Saw Complete Story (2004)
Saw (2004), directed by James Wan, is a psychological horror film that introduces audiences to the twisted mind of John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw. The film's narrative weaves a complex tale of morality, survival, and the consequences of one's choices. It centers on two men, Adam and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who find themselves trapped in a grim game orchestrated by the notorious Jigsaw killer. As they navigate their horrifying predicament, the film explores themes of life, death, and the human capacity for redemption.
The Awakening: A Gruesome Game Begins
The film opens with Adam (Leigh Whannell) awakening in a filthy, abandoned bathroom, confused and disoriented. He quickly discovers that he is chained to a pipe, and across the room lies Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), a respected surgeon, also trapped and confused. Between them is a dead body, a victim of Jigsaw’s twisted game. The camera pans around the grimy room, revealing a series of cryptic clues and a tape recorder that will set the stage for the nightmarish events to come.
Each man has a distinct backstory that the film gradually unveils through flashbacks. Adam is a photographer who has been following Dr. Gordon's life, while Dr. Gordon has been struggling with his marriage and the weight of his career. As they begin to communicate, they realize that they have been chosen for a deadly game, but the rules are not yet clear.
The Rules of the Game: Jigsaw’s Philosophy
As the two men try to make sense of their situation, they listen to a tape recording of Jigsaw’s voice, which outlines the twisted rules of their game. Jigsaw is not just a killer; he believes he is a teacher, forcing his victims to confront their own failings and appreciate the value of life. He believes that only by facing extreme situations can individuals learn the importance of living.
The tape reveals that Dr. Gordon has a crucial decision to make: he must kill Adam within six hours to save himself and his family. If he fails, they will both die. This revelation sends Dr. Gordon into a panic, leading him to contemplate desperate measures to escape.
Flashbacks: The Jigsaw Investigation
As Adam and Dr. Gordon struggle to escape, the narrative flashes back to the investigation of Jigsaw, led by Detective David Tapp (Danny Glover). Tapp is obsessed with capturing Jigsaw, driven by the traumatic experience of losing his partner, who fell victim to one of Jigsaw's traps. His relentless pursuit of Jigsaw leads him to connect the dots, revealing the killer's patterns and motives.
The flashbacks provide context for Jigsaw’s actions, revealing how he has been operating for years, meticulously planning each trap and testing his victims. Detective Tapp's obsession puts a strain on his relationships, particularly with his partner, who becomes increasingly concerned about Tapp’s mental state as he spirals deeper into the investigation.
The First Test: A Glimpse of Jigsaw’s Methods
As the hours tick away, the film intersperses scenes of Adam and Dr. Gordon with Jigsaw’s other victims, offering a chilling glimpse into his mind. One particular trap involves a woman named Amanda Young, who has been captured by Jigsaw. She finds herself in a deadly test involving a reverse bear trap, which will rip her jaw apart if she doesn’t escape in time. This horrifying scene showcases Jigsaw's cruel ingenuity and the extreme measures he employs to test his victims' will to live.
Amanda’s escape from the trap serves as a pivotal moment in the film, demonstrating the consequences of survival and the psychological scars that result from Jigsaw’s games. The experience changes Amanda, and she becomes a crucial character in the later films, representing the profound impact Jigsaw has on his survivors.
Desperation Sets In: The Search for a Way Out
Back in the bathroom, as the tension escalates, Adam and Dr. Gordon's attempts to escape grow increasingly desperate. They search for tools or anything that might help them free themselves from their chains. In a moment of clarity, Dr. Gordon realizes that the key to their shackles has been placed in the stomach of the dead body lying between them. This gruesome realization is a turning point, pushing them to confront their fears and the lengths they are willing to go to survive.
Dr. Gordon ultimately decides to take drastic action. In a shocking moment, he uses a hacksaw he finds to attempt to cut through his own leg, believing it’s the only way to escape. This graphic scene exemplifies the film's commitment to visceral horror, forcing the audience to confront the extreme lengths one might go to when fighting for survival.
The Turning Point: The Final Choices
As Dr. Gordon’s mental state deteriorates, the relationship between him and Adam shifts. They grapple with feelings of betrayal, fear, and the looming threat of Jigsaw. With time running out, Dr. Gordon finally makes the decision to help Adam, realizing that they must work together if they want to survive.
Tapp’s investigation into Jigsaw leads him to the abandoned warehouse where the two men are trapped. He enters, gun drawn, but he soon finds himself caught in a trap set by Jigsaw. Tapp's reckless pursuit of Jigsaw ultimately results in his own demise, reinforcing the film's theme of obsession and the dire consequences of one’s choices.
The Final Reveal: A Twist of Fate
As the tension reaches its peak, Dr. Gordon manages to free himself from his chains, but not without sustaining serious injuries. He makes his way to the bathroom, where he finds Adam has also escaped his shackles. The duo confronts each other in a moment of betrayal, and Dr. Gordon must decide whether to trust Adam or see him as a threat.
In a final twist, Dr. Gordon discovers that the real mastermind behind their ordeal has been Jigsaw all along, manipulating events from the shadows. Jigsaw’s true identity and motives are revealed in a shocking climax, leaving the audience reeling. The film culminates in a brutal and intense showdown between the characters, resulting in a horrific final choice.
The Shocking Ending: A Legacy Begins
The film concludes with Dr. Gordon escaping the bathroom and leaving Adam behind, who is left to face the consequences of his survival. In a shocking final moment, Adam discovers a tape recorder that reveals Jigsaw's next move. The screen fades to black as Jigsaw’s iconic theme music plays, signaling the beginning of a legacy of horror that would span multiple sequels.
The film's ambiguous ending leaves viewers questioning the morality of Jigsaw's philosophy and the lengths to which people will go to survive. As the credits roll, Saw firmly establishes itself as a defining film in the horror genre, setting the stage for future installments and solidifying Jigsaw as one of cinema's most chilling villains.
Conclusion
Saw (2004) is a masterclass in psychological horror, introducing viewers to a complex narrative that challenges their perceptions of morality, justice, and survival. Through its twisted traps and gripping character dynamics, the film forces audiences to confront their deepest fears and the consequences of their choices. The legacy of Jigsaw begins here, and with it, the chilling reminder that life is often a game where the stakes are deadly.
