Saw I (2004) Review

Saw I was released in 2004; filmed in just 18 days on a small budget of $1.2 million.

Through exploring themes of revenge, rehabilitation, and recovery, the original Saw offers a new perspective on life and isolates itself from the rest of the horror genre. On hearing the words "I want to play a game", Jigsaw's victims are given the chance to appreciate a life they have taken for granted in some way.

Most, if not all, horror movie antagonists are stripped from the luxury of viewer understanding and sympathy, but with John Kramer's morals stemming from a suicide attempt, this paints him as a real human being. Similarly, Kramer’s cancer storyline came from Screenwriter Leigh Whannell’s in and out trips to the hospital mid-filming for his anxiety. This experience, although difficult, enabled Leigh to create a film that had "human" elements, and that is quite phenomenal.

Many critics have labelled Saw as “torture porn”, but one of the most interesting things about the original Saw, is that the movie isn’t very gory at all. Rather, James Wan (the Director), creates scenes that cleverly give the implication of intense violence without ever really showing it. For example, the climactic scene where Lawrence saws his leg off is relatively tame; we are only shown small glimpses of Lawrence cutting into shallow flesh, and the rest is conveyed through facial shots. Wan's ability to imply the pain and fear of each experience, without graphically depicting much, is highly admirable, and the use of practical effects in the original Saw are both impressive and effective.

Unlike the rest of its franchise, Saw's narrative is character focused. We are met with likeable and relatable characters such as fan-favourite Adam Stanheight (the comic relief), and Amanda Young (a character struggling with her mental health). The film subtly explores a queer romance between protagonists Adam and Lawrence, which explains why so many returning viewers are lgbtq+. It's this in-depth connection with the characters that creates genuine sympathy, and I think there's a real lack of this going forward, where characters simply exist to be killed off.

I strongly believe that Saw has shaped a whole new take on the horror genre, known for being shocking and memorable, even seventeen years later. It is both emotionally captivating and individual to its franchise, and for that, I give it infinite credit.