bring to life a complicated script in a way that does not confuse. Effects such as numbers flying around the characters, walls turning into convectional stock boards and focus pulls into explanatory shots are examples of how Burger cleverly designed these elements to take the film into a league of its own.

Having a good script and direction is, however, not sufficient if the on-screen actors cannot do the foundations justice. Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel and Robert De Niro all performed to a high standard, creating both excellent screen chemistry and effective individual scenes, and because the film was very character driven, the lead role needed to be diverse. Bradley Cooper is just this, producing a performance that was perfect for the character of Edward Morra.    

'Limitless' - A very entertaining, gripping film that I would highly recommend anyone watching.