SAW (2004)

SAW (2004). James Wan, dir.; story with Leigh Whannell. Leigh Whannell, script and first-credited player. USA: Evolution Entertainment, Saw Productions, Twisted Pictures (prod.) / Lions Gate Films (initial US release), 2004. 103 min. See IMDb for complex distribution.[1]

Classified by IMDb as Horror and Mystery, SAW includes also some elements of what has been called impolitely and (in this case somewhat) hyperbolically, "torture porn." The Storyline "Written by Aurabesh corrected by Paul P" on IMDb notes: "In a flashback, we learn of Amanda, a girl who falls victim to the Jigsaw Killer. On her head is a mask, which is hooked into her lower jaw.[2] There is a timer on it. Only one key will unlock it, and that key is in the digestive tract of her cell mate who lies paralyzed on the opposite side of the room. If she doesn't unlock the mask in time, her lower jaw will be ripped wide open." Significantly, this flashback is what is pictured on the 10th Anniversay poster for the film.[3] For this literal and horrific superimposition of the mechanical upon the human, cf. and contrast similar images with men, most famously Winston Smith in Room 101 in Nineteen Eighty-Four and 1984, but also Arnold Schwarzenegger in RUNNING MAN.[4]. Feminist students of the trope should note that Amanda's gag silences her, whereas the rat cage on Winston Smith's head allows speech, and his speech is crucial for Winston's final conversion to love of Big Brother.

RDE, 01/XI/14