Lionsgate
For two decades and across ten films, the “Saw” series has become infamous for its uniquely horrifying traps. These devices, initially conceived by the character Jigsaw/John Kramer (Tobin Bell), a terminally ill man who views himself as a dispenser of a higher form of justice, have become a signature element of the franchise. While there are dedicated fans who delve into the intricate lore of the franchise, the average viewer is often more interested in the macabre, inventive traps that each film introduces. This is similar to the “Final Destination” series, which also features increasingly elaborate, Rube Goldberg-esque deaths. Some of the most memorable traps from the “Saw” series include the needle pit from “Saw II” and the “10 Pints of Blood” trap from “Saw V”. However, for James Wan, the co-creator of the series and director of the first film, one trap holds a special place.
In a recent interview with People magazine to commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Saw,” Wan revealed his personal favorite trap from the series: the original Reverse Bear Trap from the first “Saw” film.
The Reverse Bear Trap: James Wan’s favorite trap
Lionsgate
The “Saw” series was brought to life by Wan and scriptwriter Leigh Whannell, who also starred in the first film. Both went on to have successful careers in the horror genre, but it was “Saw” that catapulted them to global fame. Thus, it’s hardly surprising that Wan has a special affection for a trap from the first film. As he told People:
“The jaw trap is really the one. It’s become iconic. It ended up on the poster, so it’s the one that means the most to me.”
Fans commonly refer to the “jaw trap” as the “Reverse Bear Trap”. This device threatens to tear the wearer’s head open from the mouth backwards unless they can find the key in time. The trap was first worn by Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith) in the original “Saw” and has reappeared throughout the series. It was the first complex trap shown onscreen and remains a terrifying spectacle.
The Reverse Bear Trap’s deep ties to the Saw franchise
Lionsgate
Wan further explained that the Reverse Bear Trap originated from a short film he and Whannell made in Australia to pitch the concept of “Saw” to producers. They filmed a scene featuring the Reverse Bear Trap to captivate potential investors. As Wan elaborated:
“When we made the short, the producers who saw it were like, ‘What the hell is this?’ They didn’t know what they were looking at, but they found it fascinating. So for me, that will always be my baby.”
The Reverse Bear Trap is essentially the trap that started the “Saw” series, so it’s understandable why Wan holds it dear. While it may not be the most terrifying trap in the entire series, it is undoubtedly the most significant one.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
