EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Bradley Cooper Was 'Scared' to Take On 'Limitless'

What would you do if you could take a pill that could give your brain an unlimited ability to sponge-up information? Bradley Cooper does just that -- and experiences dangerous side effects -- in his new, paranoia-fueled action-thriller, 'Limitless.'

"I was definitely scared to play this role," admits the star. "The emotional roller coaster that [my character Eddie] goes on … to make these things real for myself as Eddie, is definitely something that's scary. And the idea of working with Robert De Niro is scary initially, and then he makes you feel completely at ease."

In theaters March 18, 2011, 'Limitless' casts Bradley as Eddie Morra, an aspiring author with serious writer's block whose life radically changes when an old friend introduces him to NZT, a revolutionary new pharmaceutical wonder drug. After taking the pill, Eddie's senses are heightened; he can recall everything he has ever read, seen or heard, comprehend complex equations and even learn any language in a day.

"[Eddie starts] gaining things that he doesn't have, which is power based on financial gain, and what happens with that is pretty monstrous and fantastic," says Bradley. "He flies high for a while, and then it's going to catch up with him."

Eddie corners the stock market, making millions and drawing the attention of mega-mogul Carl Van Loon (De Niro), who wants the wunderkind to help broker the largest merger in corporate history. But Eddie's accomplishments have also attracted shady characters that will stop at nothing to get their hands on his stash of NZT. Beginning to suffer a wide range of side effects, Eddie's life is soon in jeopardy as he attempts to hang on to his dwindling supply long enough to outwit his new enemies.

"He gradually learns that there's a lot more than what he bargained for," explains Bradley. "The movie really is about power and the abuse of power, and the idea of what would happen if you could be the best version of yourself … and then what price would you have to pay in order to achieve that."

Based on the novel by Alan Glynn , 'Limitless' is directed by Neil Burger ('The Illusionist') and also stars Abbie Cornish and Anna Friel .

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