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Movies / On DVD / Primer
Primer

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Primer (2004)

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Reviews Counted:44

Fresh:24

Rotten:20

Average Rating:3.0/10

Consensus: Dense, obtuse, but stimulating, Primer is a film for viewers ready for a cerebral challenge.

Runtime: 80 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Former engineer Shane Carruth announces himself as a force to watch with PRIMER, his first film. Carruth wrote, directed, edited, produced, photographed, scored, and stars in the film, which won... Former engineer Shane Carruth announces himself as a force to watch with PRIMER, his first film. Carruth wrote, directed, edited, produced, photographed, scored, and stars in the film, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. He plays Aaron, who, with his business partner and best friend, Abe (David Sullivan), experiments with a device that seems to have more power than they could ever have imagined. Playing with batteries, refrigeration, and other techniques and materials in Aaron's garage, they discover that their machine just might have the ability to move back in time. Originally dealing with Weebles figures and wristwatches, Aaron and Abe are soon considering making a box large enough to transport a human being--with remarkable results. An indie hit, PRIMER was made for about $7,000. Carruth shot the film with a purposefully grainy look, as if it were made in the 1970s. The retro feel works well with the futuristic elements of the story, which lead Abe and Aaron to question reality, truth, and their own physical and mental being. Because he learned about film on his own without going to film school or making any previous shorts, Carruth brings a freshness to the genre that is invigorating, with unexpected plot twists and complex narratives that invite multiple viewings. PRIMER is an unusual, unique, challenging, and thoroughly entertaining movie. [More]

Starring: Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Anand Upadbyaya, Casey Gooden

Starring: Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Anand Upadbyaya, Casey Gooden, Carrie Crawford, Jay Butler, John Carruth, Samantha Thomson

Director: Shane Carruth

Director: Shane Carruth
Screenwriter: Shane Carruth
Producer: Shane Carruth
Composer: Shane Carruth
Studio: ThinkFilm

[See More Credits]

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Reviews for Primer

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
1 2 >> >|
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in the second commentary there is some interesting material regarding the film's creative use of shot composition. "Composition is really cheap", is the succinct explanation offered by one of them.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
09/30/07
Anton Bitel
Anton Bitel
Channel 4 Film
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: iofilm.co.uk | comment Comment
03/18/06
iofilm.co.uk
N/R

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Full Review Source: CHUD | comment Comment
02/27/09
Russ Fischer
Russ Fischer
CHUD
N/R

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Full Review Source: Exclaim! | comment Comment
08/03/07
Exclaim!

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Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment Comment
02/27/07
Entertainment Weekly

What saves this Sundance favorite ... from falling victim to its own complexity is its very human heart.

Full Review Source: DVDJournal.com | comment Comment
10/22/06
Betsy Bozdech
Betsy Bozdech
DVDJournal.com

You're gonna love the film. It makes Memento seem linear. The dialog is jargon-packed and never slows down long enough to let you digest even a single sentence. It's like the lightening round on a game show, except that you never find out who wins.

Full Review Source: Movie City News | comment Comment
07/20/06
Douglas Pratt
Douglas Pratt
Movie City News

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Full Review Source: MovieWeb | comment Comment
05/16/05
Evan
Evan "Mushy" Jacobs
MovieWeb

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Full Review Source: Empire Movies | comment Comment
05/13/05
Empire Movies

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Full Review Source: Movies for Guys | comment Comment
05/01/05
Movies for Guys

an ingenious existential thriller

Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk | comment Comment
04/30/05
James Kendrick
James Kendrick
Q Network Film Desk
N/R

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Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
04/29/05
Boxoffice Magazine

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Full Review Source: MovieFreak.com | comment Comment
04/29/05
Dennis Landmann
Dennis Landmann
MovieFreak.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: DVD Beaver | comment Comment
04/28/05
DVD Beaver
N/R

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Full Review Source: CurrentFilm.com | comment Comment
04/27/05
Aaron Beierle
Aaron Beierle
CurrentFilm.com

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Full Review Source: Upcomingdiscs.Com | comment Comment
04/27/05
Rod Edwards
Rod Edwards
Upcomingdiscs.Com

Primer isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy a complex, tricky plot, it marks the debut of an exciting new talent.

Full Review Source: Pajiba | comment Comment
04/23/05
Jeremy C. Fox
Jeremy C. Fox
Pajiba
N/R

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Full Review Source: ComingSoon.net | comment Comment
04/22/05
ComingSoon.net
N/R

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Full Review Source: DVD Authority.com | comment Comment
04/21/05
Matt Brighton
Matt Brighton
DVD Authority.com

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Full Review Source: Reel.com | comment Comment
04/20/05
Reel.com
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Latest News for Primer

March 16, 2005: Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival 2005
A 70-mm French comedy by Jacques Tati will open my 7th annual Overlooked Film Festival this April, and a Bollywood musical starring "the most beautiful woman in the... More...

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