Detailed Summary
The Opening Trap
The film begins with a gruesome test where a man named Troy must escape from a room filled with chains pierced through his body. The scene sets the tone for the brutal traps that follow. Troy’s inability to escape in time results in his gruesome death, reinforcing the theme of punishment for perceived moral failings.
Jigsaw’s Failing Health
John Kramer, known as Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), is in critical condition due to his cancer. Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith), Jigsaw’s apprentice, kidnaps Dr. Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh) and forces her to keep Jigsaw alive long enough to complete another game. Lynn is fitted with a collar connected to Jigsaw’s heart rate, ensuring that if he dies, she dies too.
Jeff’s Test
Jeff (played by Angus Macfadyen) endures a series of harrowing tests that force him to confront his thirst for revenge over his son’s death. He faces the challenge of saving individuals tied to the tragedy, but his hesitation and rage frequently result in deadly consequences.
The Final Twist
As Jeff progresses through his tests, it becomes clear that Amanda’s increasingly unstable behavior is part of Jigsaw’s final game. Amanda is tested on whether she can follow Jigsaw’s philosophy of giving people a chance to survive. However, Amanda fails her test, revealing that she has been creating inescapable traps, violating Jigsaw’s code. The film culminates in a deadly showdown where Amanda is killed, and Jeff, who has completed his test, is given the chance to forgive Jigsaw.
The Cliffhanger Ending
Jeff ultimately kills Jigsaw in a fit of rage, triggering Lynn’s death. Before dying, Jigsaw reveals that Jeff’s daughter is in another trap, leaving Jeff in a desperate situation. The movie ends with this cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.
Movie Ending
The ending of “Saw III” is a shocking culmination of the film’s intertwined plots. Jeff, despite completing his tests, succumbs to his anger and kills Jigsaw, unknowingly dooming his wife Lynn, who is linked to Jigsaw’s heartbeat via the collar. As Jigsaw dies, the collar activates, killing Lynn. Jigsaw’s final words reveal that Jeff’s daughter is in danger, but the movie ends before revealing her fate, leaving viewers with a sense of dread and anticipation for the sequel.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Saw III” does not feature any post-credits scenes. The film concludes with the main narrative, setting up the events for the next installment.
Type of Movie
“Saw III” is a horror film, specifically a psychological horror-thriller with elements of gore and intense suspense, often categorized as part of the “torture porn” subgenre.
Cast
- Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw
- Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young
- Angus Macfadyen as Jeff Denlon
- Bahar Soomekh as Dr. Lynn Denlon
- Dina Meyer as Detective Allison Kerry
- Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Eric Matthews
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Charlie Clouser, who is known for his work on the “Saw” series. The music features eerie, industrial sounds that enhance the film’s dark and unsettling atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Toronto, Canada: Much of the film was shot in and around Toronto, utilizing various industrial and abandoned buildings to create the claustrophobic environments of Jigsaw’s traps.
The choice of location helped to create the dark, grimy, and oppressive atmosphere that is a hallmark of the “Saw” series.
Awards and Nominations
“Saw III” was more of a commercial success than a critical darling. While it did not receive major awards, it was noted for its makeup and special effects, receiving some recognition within the horror film community.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Darren Lynn Bousman and the crew had to work under tight deadlines, completing the film within a short time frame.
- Shawnee Smith performed many of her own stunts, including enduring physically demanding scenes.
- The film’s script was adjusted during production to maintain the continuity and to respond to fan expectations.
Inspirations and References
- Franchise Legacy: “Saw III” continues the legacy of the “Saw” franchise, heavily influenced by its predecessors in terms of plot structure and themes.
- Philosophical Themes: The film delves deeper into Jigsaw’s twisted philosophy of morality and survival, inspired by ethical dilemmas and psychological theories.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no major alternate endings, but several scenes were trimmed or altered during the editing process to maintain the film’s pacing and intensity.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While “Saw III” is not based on a book, it does continue the narrative threads established in the previous films, expanding on the lore and character development of Jigsaw and his disciples.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Surgery Scene: Dr. Lynn performs brain surgery on Jigsaw in a tense, graphic sequence.
- Amanda’s Breakdown: Amanda’s emotional breakdown as she fails her final test, revealing her inability to follow Jigsaw’s philosophy.
- Jeff’s Final Confrontation: Jeff’s confrontation with Jigsaw, where he ultimately fails to forgive him.
Iconic Quotes
- “Suffering? You haven’t seen anything yet.” – Jigsaw
- “It’s the rules, Jeff.” – Amanda Young
- “Live or die, make your choice.” – Jigsaw
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Jigsaw’s Voice Recordings: The recordings Jigsaw leaves for his victims are a signature element of the series, with clues hidden in his words.
- References to Previous Films: Subtle references to events and traps from the first two “Saw” films are scattered throughout, tying the trilogy together.
Trivia
- The brain surgery scene was advised by a real neurosurgeon to ensure its realism.
- Tobin Bell spent much of the film lying down due to Jigsaw’s deteriorating condition, yet his presence dominates the movie.
- “Saw III” was initially rated NC-17, requiring several cuts to secure an R rating.
Why Watch?
“Saw III” is a must-watch for fans of the “Saw” franchise and those who enjoy psychological horror with a deep dive into twisted moral dilemmas. It provides answers to questions from the previous films while introducing new layers to the Jigsaw character.
Director’s Other Movies
- Saw II (2005)
- Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
- Mother’s Day (2010)
- The Devil’s Carnival (2012)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Hostel (2005)
- The Collector (2009)
- Cube (1997)
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
- The Human Centipede (2009)
