The Re-Visit: PRIMER
THE RE-VISIT: PRIMER
By Steve Wood
“Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m gonna read this, and you’re gonna listen, and you’re gonna stay on the line. And you’re not gonna interrupt, and you’re not gonna speak for any reason. Some of this you know. I’m gonna start at the top of the page. 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.”
Never have I watched something that immediately left me intrigued, confused, and completely in love at the same time. Primer isn’t a normal film, but rather some strange type of voyeurism, the film expects you to know what’s going on, without any questions, and does not provide any answers. Everything is done with such a matter of fact, yet completely confusing and thought provoking. You will not understand this film upon initial viewing, mainly due to the complexity of time travel and paradoxes. Secondly, the dialogue between the characters is so rapid fire and constantly overlapped by one another. Many times throughout the film you’re going to be saying to yourself “what just happened, exactly?”
But therein lies the beauty, Primer isn’t meant to be completely concise, admittedly so from Shane Carruth in various interviews. Certain things are intentionally left out, or explained in a vague manner in which only the two characters can understand. The best way to describe this would be when an inside joke is told by a small group of people, while you don’t understand it (because you aren’t part of the group), they’re laughing hysterically. You’ll have no choice but to feel like an outsider during the mere 77 minute runtime, personally, I like this.
With the first viewing, you will find yourself wondering the importance of certain scenes, or ask yourself why the characters decided to do things in a specific way. You will not find answers to these questions, but with repeat viewings, the pieces begin to fit together in what is already an enormous and strenuous puzzle, where only the center is complete, and you will find that the corners and edges are missing, therefore not knowing the size or scope. I’m not completely convinced that the answers are buried in the film, I’m almost inclined to believe that my mind might be grasping for straws that don’t exist.
In regards to Shane Carruth himself, something must be said for the ability to take a ~$10,000 budget and turn that into something special, and surprisingly well shot. Not only that, but this is his first feature length where he directed, produced, edited, and scored. The only justifiable complaint that I have would be the sound mixing, all of the characters dialogue overlaps each other and in some cases require rewinding.
Do yourself a favor and watch Primer over, and over.
“Now I have repaid any debt I may have owed you. You know all that I know. My voice is the only proof that you will have of the truth of any of this. I might have written a letter with my signature, but my handwriting is not what it used to be. Maybe you’ve had the presence of mind to record this. That’s your prerogative. You will not be contacted by me again. And if you look…You will not find me.”