RM - Saw Deconstruction

Theatrical release poster

Title: Saw
Director: James Wan
Year Released: 2004
Budget: $1,200,000
US Takings: $55,153,403 (USA)
                      £6,645,485 (UK)

Additional information: There are seven films in the franchise

 

 

There is no establishing shot. The first shot viewed by the audience is a shot of the protagonist underwater. Eerie music is also played throughout the opening scene which adds tension. The titles of the film (Saw) appear on screen, effects are used to make it seem the titles are underwater. This fits in with the opening shot.

The shots used in the opening scene are very limited, this is due to the location chosen which is a large room, which features bathroom equipment including a bath and toilet, and although the room is large shots have been limited in order not to breach the 180-degree rule. The shots used mainly include close-ups for the protagonist (Adam) and medium shots used for the secondary character (Lawrence). The times when the two characters appear on screen (two-shots) is mainly done through the use of long shots.

The location used, like previously mentioned is a large room which includes bathroom appliances including a bath and toilet, however lighting has been used to add to the tension of the film. The lighting used in the room is dark, this showing that the characters are vulnerable to the audience. However when the lights are turned on the two characters are dazed for a couple of seconds, again showing the audience their vulnerability.

Several props feature in the opening scene including a pistol, a bullet, a cassette player, two cassettes, and two envelops which have both characters names written on, two saws and two sets of chains and feet cuffs. Although towards the end of the opening sequence no one has died it does hint at what is to come. This is anchored when the cassettes are played as a voice says one of the two characters will have to die in order for the other one to survive. This is also anchored by a dead body with blood surrounding him/her on the floor in the middle of the room.

 

A narrative enigma is also used throughout the opening scene due to the use of the voice that is speaking in riddles on the cassette players.

Throughout the opening scene there is always a sense of panic and tension, this is done through mental torture as when the cassettes are being played the other character can hear the objective his rival needs to complete.

At the end of the opening scene the screen turns green signify a flashback?

15 mins 48 seconds


IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387564/
Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saw_(film)