The Limits of Billy

The film Limitless, that I watched an hour ago, provided a fresh grasp at exactly how Billy Pilgrim must have been feeling as he traveled in time . The part that I am referring to about is when Eddie Mora overdoses on the fictional drug 'NZT'.

In Vonnegut's SH5, Billy is constantly moving through-out his life, jumping from one point to another, viewing things erratically (such as watching the war film backwards). This constant time-travel is enough to confuse anyone, as Billy Pilgrim is subjected to viewing his life over and over again. 

There is much debate in the book on whether or not Billy is actually experiencing the time travel and the Tralfamadorians, or it is just the side-effect of a brain-damaging plane crash. I am inclined to the brain-damaging plan crash explanation, (See my other post entitled, 'Who's the Crazy One?'). I have a feeling that as a side-effect of the brain-damage Billy is experiencing close to what Eddie Mora is once he overdoses on the drug: gaps in memory, inability to tell time, and confusion. And perhaps as a side effect of the brain damage, Billy is also having hallucinations about the aliens. 

I think it is very interesting to be put in such a limbo. Imagine to yourself losing your lucidity to erratic memories and absurd beliefs. Billy has gotten used to it because he continuously experiences this. This leads me to the conclusion that we are slaves to our own brains. Billy Pilgrim is enslaved by his beliefs and his memories and likewise, so are we. Our perception is in fact everything to do with our brain. 

I'm probably over thinking what is was Vonnegut was originally trying to write. Yes, the idea of fate is still apparent but what else is apparent is the fragility of our brains, and the importance of them. What is possible, is that Billy's brain just went wacko, and fate is just an illusion. 

-Daniel