Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro star in this provocative and action-packed thriller with unlimited surprising twists. Eddie Morra (Cooper) has writer’s block. He has a book contract for some reason, yet hasn’t written a word. His girlfriend (Abbie Cornish), who was his meal ticket, leaves him. He bumps into Vernon Gant (Johnny Whitworth), his ex brother-in-law, who is a drug dealer. Grant offers Edward a pill that increases a person’s use of their brain.
They can recall everything they have seen or read and can correlate it to increase intelligence. With his newfound drug, Eddie unlocks 100% of his brain’s capacity. He instantly acquires mind-bending talents and mesmerizing visions that bring him big money, beautiful women and limitless success. But his dream life soon becomes a waking nightmare, as the drug’s brutal side effects take their toll and Eddie finds himself entangled with a cunning Wall Street power broker (DeNiro) who wants everything Eddie has.
Edward has writer’s block. He has a book contract for some reason, yet hasn’t written a word. His girlfriend, who was his meal ticket leaves him. Bummed out he decides to go live on a bunk bed at Dad’s place in New Jersey, but then bumps into his ex-brother-in-law, who is a drug dealer. He offers Edward a pill that increases a person’s use of their brain.
They can recall everything they have seen or read and can correlate it to increase intelligence. The smarter a person is to begin with, the more data they have to work with. Edward is a smart guy to begin with, so he is able to start his book. The downside is that the pill wears off. Not only does one lose the abilities, but they get a little ADD, and throw up like a heroin addict. Too much of the pill causes a Mr. Hyde type of character including blackouts. Edward’s supplier is murdered and Edward finds his stash of pills and a wad of cash.
Edward uses his ability to make money on Wall Street. He catches the attention of big time corporations as well as the Russian mafia. He quickly finds out people who take the smart pill eventually die from either taking too much or running out. Edward must try to balance his life.
Director: Neil Burger
Year of Release: 2011
Character to watch: Bradley Cooper as Eddie Morra.
Journal your answers to the following questions after you watch the movie.
- How does this particular character’s journey compare with yours?
- Did the character develop certain characteristics during the movie that you have or that you would like to have? If so, what are those characteristics?
- What obstacles did this character face? What was his or her biggest challenge?
- What would you have done differently if you had been in the same position as the character?
- Is this character the type of person you would be friends with? Why or why not?