Primer

The first time I saw Primer, I stayed up watching it a second time, then tracking down the script online. This demonstrates the two main qualities of the film: the dialogue is difficult to make out, and the writing is fantastic.

The budget for the film is incredibly low: no special effects, not even a cheezy attempt at CGI like in The Specials. IMDB claims it was made for $7K; I'd guessed $8K just for the film stock. Truly proof that, contrary to popular belief in Hollywood, a lot can be done with a little. The direction is very tight and methodical, giving the impression that the director is showing you exactly what he intends to, no more and no less. Should be required viewing for all amateur filmmakers.

To put it simply, the movie is about time travel. Two garage-Einstein entrepreneurs discover they can travel backwards in time, to a limited extent. Each has their own ideas regarding how the technology should be used, and eventually they come into conflict. One (IMDB?) forum thread discussing interpretations of the film coined the phrase 'Time War' to describe the result, and it fits.

This is a movie for people who like to think. Be prepared to spend hours pondering the movie, it timelines, and the nature of paradox -- not only re-watching the movie, but even taking the time to track down a version with subtitles. The implications of the film should make one's head hurt, or at least draw murmurs of appreciation from the temporal physicist in the room.

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Primer (IMDB)

Wince : [**___]
Flinch : [_____]
Retch : [_____]
Gape : [**___]

Beerequisite : [_____]
Pornability : [_____]
Obscurity : [***__]
Explicability : [***__]