JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Primer (2004)
Primer
DVD Cover
Writer/Director: Shane Carruth
Starring: Shane Currath, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden
“Meticulous, yes. Methodical, educated; they were these things. Nothing extreme. Like anyone, they varied. There were days of mistakes and laziness and in-fighting, and there were days, good days, when by anyone's judgment they would have to be considered clever. No one would say that what they were doing was complicated. It wouldn't even be considered new, except for maybe in the geological sense. They took from their surroundings what was needed and made of it something more”.- Aaron
There is nothing in the laws of Science that says Time travel is impossible; also at this time no scientific laws say it is achievable either. Today, N.A.S.A now has its own division dedicated to manipulating the clock, prominent scientist and theorist are constantly speculating on the possibility of non-linear time.
“Look, everything we're putting into that box becomes ungrounded, and I don't mean grounded like to the earth, I mean, not tethered. I mean, we're blocking whatever keeps it moving forward and so they flip-flop. Inside the box it's like a street, both ends are cul-de-sacs. I mean, this isn't frame dragging or wormhole magic this is basic mechanics and heat 101.”- Abe
Costing less than $10, 000 dollars to make, over the course of 4 years engineering student Shane Curruth’s wrote, directed and starred in Primer, a mind expanding study of time, technology and friendship.
Sci-fi and Sci-fact are blurred as four brainiacs construct a mysterious box in their garage. It’s something unique, something special, problem is they are not quite sure what it is they have invented. Does it have a practical application that will make them million of dollars?
Operating in the world of Quantum mechanics, using string theory, causality and a myriad of paradoxes the evolution of invention is explored. Simultaneously, greed and paranoia surface in the creators, their loyalty and morality are put to the test.
John Doe says: (8/10)
Good googly mooglies, this high concept film captivated and enthralled, by the end my brain was a gooey, gelatinous mess at my feet. I am obsessed with quantum theories and Primer stands tall as the first real world, scientifically minded attempt at the genre.
The script is the star of this Sundance Film Festival winner, meticulously researched, overflowing with ideas and merging the cerebral with the emotional. It’s a high brow time travel thriller that studies success and its ability to destroy human relationships. You can’t help but imagine Bill Gates and Steve Jobs back in the 70’s, working in their garage and changing the course of history.
Deliberately paced, the film takes its time, painting every scene with information and assuming the audience can comprehend it all. The plot grows organically, gradually expanding wider and wider, deeper and deeper into its universe of riddles and cryptic clues.
Inventively shot, the low budget cinematography gives the illusion of fact not fiction. Minimal set design and a green tint to the lighting contribute an uneasy mood of science controlling nature.
Demanding repeat screenings, designed as more than just entertainment or a distraction. Intellectually challenging and unapologetically witty, Primer is a satisfying experience for fans of films like Darren Aronofsky’s Pi and Vincenzo Natali’s Cube.
“Are you hungry? I haven't eaten since later this afternoon”-Aaron
The DVD:
We get two very informative DVD commentary tracks. The first by the writer/director who made the film on weekends in his garage, a must listen for all aspiring filmmakers looking for inspiration. The second is by the cast of unknowns who believed in the project.
Starring: Shane Currath, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden
There is nothing in the laws of Science that says Time travel is impossible; also at this time no scientific laws say it is achievable either. Today, N.A.S.A now has its own division dedicated to manipulating the clock, prominent scientist and theorist are constantly speculating on the possibility of non-linear time.
“Look, everything we're putting into that box becomes ungrounded, and I don't mean grounded like to the earth, I mean, not tethered. I mean, we're blocking whatever keeps it moving forward and so they flip-flop. Inside the box it's like a street, both ends are cul-de-sacs. I mean, this isn't frame dragging or wormhole magic this is basic mechanics and heat 101.”- Abe
Costing less than $10, 000 dollars to make, over the course of 4 years engineering student Shane Curruth’s wrote, directed and starred in Primer, a mind expanding study of time, technology and friendship.
Sci-fi and Sci-fact are blurred as four brainiacs construct a mysterious box in their garage. It’s something unique, something special, problem is they are not quite sure what it is they have invented. Does it have a practical application that will make them million of dollars?
Operating in the world of Quantum mechanics, using string theory, causality and a myriad of paradoxes the evolution of invention is explored. Simultaneously, greed and paranoia surface in the creators, their loyalty and morality are put to the test.
John Doe says: (8/10)
Good googly mooglies, this high concept film captivated and enthralled, by the end my brain was a gooey, gelatinous mess at my feet. I am obsessed with quantum theories and Primer stands tall as the first real world, scientifically minded attempt at the genre.
The script is the star of this Sundance Film Festival winner, meticulously researched, overflowing with ideas and merging the cerebral with the emotional. It’s a high brow time travel thriller that studies success and its ability to destroy human relationships. You can’t help but imagine Bill Gates and Steve Jobs back in the 70’s, working in their garage and changing the course of history.
Deliberately paced, the film takes its time, painting every scene with information and assuming the audience can comprehend it all. The plot grows organically, gradually expanding wider and wider, deeper and deeper into its universe of riddles and cryptic clues.
Inventively shot, the low budget cinematography gives the illusion of fact not fiction. Minimal set design and a green tint to the lighting contribute an uneasy mood of science controlling nature.
Demanding repeat screenings, designed as more than just entertainment or a distraction. Intellectually challenging and unapologetically witty, Primer is a satisfying experience for fans of films like Darren Aronofsky’s Pi and Vincenzo Natali’s Cube.
“Are you hungry? I haven't eaten since later this afternoon”-Aaron
The DVD:
We get two very informative DVD commentary tracks. The first by the writer/director who made the film on weekends in his garage, a must listen for all aspiring filmmakers looking for inspiration. The second is by the cast of unknowns who believed in the project.
"DeJavu? Havent I been here before"
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Film & TV on DVD
Yeah, its the best use of budget Iv seen since The Cube, which cost around $6000.
Originally I saw it in the cinema when it was released and it ranked in my to 3 for that year.
I got the U.S DVD shortly after. Primer was released on DVD in Oz about 6 months ago.
If my review peeks your intertest at all, I highly recommend grabbing a copy.
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
That was a Canadian cult favorite!
Film & TV on DVD
Cube was all shot on one set that was modified with lighting and camera angles to look like many rooms. Much of teh cast and crew worked for minimal if any salary and The FX were also done for free.
i think I will write a review of it in the next few weeks. So many great films to talk about, so little time.
If you liked Cube then you will definetly dig Primer.
Horrorphile