The opening scene of Limitless uses a blurred tracking shot through the city to create a sense of speed and tension. Billboards showing brain images and neurons suggest the main character is under the influence of drugs. Shots of his messy apartment indicate his life is disorganized and isolated. The character is shown pitching his book to disinterested men in a pub, making him seem lonely and unimportant. Overall the fast-paced opening establishes the thriller genre and leaves the audience wanting more.