Saw (Uncut, Theatrical Version) [DVD] [2004]

The plot is diabolically clever. It appears that a maniac is on the loose, placing people in fiendish situations that are truly matters of life or death, virtually ensuring that someone dies. The deaths occur in a highly unusual manner, indicative of a complex and maniacal mind at work. Detectives Tapp (Danny Glover) and Sing (Ken Leung) are on the case and hot on this maniac's trail. When on the verge of his capture, however, everything goes wrong, and Detective Tapp becomes somewhat unhinged after a total debacle ensues.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), who was himself a suspect in the case, suddenly finds himself in a filthy, ancient, cavernous bathroom, along with a young man named Adam (Leigh Whannell). Both are chained to pipes in the wall and are disoriented and unsure as to how they got there. Between them and just beyond their reach lies an apparently dead man in a pool of blood, ostensibly killed with the gun that he still holds in his hand. Then, Dr. Gordon and Adam discover that a series of cryptic instructions have been left for them to follow. Each instruction clearly delineates just how precarious their position is.

What follows is a mesmerizing cat and mouse game, replete with a number of twists and turns, that is sure to keep the viewer enthralled. This is certainly a plot driven, rather than character driven, film. Therefore, although some of the acting is not of the highest caliber, it matters not, as it is the plot, and not the individual characterizations, that are at the central core of this gripping film. Moreover, the plot is so creative and riveting, that some of its flaws become virtually insignificant in the overall scheme of things. The screenwriter, Leigh Whannell, who also plays the part of Adam, deserves kudos for his complex and clever screenplay. He deserves less than that for his portrayal of Adam. Mr. Whannell should concentrate on screenplay writing, as it is there that his true gift lies. Notwithstanding this relatively minor criticism, I love this film!

I can see why this film has been likened to Seven – the way the deaths are more than meaningless murders (i.e. the murderer has thought each one out carefully and thinks he is right in killing the ‘deserving’ victims) and the clever ways in which the murderer sets up his victims – however it really isn’t that similar and the storyline itself is completely different.

The concept is excellent – two men are chained in a bathroom with a dead man – one has a saw, the other has a gun, there are notes, keys, photographs and a camera in the room – all of which set the scene up for something nasty. Of course the film isn’t just set in the bathroom and flashbacks and scenes shot away from the bathroom fill in all the relevant information for the viewer.

This was a low budget flick which wasn’t supposed to be such a success but the clever storyline gripped viewers and I can understand why. Throughout the whole film I was constantly trying to work out what to do next – I didn’t come up with a solution.

The ending really surprised me but if you have a weak stomach then avoid this film – if you love suspense and dark movies though then watch this one. You’ll be on the edge of your seat!