Saw (2004)

Synopsis

Two men, Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), wake up chained in a dilapidated bathroom. As they try to figure out what’s going on, Gordon believes this to be the work of The Jigsaw Killer. Through flashback, we learn that The Jigsaw Killer’s MO is putting victims through traps intended to make them appreciate life. Hot on the case are Detectives David Tapp (Danny Glover) and Steven Sing (Ken Leung), who initially suspected Gordon. They almost found the killer through the testimony of survivor Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith), but Sing dies, and Tapp’s discharged. Back in the present, Gordon’s wife and daughter, Alison (Monica Potter) and Diana (Makenzie Vega) are held captive. With time running out, Gordon has to decide: kill Adam to save his family or work with Adam to survive. Will they escape or become The Jigsaw Killer’s next victims?

Review

Given how future installments emphasized gore and elaborate death traps, it’s surprising how tame the original Saw is. That’s not to say there isn’t anything gruesome, but it’s not as bloody or over-the-top as its sequels. It’s pretty subdued with its violence, which makes it even more disturbing when something shocking happens. What also helps is the overall tone, which is dour and nihilistic with a pervasive sense of dread. The production design best shows the tone, with every location having a dank, grungy look and feel. From the bathroom housing our leads to Jigsaw’s workshop, everything feels dirty and lived in, which helps it stand out. The quick-cut editing and off-kilter transitions create an uneasy feeling without appearing drawn out or overused. James Wan and Leigh Whannell proved they could stretch their limited budget and overcome limitations in a way that works.

You’d never guess that this was Whannell’s acting debut because he delivered a solid performance as Adam. Admittedly, there are times when his Australian accent slips through, but it’s not enough to take you out of it. It helps that he’s working opposite Cary Elwes, who performs equally well as the level-headed Dr. Gordon. Like Elwes, Danny Glover, Shawnee Smith, Monica Potter, and Michael Emerson give it their all with their roles. They were established actors and could’ve easily sleepwalked through their roles, but they committed themselves to the material. Smith, in particular, shines in her small but memorable role as Amanda Young, the only victim to survive Jigsaw’s game. Despite only hearing his voice for much of the film, Tobin Bell still has a commanding presence that’s felt throughout. It’s easy to see how he became a horror icon, especially with the sequels expanding on his backstory.

While some might bemoan the film’s use of flashbacks to tell its story, they effectively unravel the mystery. It helps that the flashbacks don’t spoil things, leaving it to the audience to figure out. Plus, the way the film goes from horror to detective thriller is seamless and never feels out of place. Admittedly, the idea of a killer justifying his actions as morality plays has been done before in movies like Se7en. However, unlike Kevin Spacey’s killer, Jigsaw doesn’t necessarily want to kill people but rather test their will to live. This dynamic adds a layer of depth that makes you question whether or not Jigsaw’s actions are justifiable. At 103 minutes, the film moves at a breakneck pace and keeps you guessing until the end. Overall, Saw is an excellent 2000s horror film that still holds up two decades later.

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