Unveiling the Intricate Mind of Jigsaw: Delve into the Ingenious Origins of His Terrifying Traps

Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Saw X!

Summary

The traps in Saw X are influenced by Mexican folklore, mythology, and the directors' personal experiences as "lapsed Catholics." They have a more modest and do-it-yourself aesthetic, similar to the traps in the original Saw film.

In Saw X, a variety of unique traps are introduced, including one that revolves around John's battle against cancer and a fresh take on the sacrificial element seen in previous traps. The eye vacuum trap provides a glimpse into Jigsaw's more intricate and complex designs.

Director Kevin Greutert and production designer Anthony Stabley share the intriguing backstory behind Jigsaw's traps in Saw X, marking the tenth installment in the horror franchise. Tobin Bell portrays John Kramer, who unleashes his bloody schemes upon a group of con artists in Mexico City, who deceive him into believing they have cured his cancer. With the assistance of Shawnee Smith's character Amanda, John takes vengeance on the scammers in what becomes his most personal and gripping game yet.

In preparation for the release of the movie, Greutert and Stabley were interviewed by Screen Rant to discuss the making of Saw X. When questioned about the creation of Jigsaw's traps in the new sequel, the director and production designer shared that they took inspiration from Mexico's culture and their own experiences as "lapsed Catholics". They incorporated elements of iconography into the machines, ensuring that the audience could believe that John Kramer was the creator. Additionally, being in the actual factory location allowed for an integration of the traps that felt realistic. Furthermore, the medical theme of the movie influenced the design of each trap, as they were tailored to fit each character's purpose. It is evident that a great deal of thought and consideration went into the development of these traps.

Kevin Greutert and I are both former Catholics. We share a common background of attending Catholic school, which you can verify. The influence of the Spanish Inquisition also played a role in shaping our experiences.

How Saw X's Traps Compare To The Rest Of The Franchise

Set between the first two films, Saw X found itself in an intriguing spot in the franchise's timeline. The events transported us back to the early 2000s, when John was still a novice at trap design. Consequently, Jigsaw's traps had a fittingly modest and do-it-yourself quality compared to the more elaborate designs in later sequels. Mateo's trap was reminiscent of the notorious death mask seen in the first two sequels, as he was forced to mutilate himself before a large mask closed around him, ultimately leading to his demise.

Similarly, Valentina's trap harked back to the likes of Gordon's trap in the original Saw and the opening trap in the sixth movie. She had to amputate her own leg and extract enough marrow to deactivate a wire saw. Despite the sense of familiarity, the main group of players encountered a few original traps. For instance, Gabriela was subjected to ionizing radiation, a personal touch related to John's battle against cancer. Additionally, the bloodboarding machine, seemingly intended for Cecilia, twisted a previously established formula by mandating one's sacrifice for the survival of another.

The eye vacuum trap, featured prominently in the opening of Saw X, is undeniably the most distinctive among the various traps. It involves John forcing a dishonest hospital orderly to endure it, although it later turns out to be a hallucination, serving as a prompt for the orderly to mend his ways. Nevertheless, this trap provides an intriguing glimpse into the inventive and intricate traps that Jigsaw would create and pass on to his protégés following his demise. Although the future of the franchise is uncertain, the most recent installment has raised the standard for the imaginative design of these devices.