Saw is a 2004
horror film directed by
James Wan and starring
Cary Elwes,
Leigh Whannell, and
Danny Glover. The plot of the film was conceived of by James Wan, while Whannell wrote the screenplay. It is the first installment of the
Saw film series.
The film's story revolves around two men who awaken kidnapped and
chained in a dilapidated industrial bathroom. They are given
instructions via a microcassette recorder on how to escape by following
the "rules" of their "game". Meanwhile, police detectives investigate
and attempt to apprehend
the criminal responsible.
The film was first screened January 19, 2004, at the
Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews.
[2][3] It was then screened at the
Toronto International Film Festival on September 18, 2004, with theatrical releases on October 29, 2004, in the
United States and December 2, 2004, in
Australia. The film was originally rated
NC-17 for strong, graphic violence, though after being slightly re-edited, it was released with a
R rating.
[4]Critical responses varied. Some critics denounced the entire film as
nothing more than a "sadist gore fest" and a "low quality" and "cheap
snuff film", while others praised its stylish visuals and called it a
true "chilling" and "terrifying" horror film. Despite mixed reviews,
Saw was a financial box office success.
