Growing up, many held reservations about watching the horror phenomenon ‘Saw’. The grotesque depiction of violence and torture seemed stomach-turning for the faint-hearted. The influential flick, which showcased intricate and macabre traps, wasn’t everyone’s first pick at the movies, particularly for those with a low threshold for gore and a disinterest in chaotic portrayals of horror.
A Trailblazer in Modern Horror
Despite its graphic nature, ‘Saw’ earned its lofty place in the modern horror genre. Its unexpected and unspoiled twist revealing Jigsaw’s identity caught many off guard and elevated the film experience for those who were struggling with its chaotic editing, incomprehensible plot, and intense sound mixing.
Echoes of Other Mysteries
Often, tales of serial killers gravitate towards elucidating the motives behind the killings. For instance, ‘Seven’, a film ‘Saw’ unmistakably strives to emulate, categorizes its victims as embodiments of the seven deadly sins. Each victim of John Doe (Kevin Spacey) represents one of these sins, creating a twisted logic that ‘Saw’ seems to lack. Jigsaw’s (Tobin Bell) motives remain largely arbitrary, punishing individuals for aspects they have little control over, and arguably, making him a less compelling villain.
The Unrealized Potential of Saw’s Twist
Although the twist in ‘Saw’ is astonishing, it seems to lack substance and leaves audiences with more questions than answers. The oversight of the supposed corpse in the room being alive strains believability and leaves the audience struggling with the ‘movie logic’ excuse.
Jigsaw’s Lackluster Characterization
If the original ‘Saw’ were to be released today in 2023, John Kramer would likely be dismissed as an insignificant antagonist, ranting about the world’s failures to an audience of like-minded individuals on Rumble. He doesn’t invoke the same terror or revulsion as real-world monsters like Dahmer or Zodiac. Jigsaw’s character seems almost clownish in comparison, with his elaborate traps being his only noteworthy contribution to the horror genre.
Tension and Relationship Dynamics
Despite its glaring flaws, ‘Saw’ does succeed in building tension between its main characters, Gordon and Adam (Whannell). James Wan skillfully leverages the nonlinear narrative to unveil the mystery and emphasize the dire circumstances the characters find themselves in. The film, however, chooses to prioritize shock value over exploring the intriguing connections between Gordon and Jigsaw.
A Genre-Defining Phenomenon
Saw’s influence on the horror genre and pop culture is undeniable, offering a unique premise where a serial killer punishes individuals through tailor-made, sinister games. Although the film may lack terrifying elements and offers an unsatisfying mystery, its production story is inspiring. Created with a minimal budget in 18 days, ‘Saw’ exemplifies the potential of low-budget horror films to achieve blockbuster success.
The commercial success of the ‘Saw’ franchise is hard to dispute, and it certainly has its moments of genius and tension. However, the film’s underlying flaws, lack of compelling motive, and underdeveloped antagonist detract from its potential to be a truly groundbreaking piece in the horror genre. The franchise has, nevertheless, spawned numerous sequels, each adding to the lore and appeal of the Jigsaw killer, leaving an indelible mark on horror cinema.
