Two strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they're pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer.
In the realm of horror cinema, the year 2004 saw the emergence of a film that would go on to redefine the genre's conventions and captivate audiences with its audacious storytelling and visceral intensity. Saw, directed by the then-newcomer James Wan, stands as a landmark in horror history, not merely due to its chilling atmosphere and gruesome set pieces, but primarily for its rare ability to seamlessly blend shock-inducing brutality with a compelling morality tale. Wan's directorial debut proves to be a potent concoction of suspense, horror, and twisted mystery, elevating the film far above the gory label that its franchise eventually garnered.
At its core, Saw introduces us to a high-concept premise that, despite its grim and stomach-turning nature, serves as a springboard for a deeper exploration of human psychology and morality. Two men, Dr Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), a skilled physician, and Adam (Leigh Whannell), a photographer, find themselves trapped in a decrepit basement bathroom. Chained to pipes, they're presented with a macabre ultimatum: kill each other within eight hours or face certain death. Dictaphone tapes, ominously labelled with their names, provide the initial narrative breadcrumbs, leading the characters and the audience on a harrowing journey of discovery.
Wan, in his directorial debut, crafts an environment that is oppressive, bleak, and unrelenting. The majority of the film unfolds within the confines of this squalid bathroom, using its claustrophobic setting to intensify the growing tension between the two prisoners. With each passing minute, the film masterfully weaves a web of suspense and intrigue that is punctuated by vicious acts of violence and a series of grotesque torture devices. Yet, what sets Saw apart is its ability to infuse horror with a profound sense of psychological torment. The dictaphone tapes, as they recount past atrocities committed by the elusive "Jigsaw," lay the foundation for a narrative filled with moral dilemmas and character-driven conflict.
Central to the film's riveting narrative is the enigmatic Jigsaw, a character whose motivations transcend simple sadism. The genius of Saw lies in its depiction of a villain who believes himself to be an instrument of enlightenment, utilizing pain and suffering as a means to force individuals to confront their own sins and appreciate life. The intricate puzzle of the narrative unfolds as detectives, particularly the obsessed Detective Tapp (Danny Glover), chase down leads, attempting to decipher the mind of this tormentor. The film deftly employs crude flashbacks to unravel the killer's previous heinous acts, building a sense of dread and anticipation as the characters and the audience draw ever closer to the film's shocking revelations.
James Wan's directorial prowess is evident in his deft manipulation of visual elements to heighten suspense. The use of various camera techniques, including fast-motion effects and black-and-white stills, creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps the audience disoriented and engaged. Wan expertly controls the pacing of the film, using flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling to maintain a sense of intrigue while obscuring the true nature of the narrative. Just as one begins to believe they have unravelled the puzzle, the rug is pulled from under their feet, and the plot takes another unexpected turn.
Cary Elwes delivers a compelling performance as Dr Lawrence Gordon, capturing the character's desperation and internal conflict as he grapples with the dire choice before him. Leigh Whannell, who also co-wrote the script, portrays Adam with a blend of vulnerability and survival instinct. These performances, combined with Wan's direction and the film's gritty aesthetics, contribute to the palpable sense of unease that pervades every scene.
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Saw defies easy categorization, for it is not merely a horror film but also a suspenseful mystery that echoes the suspenseful stylings of Alfred Hitchcock. The film's chilling exploration of morality and the fragility of life resonates deeply, elevating it beyond the trappings of its gruesome imagery. The film's twist-laden narrative keeps audiences engaged while simultaneously forcing them to confront uncomfortable ethical dilemmas.
As the inaugural instalment of the Saw franchise, Wan's film paved the way for a series that would delve deeper into the realm of extreme violence and gore. However, it is crucial to distinguish this first entry from its subsequent sequels, which succumbed to the label of "torture porn". Saw maintains a delicate balance between its brutal visual elements and its cerebral narrative, crafting a compelling story that lingers long after the credits roll.
Despite its relatively modest budget and the passage of time, Saw continues to wield its impact. The raw and gritty nature of its presentation still effectively evokes discomfort and shock, while its era-defining twist remains a testament to Wan's storytelling acumen. As horror fans continue to revisit this cinematic milestone, its potency as a suspenseful and thought-provoking tale endures.
In retrospect, Saw is an audacious and inventive debut that marks the birth of a horror icon in James Wan. Its legacy is not just defined by its unnerving brutality, but also by its exploration of human nature under duress. As the only instalment in the franchise to weave a morality tale into its core, Saw reminds us that horror can transcend mere shock value and engage audiences on a deeper, intellectual level.
James Wan's masterful handling of suspense, paired with standout performances and a narrative that questions the limits of human morality, cements Saw as a genre-defining classic that continues to chill and challenge audiences to this day.
Saw was released in 2004, but the latest instalment, Saw X is in NZ cinemas from September 28, 2023