PRIMER
Directed, Produced, Written & Music by:
Shane Carruth.
Director of Photography: Shane Carruth & Anand Upadhyaya.
Released by: THINKFilm.
Country of Origin: USA. 80 min. Not Rated.
With: Shane Carruth & David Sullivan.

In Shane Carruth's directorial debut, the former engineer turned filmmaker has created a small but engrossing story of young engineers pursuing their dream to escape the drudgery of everyday life. Abe (David Sullivan) and Aaron (Shane Carruth) spend their nights in Aaron's garage hoping to discover the "next big thing." When they and two additional partners build a box and superconductor suggesting the possibility of time travel, the hopes and tensions, growing from an intense partnership, rise to the surface. Further, when Abe and Aaron decide to move forward without the knowledge and participation of their other partners, extraordinary success, and conflict, result.

Once Abe and Aaron learn the practical applications of their invention, they predictably turn to the stock market’s profit-making potential. Greed, however, does not become the central issue of the film. Fortunately, Carruth engages the viewer in a different twist which, while complicated, is mesmerizing.

Carruth never fully or adequately develops the relationships between the two primary characters, their associates or families, but that intensifies the curious and sometimes deceitful relationship between Abe and Aaron. Are they loyal to each other? Will their scientific curiosity take them in directions which will destroy their discovery? Carruth artfully weaves this scientific and personal tale through a complicated spectrum to deliver an enjoyable minimalist journey through time. One cautionary note: this low-budget independent effort results in a slightly uneven level of performances by the inexperienced cast. But if one can remain focused on the plot, it can be very satisfying.

Michael Morley, President of CineBLAST! Productions (Revolution #9, Bobby G. Can't Swim & Spring Forward)
October 8, 2004