What would a Saw film be without Jigsaw? Fans of the franchise don’t need to answer that question – yet – because actor Tobin Bell returns to play the creepy killer again in Saw IV. The fourth film of the series explores Jigsaw’s past and unveils the killer’s real intentions.
The Appeal of Returning to the Saw Franchise: “Well, he's a big character,” explained Bell. “There could be nothing better for an actor than to have a [chance] to play a role where the guy is sort of a multi-faceted guy who, you know, he's a scientist and a very well read guy, a man of conviction. He's passionate about what he does. There's something Shakespearean about him in a way. And there's a lot more story to be told.
I feel like the Saw story doesn't play out in a linear way. It doesn't happen in sequence necessarily. So whenever you have an opportunity to develop a guy like this, it's a blessing. It's what actors become actors for.”
Analyzing the Plot of Saw IV: Bell admitted he hadn't seen the film as of the date of the press junket, but he could address a couple of specifics about the development of the franchise and the tone of Saw IV. Asked about the possibility of tender moments in the fourth Saw movie, Bell replied, “Tender moments? Somehow tender moments in Saw movies, if there was a tender moment or two in this film, it has to fit textually in terms of the fabric of a Saw film. I think there may be. I think the answer to your question is yes, perhaps. And I hope that there are. I'm always looking to develop the human side, a more delicate side. After all, no matter how dastardly the deeds anyone commits or how the viewer views those deeds, that person was a child once too and had parents. Everyone comes from a certain beginning place of innocence. So, obviously, those moments that you're talking about need to be successfully done. If they're not successfully done, then they might not fit. We always want something like that to fit.
I look forward to seeing the [film]. You know how much magic is created in post-production and in editing. I really look forward to seeing what the rhythms of the film are, and how the characters and relationships play out. Those are the things that I'm most interested in in a Saw film and, of course, the traps and the tricks are always staggering and shocking. But if we can create another line at the same time, something that gives you a window into the moments that lead up to, then that's always an extra benefit.”
Learning More and More About Jigsaw: Bell says there's still more to know about this interesting character. "I can tell you that the tricycle that has appeared in all four Saw films has a very simple and human explanation to it, which I hope that in V and VI we will both understand and have a window into," revealed Bell.
"The origins of Billy, the meaning of that, I think you will see when you see IV that we've started to enter into that area. I think there is some marvelous storyline yet to be told. I think those two objects are simple things, and everyone kind of has seen Billy since the beginning. Well, what is that? And why? Although perhaps you don't think about it, it has its affect on you. He has his affect and the tricycle has its affect when it enters the scene. I'm interested to show what those origins are. I think fans are really interested in known what the origins of very specific moments, especially Saw fans who are into the details. They just are. I'm always impressed with that."
On the Future of the Saw Franchise: Bell said he’s looking forward to working with new directors on the next Saw movies. “Yeah, anything new is always a challenge. It brings with it new energy and always the unknown,” said Bell. “So I feel a certain sense of solace that we'll be working with a lot of the same people, cast and crew that we have worked with since Saw I. The director of photography since Saw I has been David Armstrong. We've had the same props guy since Saw II, III, IV. The editor of all the Saw films, Kevin Greutert, has been with us since Saw I. So there are pieces of the wheel that change, but I think there's a sufficient number of pieces of the wheel that will remain the same. That as long as there's a strong story to be told, that we can craft some of the same quality that we're used to creating for the last two or three, four films.”
