Saw VI

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Saw VI

Saw VI Promotional Poster
Directed by Kevin Greutert
Produced by Mark Burg
Oren Koules
Written by Patrick Melton
Marcus Dunstan
Starring Tobin Bell
Costas Mandylor
Shawnee Smith
Tanedra Howard
Betsy Russell
Peter Outerbridge
Mark Rolston
Athena Karkanis
Devon Bostick
Shauna MacDonald
Music by Charlie Clouser
Cinematography David Armstrong
Editing by Andrew Coutts[1]
Studio Twisted Pictures
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release date(s) Australia:
October 22, 2009
New Zealand:
October 22, 2009
Canada:
October 23, 2009
United Kingdom:
October 23, 2009
United States:
October 23, 2009
Running time 90 min.[2]
Country United States
Language English
Budget $11 million[3]
Gross revenue $53,480,367[4][3]
Preceded by Saw V
Followed by Saw VII

Saw VI is a 2009 horror film directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan. The film was released on October, 23 2009 in North America, which followed the tradition of being released the Friday before Halloween; it also followed tradition of being released in New Zealand and Australia a day earlier. It stars Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor and Betsy Russell. It is the sixth installment of the Saw film series. Kevin Greutert, who served as the editor for all the previous Saw, made his directorial debut with Saw VI. Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, the writers for both Saw IV and V, returned to write the film.[5] Charlie Clouser, who provided the score for all previous Saw films, also returned to compose the score for the film.

Saw VI concludes the second trilogy of the series that focused on the posthumous effects of the Jigsaw Killer and the progression of his successor, Mark Hoffman. In the film, Hoffman sets up a new trap for an insurance executive while the FBI trails the last living Jigsaw accomplice suspect, Peter Strahm. The film's plot has a heavy emphasis on the present day economic struggle of the government attempting to regulate healthcare in the United States.

Saw VI has received mixed reviews from film critics. Some praised it as being the best in the series while others dismissed the film for its "terrible acting", "laughable logic" and "political spin". It grossed $14.1 million its opening weekend, the lowest of the Saw films to date. Nevertheless, it was still a financial success, grossing over $53 million against its $11 million production budget.[4] The film was the first to receive a Película X rating in Spain for violence and not for pornographic, restricting screenings to eight select theaters in that region.[6]

Contents

Plot

 This plot summary may be too long or overly detailed. Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise. (November 2009)

Simone and Eddie (Tanedra Howard and Marty Moreau), two predatory lenders, awaken in a room with a caged-in scale in the center, wearing head harnesses. Screws are poised to drill into their skulls; the person who cuts off more flesh weight in sixty seconds will live, while the other will be killed by the screws. The overweight Eddie cuts fat from his body, but Simone chops her left arm off and tips the scale in her favor, saving herself. Lieutenant Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) is called to the scene by Dan Erickson (Mark Rolston), who found Peter Strahm's fingerprints around the room. Erickson also reveals that Lindsey Perez (Athena Karkanis) is alive; he explains that he protected Perez after her incident in Saw IV due to her being a target of an unknown accomplice, now believed to be Strahm. Hoffman is called to the hospital to question Simone.

William Easton (Peter Outerbridge), a health insurance executive, talks with his company's attorney about Harold Abbott (George Newbern), whose insurance policy was revoked after a discrepancy was found on his application and who later died from his illness. At the morgue during Eddie's autopsy, Hoffman is shown by Dr. Heffner (James Van Patten), who had performed the autopsies for all of Jigsaw's victims, that the person who cut the jigsaw piece from Eddie's skin used a knife used on only one other victim: Seth Baxter. Jill Tuck (Betsy Russell) meets with Hoffman at her clinic; he informs her that he is taking control of the games, and Jill hands him five envelopes received in the box from John's will, keeping the sixth to herself. It is revealed that in this same room, she once spoke with John about his ways of rehabilitation; he brought Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith), who Jill had once deemed a "lost cause", to her as proof that his ways could really work.

In his office, William is kidnapped and placed in a trap. A large vise encloses his torso, his wrists bound and a breathing mask covering his face. Hank (Gerry Mendicino), his janitor and a smoker, is in the same situation across from him. For the first test, if either man breathes, the vise will close around his torso; Hank is killed when he fails to hold his breath for long. In the second test, Jigsaw's puppet informs William that he must choose to save either his file clerk or secretary, named Allen and Addy (Shawn Ahmed and Janelle Hutchison) respectively, and let the other die; they stand side by side on retractable platforms with nooses around their necks. In the end, William chooses to save Addy, and Allen is hanged when his platform retracts. His third test takes place in a large boiler room, the company attorney, Debbie (Caroline Cave), stands at the bottom of a caged-in maze with a device on her chest set to fire a spear through her head. At the end of the maze, Debbie discovers through X-ray films that the key has been implanted in William's side; she attacks him with a circular saw, but fails to strike him before the timer runs out and kills her. In the final test, William finds his six junior staff members chained to a spinning carousel with a shotgun pointed towards each person, but he can only choose to save two of the six by pushing buttons in a device that will drive spikes into his hand and divert the shotgun upward. He reluctantly chooses to save Emily and Shelby.

Three more captives wake up in cages, each cage holding a tank of hydrofluoric acid. One cage holds Tara and Brent (Shauna MacDonald and Devon Bostick), a mother and son; the other cage holds Pamela Jenkins (Samantha Lemole). The former cage contains a switch labeled "Live" and "Die".

Meanwhile, Erickson and Perez inform Hoffman that abnormalities were found in Strahm's fingerprints, and that the scrambled voice from the Seth Baxter tape did not match Jigsaw's. They lead a worried Hoffman to the site where the voice is being unscrambled by a technician, where they relentlessly question Hoffman about the inconsistencies in Strahm working with Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), including the fact that Strahm was dead when his prints were found. The moment Hoffman's voice is unscrambled from the tape, he attacks and kills all three of them, pulls out Strahm's severed hand (preserved in a box of ice) and plants Strahm's prints around the room, then sets it on fire to burn the bodies and evidence. At the same time, Jill enters the observation room monitoring the two cages, leaving a letter by the computers.

When Hoffman returns, he finds the letter, which he himself had written to Amanda and Jill enters suddenly and attacks him from behind, while William simultaneously reaches the end of his path, finding himself between the two cages. It is shown that he and Pamela are brother and sister, while Tara and Brent are the family of Harold Abbott. The test is theirs, and they can choose to either kill William or set him free using the marked switch next to the tank. Brent angrily shifts the switch to "Die", and a platform of needles swings into William's back, pumping the acid into his body and dissolving his torso as the three watch in horror. Jill straps Hoffman to the chair and places an updated "Reverse Bear-Trap" on his head: the sixth envelope was John's instructions to capture Hoffman, as he is now the only person alive aware of Jill's involvement. She leaves Hoffman with a forty-five second timer; he escapes the chair by breaking his hand with the trap's weight and freeing himself, then jams the trap into the door's frame to stop it from fully opening, screaming as he pulls his head free, his mouth partially ripped open.

Cast

Production

Development

In May 2008 it was reported that Kevin Greutert, the editor of all previous films in the franchise, would direct the sixth installment.[7] David Armstrong returned as the cinematographer, with Mark Burg and Oren Koules returning as producers of the film with James Wan and Leigh Whannell, creators of the series, returning as executive producers. Charlie Clouser again composed the score for the film, with the Hello Zepp for Saw VI being called 'Revelations'.[8] Saw VI began filming on March 30, 2009 and finished principal photography on May 13, 2009.[9][10]

On Monday, July 20, 2009, the film's official motion-poster was released online, along with the tagline "His Disease is Spreading". The film's first teaser trailer was released at Comic-Con 2009 on July 23, 2009.[11][12] The first clip from the movie, featuring the Carousel Room trap, was previewed at Comic-Con 2009.[12]

Writing

Saw VI was written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, who co-wrote the script for both Saw IV and Saw V.[13]

It was reported that Saw VI will be much more violent than previous films in the franchise.[9] Also, the film has traps that pit victims against each other, similar to the mausoleum scene from Saw IV.[14]

It was stated that questions about characters, such as Jill Tuck and Lieutenant Mark Hoffman, will be answered.[15] The actress who portrays Jill Tuck (Betsy Russell) stated that "You find out a little more about if Jill is good or evil. Pretty much you'll know."[15] Also commenting on the film, Costas Mandylor, the actor who portrays Mark Hoffman, stated: "Hoffman is sort of torn of becoming a mad man or becoming a guy that's more composed, coming from a pure place like Jigsaw. That's my character's dilemma; does he go fucking crazy or follow the rules of the boss?"[15]

Co-writer Patrick Melton also stated that: "There's good pacing and finally there's a resolution. Finally."[16] Cinematographer David Armstrong, also had announced two new traps. Commenting on a "carousel room", he stated: "It's very carnival, playground-like. It's just nasty. [There are] spinning red lights in there. It's really overwhelming to walk in and look at because everything is spinning."[15] In the same interview Armstrong revealed some details on something he called the "steam room", stating: "Also, there's one place called the Steam Room that's probably the best looking SAW trap of them all. It's big and expensive. It's got furnaces, fires and steam. It's multi-leveled. The most complex Saw. We had techno cranes flying through. It was pretty amazing."[15]

Casting

On July 26, 2007 it was announced that Costas Mandylor would sign on to appear as his character Mark Hoffman in Saw V and VI even before Saw IV was released.[17] Tanedra Howard from the 2008 VH1 Scream Queens competition hosted by Saw actress Shawnee Smith, won a role in Saw VI. Lions Gate made a public statement ensuring her a leading role in the film, later shown to be named Simone.[18] It was later confirmed on March 24, 2009 that Shawnee Smith would return in newly filmed flashback scenes as Amanda Young.[19] On April 20, 2009 James Van Patten's character Dr. Heffner, previously featured in the fourth installment, would return.[20] On April 29, 2009 it was reported that Peter Outerbridge was cast as a new character William, along with returning cast members Tobin Bell, Betsy Russell, and Mark Rolston as their characters John Kramer/Jigsaw, Jill Tuck, and Detective Erickson, respectively.[21]

Release and reception

Poster for the Saw VI blood drive

Saw VI was released on October 22, 2009 in Australia and New Zealand, a day earlier than the Canada, USA and UK release. Lionsgate also held their annual "red carpet" event for the film at Mann Chinese Theaters in Hollywood, CA, which is where most of the stars from the film attended.[22] The film received a R rating by the MPAA without even running the movie for "sequences of grizzly bloody violence and torture, and language”.[23] In Spain the film was given a Película X rating for violence, restricting screenings to eight pornographic theaters in that region. Buena Vista the films distributor has since filed an appeal.[24][6] Lionsgate also held their annual "Give 'Til It Hurts" blood drive which was donated to the Red Cross.[25]

The film made $14,118,444 on its opening weekend, less than any of the other sequels. The opening averaged $4,650 per theater from 3,036 theaters, and ranking #2 for the weekend behind Paranormal Activity.[3] In its opening weekend, Saw VI recouped its entire $11 million budget, making the film over doubly profitable.[26][4] Saw VI has grossed $53.5 million in 4 weeks of being in theaters.[4]

Reviews

While generally mixed, critical response to Saw VI were more positive than previous installments in the franchise. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 45% of critics gave the film a positive review, based upon a sample of 55 reviews, with an average score of 4.6 out of 10 and the consensus that, "It won't earn the franchise many new fans, but Saw VI is a surprising step up for what has become an intricately grisly annual tradition."[27] On Metacritic, the film has an average score of 30 out of 100, based on 12 reviews.[28] Filmcritic gave Saw VI 3½ out of 5 stating "Director Kevin Greutert hasn't helmed a lot of films in the past, but he did edit all of the previous Saws. As it turns out, his mastered craft lends well to directing. He spins a taut, tight, concise web of terror and surprise. The best entry in the series since Saw II". Empireonline gave Saw VI 3 out of 5 stating "Saw VI gets back to Saw basics in gripping, gruesome manner."[29][30] Bloody Disgusting gave the film 3½ out of 5 saying "Saw VI is faithful to the franchise and the twist/finale are 100% satisfying. Saw fans will walk out of the theater with their fists in the air with the feeling that they’ve reclaimed their beloved franchise."[31] IGN Movies rated Saw VI 3 out of 5 stating that "[the] characters are weakening; visually, the films are becoming stale; and the traps feel all too familiar".[32]

Home media

Soundtrack

Main article: Saw VI (soundtrack)

The Saw VI Original Motion Picture Soundtrack included music by the bands Kittie, Chimaira, Suicide Silence, Nitzer Ebb, Mushroomhead, Lacuna Coil, and Converge, among others.[33][34] It was released October 20, 2009, through Trustkill Records.

DVD Director's Cut

On November 5, 2009 the films director Kevin Greutert, writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton and the film's producers recorded the commentary track for the Directors Cut. Greutert also stated it would have an additional Amanda scene not shown in the Theatrical Cut. The DVD is scheduled to be released January 2010.[35]

References

  1. ^ "Director Kevin Greutert Talks SAW VI!". 2009-06-10. http://iconsoffright.com/news/2009/06/director_kevin_greutert_talks.html. Retrieved 2009-08-17. 
  2. ^ Saw VI rated 18 by the BBFC
  3. ^ a b c "Saw VI Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=saw6.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-24. 
  4. ^ a b c d "Movie Saw VI - Box Office Data, News, Cast Information - The Numbers". The Numbers. http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2009/SAW6.php. Retrieved 2009-11-24. 
  5. ^ Horror Nights '09: 'Saw VI' Co-Writers/Director Talk
  6. ^ a b "Saw VI, calificada X en España. Ban "Saw VI"". SpanishDict. 2009-10-22. http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/109915/saw-vi-calificada-x-en-espaa.-ban-saw-vi-for-violence. Retrieved 2009-10-25. 
  7. ^ "Saw VI news Kevin Greutert To Direct Saw VI". Joblo. http://www.joblo.com/saw-vi-news Saw VI news. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  8. ^ 'Trilogy My Ass': A Conversation with the Filmmakers and Cast of 'Saw VI'
  9. ^ a b "Shawnee Smith Returns In Saw VI". Bloody Disgusting. http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/15663. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  10. ^ "Another Final Day (filming)". kevingreutert.com. 2009-5-12. http://www.kevingreutert.com/?p=465. 
  11. ^ "Saw VI" Motion Poster Has Arrived!
  12. ^ a b SDCC '09: First Official Clip From Lionsgate's 'Saw VI'!
  13. ^ "Exclusive: We Interview 'Saw VI' Director Kevin Greutert!". FEARnet. 200-11-17. http://www.fearnet.com/news/b13793_exclusive_we_interview_saw_vi_director.html. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  14. ^ "Official Saw News - Saw VI". Official Saw News. http://www.officialsawnews.com/. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  15. ^ a b c d e "B-D Chats With the Cast and Crew of Saw VI, New Traps Revealed!". http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/16277. 
  16. ^ SDCC 09: What to Expect from Saw VI
  17. ^ "Actor Signs For More Saws". Shock Til You Drop. 2007-07-26. http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=889. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  18. ^ "Tanedra Wins Scream Queens". About.com. http://horror.about.com/b/2008/12/09/tanedra-wins-scream-queens.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  19. ^ "Shawnee Smith Returns In Saw VI". Bloody Disgusting. http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/15663. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  20. ^ "New Confirmed Saw VI Casting". Bloody-Disgusting. http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/15932. Retrieved 2009-04-21. 
  21. ^ "Saw VI Plot Details Revealed". IGN Entertainment. UK IGN Movies. http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/977/977615p1.html. Retrieved 2009-04-29. 
  22. ^ "Red Carpet Premiere: 'Saw VI'". Bloody Disgusting. 2009-10-23. http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/17809. 
  23. ^ "Saw VI Gets R Rating". Kevin Greurtert. 2009-07-07. http://www.kevingreutert.com/?p=480. 
  24. ^ "Spain Bans Saw VI". Starpulse.com. http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/10/23/spain_bans_saw_vi_. 
  25. ^ "The Saw VI Blood Drive Nurse is Here". ShocktilYouDrop.com. 2009-08-07. http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=11353. 
  26. ^ Francoise Sagat
  27. ^ "Saw VI (2009)". Rotten Tomatoes. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/saw_VI/. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  28. ^ "Saw VI (2009)". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/saw6. Retrieved 2009-10-29. 
  29. ^ http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/review.asp?FID=136589
  30. ^ "Saw VI (2009)". Filmcritic. http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/reviews/Saw-VI. Retrieved 2009-10-24. 
  31. ^ "Saw VI (2009)". Bloody Disgusting. http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/film/1831. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  32. ^ "Saw VI Review". IGN Entertainment. http://movies.ign.com/articles/103/1038167p1.html. Retrieved 2009-10-23. 
  33. ^ SAW VI Soundtrack gets THE FLOOD
  34. ^ Final lineup for the SAW VI SOUNDTRACK revealed!
  35. ^ "DVD Commentary Track". Kevin Greutert. 2009-11-05. http://www.kevingreutert.com/?p=572. 

External links

v • d • e
Saw franchise
Films
Saw • II • III • IV • V • VI
Characters
Cast
Writers
Directors
James Wan • Darren Lynn Bousman • David Hackl • Kevin Greutert
Film soundtracks
Saw • II • III • IV (score) • V • VI
Games
Other
Category • Task Force • List of media
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saw_VI"