Primer (2004) - Movie Review

REVIEW:

Before you read further, you should know that this movie will not appeal to a wide audience, it will be appreciated by very few people, and rightly so. The dialogue is spiced with technical lingo, the narrative is non-linear and the plot is complex, truly mind-bending (it consistently winds up on lists of 'The most complex Hollywood movies').

I can guarantee that you will not get a complete grasp of the movie after a single viewing. Even at that, you most definitely may need to go online and find explanations to fully comprehend this brain-teaser of a movie. It has been described as a psychological sci-fi thriller, and although executed on a low budget, minimal cast and crew, these do not subtract but add realism to the movie. Primer is the brain child of director Shane Carruth who also wrote, co-starred, edited and scored it.

It explores the premise that many important scientific discoveries are often accidental, and usually not recognized for what they are early on. Little is known initially of the ramifications of novel scientific discoveries - namely their ability to alter our way of life, influence our behavior and redefine moral and ethical boundaries. The vehicle, in this case, is time travel (into the recent past), itself a philosophically and scientifically challenging theme - but also a suitable platform to ask pertinent consequential questions. Questions such as, "How will this technology affect my personality, relationships and the world around me?". At some point in the movie, you will not be able to keep track of the different timelines, the events nor the different versions of the same time travelers. Do not be discouraged however.

 Movie enthusiasts who enjoy active participation and problem solving in their viewing experience as seen in the works of masters like Christopher Nolan, David Fincher etc. should enjoy this puzzle of a movie. 

RATING:

For a job well done a 4.5 out of  5 stars is in order.




Review By RAZOR