GT-Saw: Opening Sequence Analysis

Genre

• This film is the first of a seven film series which revolves around a psychologically challenged man, known as 'Jigsaw', who punishes people in twisted, often agonisingly painful games involving complex mechanical machines.
• This films genre is Psychological horror- a sub-genre of horror. 
• Films that share this sub-genre include: Blackswan, Case 39 and The Shining. 
• A sense of visceral is gathered from this opening film sequence due to the gore, and screaming, as though the audience is being dropped straight into the action and plot of the film. This opening sequence reinforces the typical expectations of a horror film for this reason. 

Film Language

• The film initially is set out as dark and incomprehensible. This gloomy shot combined with various choking sounds signify a negative atmosphere and tone immediately in the sequence.
• The audience, likewise with the characters in the clip, is introduced to the situation of the scene, however this also connotes a sense of confusion as there are no indications or explanations as to what is happening. This technique is paralleled with the audience as well as the characters in the actual clip, again emphasising an 'in the moment' feeling gathered by the audience. 
• Slowly, various shots are used to depict the scene, which appears as an old bathroom- a typical location for horrors. 
• The mise-en-scene is established throughout this clip by the use of props, lighting, and sound, as well as the overall location of the ageing washroom. The props such as the gun, saw and chains are fairly self explanatory in what they depict- a horrific, potentially gory (upcoming) sequence. The lighting is fluorescent, and fairly whitewashed matching itself with the surroundings of white tiles. Lastly the build up of non diegetic sound signifies a climax which appears later in the sequence (not shown in the clip).
• Nothing can be gathered in regards to their dialogue due to the lack of speech, however we can gather a sense of futility regarding the situation in which they are in through the quote, 'No one can hear you.' Mentioned by one of the men. Their gesticulations and struggling wight the chains show their panicked mood as well, outlining again, the negative situation.
• Sound is used in correlation with editing. This is gathered from the various shots of the dead man in the middle of the room with the wound and the gun, matched but booming short paced bursts of sound. This, in a way, shows audience the reality of the situation in a simplified way.
• The opening titles of the sequence are significant, in that they reflect the same tone gathered from the time sequence itself. For example the 'Twisted Pictures' animation at the beginning shows barbed wire being wound round the words in a violent, jerking fashion. Furthermore the use of thunder and lighting in the initial animation add to the eerie atmosphere where the dark colours of these combined with the animations work effectively to set the following scene.

Narrative

• The plot outline is not clear from this opening sequence. All that is presented to the audience initially is not explained until later in the film. However, we can establish the two men in the clip are not there by their own choice, and held captive by chains.
• Sequences change throughout the clip. To begin with editing is slow paced, where transitions between camera shots are less frequent. However this changes as the clip progresses and editing pace seems to increase. The effect of this is to create a feeling of tension. 
• The themes in the narrative include the futility of the situation. How they are chained up, struggling and shouting to no avail. These vain attempts by the characters to escape highlight this theme of futility. 

Representation and Ideology

• This sequence gives prevalence to male characters. Only male characters appear throughout the entire clip, however due to the lack in information given as to why they are in the situation, it is difficult to use them as representations for something we are unaware of at this time.
• Men are shown as weak in this clip, shown through their panic, struggling and weeping. This goes against residual ideologies that men show no emotion, especially when faced with the prospect of danger, and are supposed to show bravery. However this ideology is not reinforced in this opening sequence.

Media Audiences

• The target audience for Saw is around the 18-26 market- roughly the core audiences for cinema overall. However, due to the high age restrictions (18) it is apparent that this film is intended for adult viewing. 
• I see this film sequence as effective in terms of giving audiences that visceral feeling. As a teenager, my thoughts and feelings towards this film is that it appears difficult to relate to, however entertaining as I'm interested to find out the reasoning behind the vents of the sequence. 

Institutional Context

• John Kramer plays Jigsaw, the mastermind behind all the torturing 'games' as he refers to them in the films.
• Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures distributed this film.
• This film was independently made, and Lionsgate's second most successful film, bringing in $103 million in the box office on a $1.2 million budget.