On the cover of the UK Tartan DVD release of Primer it name drops, in quote, that most heavily referenced recent film dealing with the concerns of time travel, Donnie Darko. It is a lazy comparison point as, other than time travel, the main similarity between the two films is the bafflement after the initial viewing. Like Donnie Darko, Primer would benefit more than one viewing to grasp concepts and ideas contained within. Unlike Donnie Darko, it focuses on a scientific time travel concept, using quite technical language and theory; Primer shows a physics concept of time travel, whilst Donnie Darko is based in a metaphysical concept.
Primer is very impressive for what it is, a lo-fi science fiction film: 'they took of their surrounding what was needed, made something more', could refer to the action in the film and be a knowing reference to the low budget nature of this film. Clinically shot and edited, with an impressive piano driven soundtrack, this film looks so much more impressive than a film should for $7000. It is only in the sound department that it occasionally illustrates its low budget; a few lines of dialogue are a bit hard to distinguish, but this isn't too much of a problem.
The film concerns the plight of friends and inventors, Abe (David Sullivan) and Aaron (Shane Caruth), who unwittingly invent a time machine in Aaron's garage. Initially things seem to go well for them as they use their machine to cheat on the stock market. But tensions grow between the two friends, as both get paranoid over their discovery and use the application for their own ends, such as intercepting a shooting at a party and Aaron drugging his past self . The film is quite serious and adult in tone, but there is some fine use of future-tense humour; in a scene where Aaron and Abe are commentating on a live basketball game they've seen, Aaron states 'Are you hungry? I haven't eaten since later this afternoon.' The causality of their actions is shown as they both lose their ability to write properly and Aaron bleeding from the ear which he sometimes uses an earpiece in.
Abe and Aaron's friendship is well handled and believable, and their acting is of a high quality. It is outside their friendship that there are flaws. Both Abe and Aaron's family life is only referred to briefly and confusingly, leading this element to seem quite inconsequential. This also happens in their relationship with their colleagues / co-inventors Robert and Phillip, who appear early on but disappear as the film goes on.
The main challenge in watching Primer is both a point of praise, and paradoxically, a flaw for some; Primer requires more than one viewing to fully enjoy the film. The first time I watched it I was baffled; some of the technical language is quite baffling on the initial viewing and Primer features a very non linear narrative structure. I can imagine this being an alienating film to some, as it requires constant attention to detail. That said, those who like to study and dissect films will enjoy the amount of study required.
Primer is a well made low budget film with good production values. Shane Caruth should be commended for the amount of work he has done, in the roles of writer, director, producer, lead actor, casting, production design, editing, sound design, and writing the original music. If you are willing to make the effort with this lo-fi sci-fi gem, it is a rewarding experience.
Primer is very impressive for what it is, a lo-fi science fiction film: 'they took of their surrounding what was needed, made something more', could refer to the action in the film and be a knowing reference to the low budget nature of this film. Clinically shot and edited, with an impressive piano driven soundtrack, this film looks so much more impressive than a film should for $7000. It is only in the sound department that it occasionally illustrates its low budget; a few lines of dialogue are a bit hard to distinguish, but this isn't too much of a problem.
The film concerns the plight of friends and inventors, Abe (David Sullivan) and Aaron (Shane Caruth), who unwittingly invent a time machine in Aaron's garage. Initially things seem to go well for them as they use their machine to cheat on the stock market. But tensions grow between the two friends, as both get paranoid over their discovery and use the application for their own ends, such as intercepting a shooting at a party and Aaron drugging his past self . The film is quite serious and adult in tone, but there is some fine use of future-tense humour; in a scene where Aaron and Abe are commentating on a live basketball game they've seen, Aaron states 'Are you hungry? I haven't eaten since later this afternoon.' The causality of their actions is shown as they both lose their ability to write properly and Aaron bleeding from the ear which he sometimes uses an earpiece in.
Abe and Aaron's friendship is well handled and believable, and their acting is of a high quality. It is outside their friendship that there are flaws. Both Abe and Aaron's family life is only referred to briefly and confusingly, leading this element to seem quite inconsequential. This also happens in their relationship with their colleagues / co-inventors Robert and Phillip, who appear early on but disappear as the film goes on.
The main challenge in watching Primer is both a point of praise, and paradoxically, a flaw for some; Primer requires more than one viewing to fully enjoy the film. The first time I watched it I was baffled; some of the technical language is quite baffling on the initial viewing and Primer features a very non linear narrative structure. I can imagine this being an alienating film to some, as it requires constant attention to detail. That said, those who like to study and dissect films will enjoy the amount of study required.
Primer is a well made low budget film with good production values. Shane Caruth should be commended for the amount of work he has done, in the roles of writer, director, producer, lead actor, casting, production design, editing, sound design, and writing the original music. If you are willing to make the effort with this lo-fi sci-fi gem, it is a rewarding experience.