Eddie (Cooper) is a struggling writer living in New York City who has once again failed to turn in his new book, while also having been freshly dumped by his girlfriend Lindy (Cornish). On a chance meeting, Eddie obtains a sample of a new drug named NZT-48 from the brother of his ex-wife (Anna Friel) that purportedly allows users to access 100% of their brain's capabilities instead of the standard 20%. With no other prospects, Eddie takes NZT with the intention of at least finishing his book, but before he knows it, the drug both improves and complicates Eddie's life in ways he never could have foreseen.

To give the audience a full sense of the two very different states of consciousness experienced by Eddie, director Neil Burger - best known for his 2006 film The Illusionist - utilises a number of interesting cinematographic techniques. These include employing a dull, cold look for before Eddie takes NZT, before switching to a world of sharp, warm colours after he has taken the drug. Fish-eye lenses and elaborate zooming also produces some confronting and unusual imagery that will challenge your eyes as much as the film's twisty plot will engage your mind.

Bradley Cooper more than adequately carries the film in his first leading role, even when facing off against De Niro, who turns in his most commanding performance in years. It's Cooper, however, who is the heart and soul of the film, maintaining a charismatically cool persona and convincing us to come along for the ride right from the film's opening - which sees his character perched atop a skyscraper, about to jump. Take the leap with him - you won't regret it.