Shooting gruesome and thrilling scenes in a horror film was an incredibly demanding task. After all the buildup, this was the climax approaching.
At the very least, the audience should enjoy it; if they were unhappy, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for the film.
James took this seriously, discussing the matter continuously with the shooting team. After all, he co-wrote the script with his friend, Leigh. How could he not know where the highlight of the movie was? So, he invested his full creativity and technical resources to design this scene, striving for perfection in every aspect.
Take the prop rubber leg model, for instance. They started preparing it a week in advance, going through countless iterations due to unsatisfactory results. Eventually, they achieved the lifelike appearance they had now.
As for the lighting, they adjusted it several times.
The white light was dim, creating a desolate atmosphere.
Lyman watched from the side and couldn't help but admit that there was indeed talent involved. Looking at the precision in setting up this scene, he figured he wouldn't have executed it as excellently as James did. The way he could evoke the audience's hormonal surge and cater to their visual allure and inner satisfaction was unparalleled.
Honestly, he was learning so much.
Of course, disregarding the gruesome scenes, James still had much experience to accumulate in various other aspects. However, it was already apparent that his work was casting the shadow of future "Wan-like horror movies".
This scene involved Adam and Lawrence trying to escape their leg shackles by sawing off their own legs. The basement set was intentionally aged for this moment.
James stood behind the director's monitor, excited and eagerly anticipating. His eyes were filled with interest for such explicit gore, suggesting he might have a slightly twisted inclination. Although several extreme close-up shots he desired were persuaded by Lyman to be omitted, he hadn't given up entirely. He added some hints, side shots, the blood stains to be sprinkled on the ground later, and the rubber leg model.
Initially, he had even wanted to use a lingering close-up shot, slowly depicting the whole process of sawing off the leg with a saw. The tearing of flesh from skin, a gruesome sight with its own form of impact and beauty. But whether it was impactful or too intense, Lyman wasn't sure. He only knew that if they shot it like this, the movie would undoubtedly be slapped with an NC-17 rating.
Well, nowadays, the highest-grossing film with an NC-17 rating is still "Henry & June", starring Uma Thurman, with only $20M in box office revenue. On the other hand, R-rated films, as long as they're of good quality, easily exceed $20M. This difference lies in the audience. For instance, G-rated films are suitable for both children and the elderly, with the highest-grossing record being "Finding Nemo", which raked in nearly $1B worldwide. The gap is vast.
Excessively squeamish, violent, and bloody scenes don't bring that many hardcore fans to the theaters intentionally, right? Even if they enjoy watching such content, couldn't they just buy DVDs or watch it at home? People don't want to lose face, after all. This market ensures that NC-17 ratings have no future. Offline, one can still hope for good sales of DVDs and videotapes.
He might not understand such sinister tastes, but Lyman chose to respect them. As long as it could be controlled appropriately, it was alright.
It would be fine if it didn't become disgustingly explicit or nauseating to the viewers.
Before shooting began, the production team was conducting their final checks.
Hugo Veblen and Jason Statham, who were about to perform, were both seated, preparing their emotions.
Hugo's posture was quite odd; he leaned back against the chair, seemingly sinking into it with a sense of exhaustion. His eyes were closed, allowing his muscles and mind to relax fully. This was his unique way of adjusting on-site.
Jason's demeanor was simpler; he leaned back in his chair, holding the script in his hand, his head bowed as he pondered something.
Both of them understood the significance of this scene and the difficulty of the performance.
A sudden and inexplicable air of seriousness swept over the set. Perhaps everyone was on high alert.
Lyman stood aside, also feeling a sense of anticipation.
Because the previous shoots had all gone smoothly since he joined the team.
The actors, especially veterans like Hugo, seemed at ease during filming. This was the first time he had witnessed such careful pre-scene preparations.
"Is everyone ready?" James asked.
"OK," the production team gestured affirmatively.
"Action."
The first camera shot was a close-up of the saw, highlighting the sharpness of the cutting chain.
Then, the camera slowly panned and pulled back to reveal Hugo's entire body.
His gaze was unfathomable, glancing at the saw several times, then lowering his head, as though engaging in a final mental struggle.
Trembling slightly, he resolutely decided against it; he'd rather die. The demon wanted to witness this scene. He'd satisfy him.
Taking a few slow, deep breaths, Hugo held his breath, his eyes downcast. His right hand gripped the handsaw, and he stared fixedly at the ground ahead. Jason watched him, seeming surprised by his actions.
The cameraman was sly, shifting between the two, constantly capturing shots.
A body lay on the ground, the wound no longer bleeding. It was the actor portraying the "victim" of Jigsaw, J.K. Simmons. If the final twist was the finishing touch, then everything leading up to it was laying the groundwork. His appearance was brief, letting the audience know he's a "corpse." He wasn't the focus right now; his presence needed to be intentionally subdued.
Suddenly, Hugo clenched his teeth, his movements clearly exerting force.
Veins bulged, and cold sweat dripped.
Gasping for air in big gulps, his body trembled and swayed slightly, yet he continued.
Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer; he roared, like a wounded beast trapped in a cage. His eyes changed completely, becoming bloodthirsty, radiating a murderous intent.
His expression was one of extreme agony, yet unprecedentedly firm. His madness was expressed vividly in this moment.
Gradually, he collapsed as if his spine had given way, falling to the ground.
His face was pale, and he continued to twitch uncontrollably.
The camera shifted to the back, revealing a section of a calf still attached to the shackle, covered in bloodstains from the props team. Blood-soaked and unsettling, there was a strange palpitation to it.
Hugo seemed to find relief, exhaling slowly. His hands pounded the ground, still enduring the pain.
He did it; he escaped…