The inception of Saw stemmed from a fleeting thought in the shower and a bathroom, as revealed by James Wan, the mastermind behind the franchise. Saw revolutionized the horror genre and propelled the careers of Wan and his partner Leigh Whannell to greater heights. The movie plots the elaborate machinations of John Kramer, the notorious Jigsaw killer who subjects his prey to a series of traps and schemes. Despite Jigsaw's notoriety, Wan humbly acknowledges the modest beginnings of Saw, as he shared with The Hollywood Reporter:
Leigh and I were determined to stand out from the multitude of indie movies flooding the market in the mid-to-late '90s. We spent an entire year brainstorming story ideas, but it wasn't until one fateful moment in the shower that inspiration struck me. The concept was simple yet intriguing - two strangers, chained to opposite sides of a grungy bathroom, with no memory of how they got there. This seed of an idea grew into the foundation of a story that culminated in Jigsaw, the mastermind behind their captivity. I shared my rough outline with Leigh, and he was immediately captivated. He took the concept and ran with it, ultimately creating the iconic horror franchise, Saw. It's a testament to the power of even the most modest beginnings, and the potential for greatness when ideas are given the attention and care they deserve.
Why The Simple Idea Of Saw Works So Well
The success of the Saw franchise can be attributed to its humble beginnings and unique concept. Despite having a meager budget of only $1.2 million, the first Saw film earned over $100 million at the box office, proving its ability to captivate audiences. The idea of a serial killer setting up intricate traps that give victims a chance to escape is undeniably intriguing. However, what sets Jigsaw apart from other horror villains is his motive. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decides to use his traps to teach his victims a lesson. This adds depth to his character and raises the stakes, as it creates the possibility for the victims to survive and grow.
The image of Billy the Puppet has become synonymous with the franchise, serving as a haunting and fitting emblem. Its simplistic design is a testament to the low-budget feel of the films. Yet, despite its simplicity, the puppet's presence alone is enough to strike terror into both characters and audiences alike. Saw's roots may have been modest, but its ability to scare and captivate is what has made it a triumph.
