Saw

Saw is driven by psychology, mystery, and looming danger. It has a catchy premise, an ever-thickening plot, and setup/payoff. Its emotional focus elevates beyond simple shock value. While the characters have flaws, they don't fully arc. The villain's motivation is rather superficial. The twists become contrived. Plot holes build up, side characters are underdeveloped, and themes feel tacked on. Still, tension is real, ideas of suffering and self-destruction are introduced, and its contained nature is ambitious. Plus, the acting gets stilted but delivers decent outbursts, shock, rising stress, and chemistry. Overall, Saw's substance is debatable but its thrills are proficient.

Technically, Saw is gritty, claustrophobic, and intense. The imagery adds focus, lighting, framing, filters, and motion for drama and diversity. Its editing uses inserts, frame rates, passing cuts, jump cuts, pacing, momentum, and a puzzle-like structure. The sound offers stings, smash cuts, split cuts, violence, emphasis, risers, and action. Its music creates a memorable ending but mostly sticks to atmosphere and dated rock. The production design is extremely grimy with sickly colors and a signature puppet. Its cast has recognizable faces but no stars. The effects create strong reactions with practical gore and makeup. Ultimately, Saw maximizes its small scale with enthusiasm.

Writing: 6/10

Direction: 8/10

Cinematography: 8/10

Acting: 7/10

Editing: 8/10

Sound: 8/10

Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Production Design: 8/10

Casting: 6/10

Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 7.4/10