Saw, a twisted series of horror, writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

In 2004, a new chapter in the horror genre was written with the release of Saw, a film that not only introduced audiences to a new level of psychological and physical terror but also gave birth to one of the most successful horror franchises in cinema history. Conceived by Australian filmmakers James Wan and Leigh Whannell, Saw quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels, video games, comic books, and even a theme park ride. This feature explores the evolution, impact, and enduring legacy of the Saw film series.

The genesis of Saw can be traced back to a short film of the same name created by Wan and Whannell. This 2003 short served as a proof of concept for a feature-length project, capturing the attention of Evolution Entertainment. With a modest budget of around $1.2 million, the feature film was shot in just 18 days. The original Saw revolves around two men who wake up in a dilapidated bathroom, chained by their ankles, with a dead body between them. They soon discover they are pawns in a deadly game orchestrated by the enigmatic Jigsaw Killer, whose twisted morality and intricate traps would become the series’ hallmark.

The success of Saw lay not just in its gore but in its clever narrative structure, intricate plot twists, and the philosophical questions it raised about life, death, and morality. The film’s success ($103 million worldwide) guaranteed sequels, with each installment delving deeper into the mind of John Kramer (Tobin Bell), the man behind Jigsaw.

Unlike traditional slasher villains, Jigsaw (John Kramer) is a complex character with a unique philosophy. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Kramer becomes disillusioned with the way people take their lives for granted. He decides to test his victims’ will to live by placing them in elaborate, often deadly, traps that require them to make harrowing choices. The goal is not to kill but to force a transformative experience, to make his victims appreciate life. This twisted but oddly principled approach set Jigsaw apart from other horror icons.

Following the original film, Saw II (2005) through Saw VII (2010), also known as Saw 3D: The Final Chapter, expanded on Jigsaw’s story, introducing new apprentices and more elaborate traps. Each sequel built upon the previous films’ narratives, creating a complex, interwoven storyline that rewarded dedicated fans. The franchise’s signature traps, such as the Reverse Bear Trap, the Needle Pit, and the Rack, became legendary in the horror community, known for their creativity and sheer brutality.

After a hiatus, the series returned with Jigsaw (2017), a film that revisited the franchise’s roots while introducing new elements. Most recently, Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021), starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, aimed to rejuvenate the franchise with a fresh perspective and contemporary themes.

The Saw franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its success helped popularize the ‘torture porn’ subgenre, influencing films like Hostel and The Collector. The series’ iconic traps and Jigsaw’s moralistic approach have been parodied and referenced across various media, from TV shows like The Simpsons to video games and music videos.

However, the series has not been without its critics. Some have argued that the later films prioritised gore over storytelling, leading to diminishing returns both critically and commercially. Despite this, the franchise’s ability to maintain a coherent narrative over numerous films remains a significant achievement in horror cinema.

20 years after the release of the original Saw, the franchise continues to captivate and horrify audiences around the world. Its blend of psychological horror, intricate plotting, and visceral thrills has secured its place as a landmark in the genre. As the series evolves and new chapters are written, the legacy of Jigsaw and his twisted games endures, reminding us of the fragile line between life and death and the lengths to which some will go to make us value every moment.