Look, I *love* weird, confusing movies. I'll watch Lynch's "Lost Highway" or Bergman's "Persona" repeatedly and with delight. I also enjoy intricately plotted films like "Memento" and twisty movies by David Mamet.
"Primer," unfortunately, proves that an interesting and complex plot can nonetheless result in a poor film. The problem is that there's little to enjoy *other* than the puzzle. The acting ranges from mediocre to bad, with countless mumbled lines. Characterization is nonexistent. Direction is undistinguished and there are too many epileptic hand-held shots. ("But don't you get it? The shaky filming reflects the characters' disorientation!" Please. Spare me. Film School 101.)
3/10. Some interesting ideas, poorly executed.
"Primer," unfortunately, proves that an interesting and complex plot can nonetheless result in a poor film. The problem is that there's little to enjoy *other* than the puzzle. The acting ranges from mediocre to bad, with countless mumbled lines. Characterization is nonexistent. Direction is undistinguished and there are too many epileptic hand-held shots. ("But don't you get it? The shaky filming reflects the characters' disorientation!" Please. Spare me. Film School 101.)
3/10. Some interesting ideas, poorly executed.