Saw (2004)

 

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Time: 1h 40mins

Director: James Wan

Quick Summary: Two strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they're pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer.

I don't need anything else. This could have been a standalone film but I am so glad there is so so much more to this.

How could you hate this absolute classic, it's iconic. It is fully twists that are actually brilliant. If you're watching this for the first time, prepare to be stunned. This is absolutely genius right from the second it starts to the bloody, limb-severing conclusion, this smart thriller will have you completely engrossed. The plot twists and turns, keep you guessing until the very end. 

This was a brilliant watch, with its well-acted characters and dark, damp setting throughout. I just love the gritty, green overlay this has as well as the use of lighting and shadows giving it a creepy and eerie feel. The editing screams 2000s as well and I'm eating it right up. Full of quick flashy cuts that are sped up, and blurred randomly that really capture the pure panic and stress these characters are going through. Whenever I see editing like this in other films, I'm always reminded of the saw franchise. 

Carey Elwes and Danny Glover both gave captivating performances that were very convincing to watch. The characters felt very real and their actions were in line with their personalities, making the story more engaging. The movie was filled with intense scenes and plenty of gore that were sure to satisfy any horror fan. Sometimes, the script seemed a little bit odd to me or maybe they were said a little odd, but that wasn't too distracting.

The soundtrack also enhanced the tension in the movie, making it even more thrilling to watch. As well it is completely iconic, most people are able to recognise it instantly and think of this film. 

Now the real stuff. The traps. Absolutely brilliant. I find them so fascinating and imaginative. They don't feel extra or ridiculous at all. Each one I looked at and thought, yeah that is realistic and someone would actually have a chance at escaping that. I liked that they all looked genuinely handmade, and clunky. I feel like if they had sleeker designs, they wouldn't have so much of a shock factor to them. I actually don't think this was gorey, it was brutal, yes, but not a lot of blood is shown. 

I highly recommend watching this film as soon as possible. It's an amazing experience, though it can be disturbing at times due to its high shock value. I hope this is classed a classic film in time.

9/10

"Most people are so ungrateful to be alive. But not you. Not anymore."

"Dr. Lawrence Gordon: What's your name?

Adam: My name is Very Fucking Confused; what's your name?"

"Dr. Lawrence Gordon: What's the last thing you remember?

Adam: Nothing! I went to bed in my shithole apartment, and I woke up in an actual shithole."