Limitless is a well-made film about a truly despicable individual. That’s Neil Burger‘s silly high-concept film in a nutshell, and it’s a real surprise that this is from the filmmaker behind The Illusionist, a far superior film.
There is no issue at all with a lead character being a bad person. Some of the most interesting characters in film are terrible people. But the issue with Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper), the lead character, is that the film almost seems to want you to cheer for this schmuck. He’s selfish, narcissistic and downright annoying. There are practically no redeeming qualities about him. Morra sleeps with another man’s wife. He may have murdered a girl. He treats his girlfriend poorly. The list of selfish acts goes on and on.
Is this narcissism intentional? It’s difficult to tell. [Spoiler Alert] Burger and writer Leslie Dixon give Morra the happiest ending possible. It’s hilarious. Is it intended to be funny? The film’s morals become very murky and unclear fast, and the ending only further adds to the confusion. [Spoiler Over]
Cooper is an actor that, as of late (more like for always for those who don’t remember him in Alias), is tied to generally dislikable characters, but his work here makes Phil from The Hangover look like a saint in comparison. Cooper is either a genius when it comes to playing narcissistic, or is completely oblivious on who this character is. Dixon’s script fails him here, which is disappointing since Cooper has acting muscles not enough of his films allow him to flex.
Tone is another major issue for the film. In one minute, it’s funny. In the next minute, it takes a darker turn, especially in the lovably violent third act. Despite some of the darker and bloodier moments making for a good ‘ol time, it is jarring. There are scenes that walk a fine line between ridiculous and dead serious. To often does it lean towards the ridiculous, but just enough to make it feel unintended. When Abbie Cornish, who plays Morra’s girlfriend, uses a little ice-skating girl as a sword, it’s tremendously goofy, and also extremely mean-spirited.
Limitless misses more than it hits. Perhaps with a tighter script, Burger’s antihero film could’ve been as interesting as it thinks it is. If Burger can be commended for anything with Limitless – besides the nicely-done opening credits and a few technically impressive sequences – it’s getting another good performance out of Robert De Niro, who gives an excellent speech that this film is truly unworthy of.