1. Limitless is a 2011 American science fiction thriller film directed by Neil Burger and
written by Leslie Dixon. Based on the novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn, the film
stars Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro, Andrew Howard, and Anna
Friel. The film follows Edward Morra, a struggling writer who is introduced to
a nootropic drug called NZT-48, which gives him the ability to fully utilize his brain
and vastly improve his lifestyle.
2. LONG SHOT
This scene shows the character alone in a bar, drinking alcohol.
The character is surrounded by space around him with no one else around him. This
shot represents isolation but also chaos the character is facing in his own life as their
are multiple objects in the frame.
The colours in the scene, including the character’s costume seem to be mundane and
dull, the lighting is incredibly dark which all represents how the character is particularly
feeling.
3. HIGH ANGEL SHOT
The character is completing work. This shot was taken from a high angel to show
the amount of work he has to complete.
In our trailer, we were inspired by this shot as it is fast pace and shows the
characters life before their addiction had developed, and how they struggled
with day to day tasks and faced stress. And, their only way to comeback this
stress was through drugs.
4. MID SHOT
Another character who enters the scene, is a friend of the main character. He
is also the supplier and one who encourages the drug taking, providing the
character with the drugs to ease his stress and tensions.
This shot is key as it is the start of the drug taking and addiction. In our trailer,
we were particularly inspired by the shot as it shows the choice the character
can choose to make. He can choose to take the drugs, or refuse as it is past to
him across the table. This shot shows significant importance as it is the
beginning of the addiction.
5. Close Up Shot
This is a close up shot of the drug which was given to the character by his
friend. It puts the audience in the perspective and eyes of the character. It is
a key shot as it is the beginning of the addiction.
We were particularly inspired by this shot as it is a close up shot of what will
change the character’s life.
6. MID SHOT
This is a shot of the character after he has taken the drug, NZT. The character is in the
rule of third and his facial expression is stern, but also shocked.
This a key shot as it shows the character’s fascination with the drugs.
The colours behind the character are darker, red which is a connotation of danger and
could foreshadow the characters future experience with the drug. Also, this shot
particularly focuses on the camera as he is at centre of the frame.
We were particularly inspired by this shot as it holds significance as it is the one of the
first experiences the character has with drugs.
7. POINT OF VIEW SHOT (POV):
This is a key shot as it is extremely effective shot, it was blurred in order for the
audience to feel what the character was feeling when he was on the drug, NZT.
The shot put the audience in perspective of the character which was effective.
The shot is shot with a fish eye lens, it gives a different perspective of vision and
also a blurred effect.
We were particularly inspired by this shot as it shows the character’s perspective
while they are on this drug, NZT.
8. Close Up Shot
This is a close up shot of the character, after has taken the drug NZT multiple times. It
shows us his facial expression, and tells the audience how he feels. This shot is
incredibly effective as we can see the character eyes are lit up and he looks as
though his mind is open. Also, he seems enlightened now he has taken the drugs.
The surroundings behind him are dark, and black. This places all the audience’s
attention on the character’s face.
We particularly were inspired by this shot as it shows the character’s facial expression
after taking the drugs, and how good he feels after his first times taking the drugs.
9. MID SHOT
In this scene, the character is anxiously looking outside the window as
he feels he’s being watched due to his overconsumption of drugs.
His body language is closed off, as his arms are closed.
This a key shot as it highlights the turn point and effect the drug, NZT
has had on his life.
We were inspired by this shot as it is an effective shot.
10. LONG SHOT:
In this shot the camera captures the setting and mise en scene.
It makes the character appear small and inferior. It is an effective shot as it shows
isolation and loneliness. It also shows the audience how unstoppable the character
is when he is on the drug, NZT. The colours around the character, such as the
buildings all seem dull as they are grey and mundane colours. However, inside the
home it is incredibly bright and lit up which reflects that he is surrounded by sadness
and also confusion. However, his home is his safe haven.
We were particularly inspired by this shot as it shows limitless the character feels
and unstoppable when he has taken the drugs.