Primer is a 2004 psychological science fiction movie from the United States about the unintentional discovery of time travel. Shane Carruth, who also stars alongside David Sullivan, wrote, directed, produced, edited, and scored the picture.
Primer is notable for its low budget, experimental plot structure, philosophical undertones, and sophisticated technical language, which Carruth, a maths graduate, and former engineer, chose not to reduce for the sake of the audience. The movie won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival before receiving a limited theatrical distribution in the United States and gaining a cult following since then. Although one of science fiction’s more exotic components is crucial to the picture, Carruth’s intention was to present scientific discovery in a realistic and down-to-earth manner. He points out that many of history’s most significant scientific breakthroughs have arisen by chance, in places as mundane as Aaron’s garage.
On the outskirts of Dallas, Texas, principal photography took place over a five-week period. The movie was shot on a shoestring budget of US$7,000 and with only a five-person crew. Carruth was the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and composer for the film. Many of the other characters in the movie are performed by his friends and family, and he also stars as Aaron.
Because of the limited budget, the Super 16mm film stock was used sparingly: the carefully limited number of takes resulted in an exceptionally low shooting ratio of 2:1. On 35mm stills, every shot in the film was thoroughly storyboarded. Carruth used fluorescent lighting, non-neutral color temperatures, high-speed film material, and filters to give the film a characteristic flat, overexposed aesthetic.
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