By: debbie lynn elias
Aaron, Abe, Robert and Phillip are friends. More than that, however, they view themselves as entrepreneurs, saviors of the future, and naturally, hold aspirations and dreams of something bigger and better than what life now holds for them. Slogging through the days building error-checking devices, they are each determined to put their self-believed talents to the test and grab the brass ring with the development of potentially lucrative inventions and products.
Best friends Aaron and Abe waste no time in their efforts. As they wrestle with various scientific concepts, they inadvertently stumble onto what could be the mot significant invention of our time – two elongated boxes that they believe to be capable of time travel. Pulling away from “the group” and work in general, they see the potential of their creation and decide it’s far too valuable to share with anyone. So, they hide their time machine in a storage facility, performing testing and tweaking in secret. Interestingly, the amount of time they spend inside their machines is equivalent as to how far back in time they travel.
Believing they have mastered all the intricacies of time travel and their invention so as not to disrupt the world’s time continuum, imagine their surprise when faced with multiple versions of themselves all in the same time continuum. (If anyone is getting confused, think back to Star Trek “Generations” for clarification on the continuum and time paradox. Probably where writer-director Carruth got his idea for this film.) Obsessed with their ideas, they soon find themselves like mice on a wheel, trying to run faster and second guess the true time line reality before disaster strikes the time continuum and alters fate.
Written and directed by first timer, Shane Carruth, “Primer” walked away with the Grand Jury Prize at 2004 Sundance and on viewing the film one can see why. Despite a $7,000.00 budget, Carruth delivers an intricately crafted science fiction work that capitalizes on a minimalist style. accomplished coup. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the film is his conceptualization of time travel and the dramatic adverse results that can be produced. Also key to the uniqueness of this work is the concept of science fiction built on script and dialogue as opposed to action-adventure, thus creating complexities and turmoil in the mind’s eye of each viewer.
Also key to the machination of suspense is the intensely intellectual dialogue (Finally, a film that doesn’t speak down to the intelligence of the audience) and the earnest appeal and delivery by the principals. All unknowns (including Shane Carruth who casts himself as Aaron), the purity of the performances is mesmerizing and only aids in the dichotomies and disasters of each having to face their multiple selves when things go awry. And while there is not much detail afforded each character, the story is written as such so as to allow an empathy or sympathy to develop for them, even as they begin to send the world to hell in a hand basket, thus drawing the audience ever deeper into the prodigious tale.
Although the film’s dialogue and conceptualization may require multiple viewing so as to fully appreciate and comprehend the carefully crafted nuances created by the shift in the time continuum, same should be done gladly and willingly. With each viewing you will find yourself engrossed still further, as you detect and decipher more of Carruth’s vision. And while “Primer” plays well on the big screen, with its mind probing intensity, this is a film designed for DVD.
Certainly there are many flaws with this project, most from a technical standpoint and obviously due to the budget, but despite those shortcomings, “Primer” still stands out as the most intellectually stimulating film of the year.
Aaron: Shane Carruth Abe: David Sullivan Robert: Casey Gooden Phillip: Anand Upadhyaya
Written and directed by Shane Carruth. Rated PG-13. (78 min)
