Oliver pieces together the Jigsaw of SAW V with Tobin Bell!
SAW V opens Friday, once again attempting to scare us the week before Halloween. Obsessed With Film were delighted this week to have the chance to talk to Tobin Bell, the real star of the franchise... Interview by Oliver Pfeiffer... Contrary to popular belief Tobin Bell doesnt speak in a muffled, gravely voice in person. He even has a general distain for most horror films. An ordinary looking character actor Bell spent most of his career in bit player parts in films as diverse as TOOTSIE (as an uncredited waiter), GOODFELLAS and THE FIRM and fleeting television appearances in everything form Nash Bridges, The X-Files, E.R. and 24. But it was these unassuming fade-in-to-the-background looks which made him an inspirational choice for the surprise man with the self- inflicted torture plan in the SAW series, as John Kramer (aka Jigsaw), a role that he will probably be best remembered. During a conference call with the reluctantly pegged horror icon I took the opportunity to quiz the actor on his fearsome but faithful contribution to the continual series, any sneaking developments we may except to look out for in SAW V and whether he would one day be interested in directing his own installment of the seemingly endless series.
I never liked the feeling of being scared. As a kid I was always the one behind the sofa. I feel with horror films you are either drawn to it or your not. But with the success of horror movies right now, you get more for your money for the visceral experience. Its very much a physical experience for me. I find it hard to intellectualise gory horror movies. I dont generally see horror films, I wouldnt even have a clue what film Freddy Kruger is from, or Jason or it is Leatherhead? Sure I have heard about them but I wouldnt be able to tell you which movie they star in because I have never seen any of these movies. They are outside of my control and I certainly dont view myself as a horror icon like some people see me. However as a genre, if its done well, you can get something more out of it than just being spooked. I like horror films that make you think and that have purpose. For instance I am very fond of (David Cronenbergs adaptation of Stephen Kings bestseller) THE DEAD ZONE, particularly due to a strong and very good central character which is brought to life in Christopher Walkens staggering performance. This is also the reason I enjoy a movie like JACOBS LADDER these films have substance. The reason why I was drawn to SAW was the simple but smart conceptual story, which basically concentrated on three guys in a room. And the questions that this situation evoked where are they? What are they doing here? And the twist from the character at the end and particularly the brilliant reactions Cary Elwes gave when that character rose from the floor. I wanted to be the guy with the tape, the guy who thought it all up who knew it all and had it all worked out. I also wanted to work with Danny Glover who is a fine actor.What about the extreme violence that is depicted in these movies?
I can see how people have reservations about these films and I have had people approach me about this. But I always ask them why do they go and see these SAW films. And they tell me that because its so real and that it teaches you stuff. And this is why I am committed to the series, because I thought I could bring something to this character unveil the human side. I dont get involved in the mechanics of the death traps that get constructed; I dont spend a lot of time thinking about that I am more interested in the human elements of John Kramer and the positive ways he views himself.
Apart from the revelation at the end of the first film there were no preconceptions or any grand design that I knew about. I had no idea where the character was headed. This was very much determined by the success of the first film. As far as mapping out future installments were concerned the producers waited to see how well the film did and then they decided to expand the scope and map out the rest of the series. My role is not as a designer of the series although there is a very collaborative environment encouraged.Are there any plans to make any further sequels?
I believe there will be a SAW VI. As a character John Kramer is limitless I dont see any limits to where this story can go. Because of the size and scope there are great possibilities to expand the story. John is a seminal character in the story and as long as they keep him interesting and true to his character then I am willing to commit.What can you tell us about the various different directors you have worked with in this series?
James Wan (director on the first) came up with the original story and Darren (Lynn Bousman who directed episodes II & III) guided us through the series and we had a great working relationship. He is very innovative and plans good ideas and then puts them into action. David Hackl, who directed this new installment and was the production designer on SAW II and III, has a visual sensibility like a painter, the attention he pays to the set and the objects and surroundings these are very important in relation to the flavour of the movie.Would you ever be interested in directing a future SAW sequel yourself?
I have never really thought about that before. Its a daunting task being a director and all the stresses and strains that come with that responsibility compared to the responsibilities of an actor. You have to commit all your time to the project. Even between shoots and during breaks the director has to contend with being continually hassled by other departments and making decisions. I do a bit of stage directing in New York but thats about it. Yeah I guess it would be fun to do.SAW V opens on Friday worldwide and fans of the series can enter a brand new Saw 5 Quiz which gives you the chance to win some great prizes!
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