Game Changer: The Legacy of Saw

Game Changer: The Legacy of Saw is a documentary film that delves into the world of the highly successful Saw franchise. Behind the scenes interviews with the cast and crew, including James Wan and Leigh Whannell, shed light on the creation of the first film that kick-started a global phenomenon. The documentary begins with a brief history of the Saw franchise, chronicling its humble beginnings as a low-budget horror film made on a shoestring budget of just $1.2 million. The film, which would go on to gross over $100 million at the box office, was initially met with skepticism by many in the film industry. However, its unique and brutal brand of horror soon won over audiences, and the film's success paved the way for a franchise that would go on to spawn seven sequels. One of the key factors in the success of Saw was its innovative marketing campaign. The film's trailers and posters cleverly concealed the plot, instead focusing on the franchise's gruesome and often disturbing themes. This approach generated significant buzz and anticipation among horror fans, who were eager to see the next big thing in the genre. The documentary features interviews with the cast and crew of the original film, including lead actor Cary Elwes, who plays Dr. Lawrence Gordon, a protagonist of the film. Elwes shares his initial reactions to the script, which he found to be both fascinating and disturbing. He also discusses the grueling shooting schedule, which often saw the cast and crew working for 12-14 hours a day. James Wan, who directed the original Saw, speaks about the challenges he faced in bringing the film to life. With a limited budget, Wan and his team had to get creative with the production design, using practical effects and clever editing to create the illusion of a much larger production. He also shares his inspiration for the film's unique tone, which blended elements of horror and psychological thriller. Leigh Whannell, who co-wrote the script and starred in the film, discusses the origins of the story and the iconic trap scenes that have become synonymous with the franchise. Whannell reveals that the idea for the film was born out of a writing exercise, in which he and Wan were challenged to come up with a script using only a small budget and a single room. Throughout the documentary, Game Changer pays tribute to the Saw franchise's enduring legacy, exploring its impact on popular culture and its influence on the horror genre as a whole. The film features interviews with fans and industry professionals, who discuss how Saw changed the way they think about horror movies and the way they engage with the genre. Game Changer also examines the behind-the-scenes antics and pranks played by the cast and crew, including the infamous "pig head" scene, which involved a real pig and a cast member's unfortunate accident. The documentary provides a fun and lighthearted perspective on the film's making, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and humor that defined the set. One of the most interesting segments of the documentary is its exploration of the Saw franchise's cultural significance. The film has been the subject of numerous academic studies, which have analyzed its themes of mortality, morality, and the effects of trauma on individuals. Game Changer delves into the academic community's fascination with Saw, discussing its representation of the human psyche and its critique of modern society. Throughout the film, Game Changer features a range of nostalgic and behind-the-scenes footage, offering a comprehensive look at the making of the original Saw. The documentary also includes interviews with key cast and crew members from subsequent Saw films, including Tobin Bell, who has become synonymous with the franchise as the iconic villain Jigsaw. Game Changer: The Legacy of Saw is a must-see for fans of the horror genre and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of their favorite films. By shedding light on the creative process and business savvy that made Saw a global phenomenon, the documentary offers a compelling look at the factors that contribute to the success of a film.