Films simply put are my passion, I love everything about them and love to discover new films. I had first heard about Primer when it first came out but never got the chance to see it since it was a challenge to find. Luckily I finally got the chance to see it last night and I was blown away. Indie films are great because unlike the mass amount of films that get released Indie flicks offer something different something that is usually missing from most films whether its originality or acting and Primer is a remarkable example of an Indie film. It has more originality and creativity than almost anything I have ever seen, maybe not visually but story wise and dialog was simply profound.

The story involves two young engineers Aaron and Abe working on some experiments in their garage. Eventually somehow they figure out what they have been working on is actually a time machine. They use it carefully making sure they don't see their past selves as they hide in hotel rooms six hours a day. They expand into playing the stock market to make some money but they run into trouble when they make a few mistakes.

This is not a typical movie. There are no easy answers that can be used to explain what happens and why. Nothing is ever simplified or explained other than what they talk about and unless you are an expert on time travel or math you will be constantly be feeling left behind. But thats part of the ingenious in Primer. It is a smart film and it knows it and never tries to hide that fact. Now you don't have to be a genius or anything to enjoy this film, it just means you have to pay close enough attention throughout otherwise you will feel lost. Luckily this is a short film clocking in at a mere 77 minutes it is short but reasonably paced.

Of all the unique things about Primer perhaps one of the most interesting things about it is how much it does not even feel like your watching a movie. It feels more like your actually watching the lives of these two engineers who discover time travel. I haven't read the script yet but I would imagine most of it is just dialog as most of the movie is just talking without much action. The dialog is great and feels incredibly authentic. It is rapid fire and characters are frequently interrupting which makes it even more difficult to follow.

There some thought provoking mind blowing movies I have seen. Donnie Darko, 12 Monkeys, Memento but none can even come close to comparing to Primer. It is a film with so many off the wall and odd ideas that you could write a novel on this film and still have plenty of questions left. It is a film that requires a lengthy discussion afterwards so its best to watch with someone. This is not a film for everyone, if you don't like movies that rely solely on dialog without any action than you will be bored and confused. But if you have the patience to watch an intelligent piece of work that deserves to be talked about and discussed than go watch it. Its not exactly easy viewing but its worth it. Films like this don't come around very often so when they do its a nice treat. My brain is still recovering from this, its almost too much to handle at one time. Its a great film for sci-fi fans and Indie fans but anyone can enjoy this if they have the patience. Made for seven thousand Primer accomplishes more with its shoe string budget and short running time than most films can do in two hours with an eighty million budget. Truly this is a gem of a film to treasure.

4.5 stars rounded up

Shane Carruth - Aaron

David Sullivan - Abe









Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older