Saw (2004)

Detailed Summary

The Bathroom Trap

The film opens with two men, Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), waking up in a dilapidated bathroom, each chained to pipes on opposite sides of the room. In the center lies a dead body, holding a revolver and a tape recorder. The men discover they are part of a sadistic game orchestrated by the mysterious Jigsaw Killer. Lawrence is told he must kill Adam before six o’clock, or his family will die.

The Flashbacks and Clues

Through a series of flashbacks, the audience learns more about Jigsaw and his previous victims, who were forced to make life-threatening choices to survive. These victims had one thing in common: Jigsaw believed they didn’t appreciate their lives. Clues are scattered around the bathroom, leading to intense psychological tension between the two men as they attempt to solve the puzzle.

The Desperate Measures

As time runs out, Lawrence becomes increasingly desperate. He receives a call indicating his wife and daughter are in danger, pushing him to make a horrifying decision. Lawrence saws off his foot with a hacksaw to free himself from the chain and crawls to the revolver to shoot Adam.

The Shocking Twist

In a shocking twist, the supposedly dead body in the middle of the room stands up, revealing himself as Jigsaw (Tobin Bell). He was orchestrating the entire event, having manipulated the situation to test Lawrence and Adam’s will to survive. The film ends with Jigsaw leaving Adam to die in the bathroom, closing the door with the chilling line, “Game over.”

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Jigsaw locking Adam inside the bathroom, leaving him to die. Dr. Gordon, having severed his foot, crawls out to find help, but his fate remains uncertain. The movie ends on a dark and hopeless note, characteristic of the series.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Saw” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Saw” is a horror-thriller, specifically known for its gruesome and elaborate traps, psychological tension, and moral dilemmas. It is often credited with popularizing the “torture porn” subgenre, though it’s more accurately described as a psychological horror film.

Cast

• Cary Elwes as Dr. Lawrence Gordon
• Leigh Whannell as Adam Stanheight
• Danny Glover as Detective David Tapp
• Monica Potter as Alison Gordon
• Michael Emerson as Zep Hindle
• Tobin Bell as Jigsaw / John Kramer

Film Music and Composer

Charlie Clouser, previously part of Nine Inch Nails, composed the film’s score. The “Hello Zepp” theme stands out as one of the most memorable pieces in contemporary horror music.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California: The crew shot the entire movie in Los Angeles, working with a tight budget and completing it in just 18 days. They filmed the bathroom scenes on a set, while various locations around the city served as the backdrop for the exterior shots.

The claustrophobic setting of the bathroom is crucial to the film’s tension and sense of dread.

Awards and Nominations

• Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Horror Film and Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Leigh Whannell).
• Fangoria Chainsaw Awards: Won Best First Feature (James Wan).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film was shot in just 18 days on a very tight budget.
• Cary Elwes and Leigh Whannell spent most of the shoot in the bathroom set, which created a genuine sense of discomfort and claustrophobia.
• The team originally planned to release the film directly on DVD but were pleasantly surprised by its success in theaters.

Inspirations and References

• Source Material: The concept of Jigsaw’s moralistic traps was inspired by the works of horror directors like Dario Argento and David Fincher, particularly “Seven” (1995).
• Life Experience: Co-writer Leigh Whannell drew inspiration from his own experiences with migraines and a medical scare, leading to the idea of characters placed in life-or-death situations.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The filmmakers trimmed some scenes for pacing, but no widely known alternate endings exist. The tight budget and shooting schedule allowed little opportunity for extra footage.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While not directly based on a book, the film’s narrative structure and moral dilemmas have drawn comparisons to classic works of horror and thriller literature.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Bathroom Discovery: Adam and Lawrence wake up to find themselves chained in the bathroom with a dead body between them.
• The Hacksaw Scene: Lawrence’s horrifying decision to saw off his foot to escape.
• The Final Reveal: Jigsaw’s dramatic reveal as he stands up from the middle of the bathroom floor.

Iconic Quotes

• “I want to play a game.” – Jigsaw
• “Most people are so ungrateful to be alive. But not you. Not anymore.” – Jigsaw
• “Game over.” – Jigsaw

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Jigsaw’s Identity: Small clues hint at Jigsaw’s identity throughout the film, like his voice on the tapes and the fact that he’s watching the entire game unfold.
• Clock Ticking: The ticking clock in the bathroom is a subtle nod to the real-time element of the film’s plot.

Trivia

• The “Saw” franchise has become one of the highest-grossing horror franchises of all time.
• Tobin Bell spent the entire filming process lying on the bathroom floor, pretending to be dead, for authenticity.
• The film’s success was a surprise, leading to numerous sequels and a lasting legacy in the horror genre.

Why Watch?

“Saw” is a must-watch for fans of horror and psychological thrillers. Its innovative traps, shocking twist ending, and exploration of moral dilemmas set it apart from typical slasher films.

Director’s Other Movies

• Dead Silence (2007)
• Death Sentence (2007)
• Insidious (2010)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• Malignant (2021)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Seven (1995)
• Hostel (2005)
• Cube (1997)
• The Collector (2009)
• The Descent (2005)