HORROR FILM ANALYSIS

Saw

Saw was distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment and produced by Twisted Pictures in October 2004. With a budget of $1,000,000 the worldwide revenue is $103,911,300. The saw films have been a worldwide success and have many other media products such as soundtracks, toys, costumes and also rides at a variety of theme parks across the world. 

This trailer follows the character theory of Propps. The masked man known as 'jigsaw' is the villain, the use of the mask hides his identity which is well known for the villain character. 

The stereotypical blonde female is the victim and is seen as vulnerable and helpless and the audience is made to feel sorry for her.

The use of sound, camera movement, editing and mise en scene created the scary mood in this trailer. 

Throughout the trailer non diegetic sound is used such as a high pitched rumbling noise has been used at different moments in the trailer to create tension and to scare the audience. The diegetic sound of the actors/actress voices are unclear and understandable which creates a fear of the unknown for the audience. Other diegetic sound such as screams and the laughter of jigsaw will make the audience feel uneasy and fear for the person who is screaming. 

Throughout the trailer they use jump cuts to move from scene to scene, this creates suspense as the audience feel disorientated. There are many shots throughout the trailer where only dark is shown, this makes the audience feel as if they are involved and make them want to know what is coming next making them feel vulnerable.  

Popular camera shots in horror trailers are close ups which are used throughout this trailer. The close ups of characters faces highlights their fear and emotions which allows the audience to understand what they are feeling and sympathise for them. 

Throughout the trailer the lighting is very dark, and there is a lot of exposure to blood and weapons. The characters clothes have been ripped and covered in blood to show the torture the have been through. The use of props such as saws show how dangerous the situation these victims are in.