What else did I do at New York Comic Con this year? Oh yeah, I got to sit down to a roundtable interview with four people from Saw 3D (Saw VII or Saw 3-D: The Final Chapter). I was very excited to look up and see director Kevin Greutert and cast members Cary Elwes (Dr. Gordon), Betsy Russell (Jill), and Costas Mandylor (Hoffman) sitting in front of me.
A big part of the discussion involved the use of 3D for the seventh and final installment of Saw. According to the director, Kevin Greutert, Saw 3D should be better than the average 3D film that has come out lately just because it was “actually filmed in 3D.” He said there was no “post conversion like a lot of the other films do.” Greutert explained that he had hoped to direct Saw VI in 3D, but when that didn’t happen, one of the first decisions made about Saw VII was to shoot in 3D. So maybe, just maybe, Saw 3D will be worth the extra cash and really allow us to experience those horribly awesome death traps along with the characters.
All three of the actors – Cary Elwes, Betsy Russell, Costas Mandylor – commented on how much longer filming in 3D took than a regular 2D film. Mandylor said filming was often frustrating just because he would be ready to do a scene and then have to wait another 40 minutes for everything to get set up. On the flip side, he said, “It was a chance to play with the crew that wasn’t on set, so I got to socialize a little more.”
Saw 3D is actually going to be the last one of the series…supposedly. Greutert said that with each film they try to outdo themselves and “I’m not sure how much longer we could actually do that.” So how did Saw 3D turn out? Is it going to be bigger and better than all the rest of them? Elwes has seen the film and he said at times he was just laughing hysterically because it was so horrifying. He stated:
“It’s without a doubt the most graphically violent movie I have ever seen in my entire life. It’s relentless. And it’s not a film I would not want to sit through a second time. You are laughing out of fear. You can’t believe this kind of thing is happening before your eyes. I feel like the fans will not be disappointed with this one.”
The Saw series is not all about horror though. Each film has an underlying message according to Russell. She said that the fans of the series get it. “They get that Saw has a heart and a soul and a life of its own. They get the message to appreciate your life, be grateful in every moment, make the best choices that you can, and forgiveness. That’s what I take away from Jigsaw and his traps.”
Well, you’ve heard it straight form the director and actors’ mouths. Saw 3D should blow us away with better 3D and uber violent scenes; but, it’s not all about the violence. You can also take home some lessons about life. Are you going to be able to handle such a complex film? I know I’m going to find out soon and so can you. Saw 3D is out today in a theater near you!
This is the Action Flick Chick, and you’ve just been kicked in the ass!
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