tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231356.post116225601926915040..comments2023-10-03T07:44:14.914-04:00Comments on Reel Times: Reflections on Cinema: Saw IIIMark Pfeifferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12098023129216356791noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231356.post-1162315085334478832006-10-31T12:18:00.000-05:002006-10-31T12:18:00.000-05:00To the first commenter... I've read similar takes...To the first commenter... I've read similar takes on the current batch of horror porn/torture chic films, but I just don't see such ideas in the texts of the movies. You make a cogent argument, but I'm inclined to consider it a clever extratextual view that grants the filmmakers and audience more credit than they're due.<BR/><BR/>Maybe <I>Saw III</I> emerged from the national collective unconscious and speaks to us in a "safe" way about these issues, but I think that's a stretch.Mark Pfeifferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12098023129216356791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231356.post-1162312949986802742006-10-31T11:42:00.000-05:002006-10-31T11:42:00.000-05:00hi,i really liked your point of view about the saw...hi,<BR/>i really liked your point of view about the saw 3 movie..<BR/>it wasn´t one of the best movies ever...but some of the death szenes were nice.<BR/><BR/>i also found this site in the web, which shows the real best deaths in horrormovies ever.<BR/>you should take a look, if you are a fan too.<BR/><BR/>happy halloween<BR/><BR/>the link is<BR/><BR/>http://www.maximonline.com/slideshows/videos/horror.aspx?film=1&src=mx170<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>StefenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231356.post-1162269436735913672006-10-30T23:37:00.000-05:002006-10-30T23:37:00.000-05:00After three decades of Stalk 'n Slash, why has the...After three decades of Stalk 'n Slash, why has the horror film suddenly gone to torture the helpless victim?<BR/> <BR/>The first bloom of American torture films such as LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE came to prominence as America's disgust with its' role in Vietnam reached critical mass. Both Hooper and Craven claimed their films were reations to the the violence of the war. The latest resurgence, spearheaded by the SAW films, comes as we are coming to terms with our actions in Iraq. The images of Vietnam, such as the infamous 'Mai Lai' photos fomented the countries uneasy feelings of guilt towards what we were doing in Asia and anger toward our governments deceptions.<BR/><BR/>There have been few images more indelible to our collective psyche than the beheadings of journalists and the photos of abuse at Abu Ghraib. These photos and film clips have incited both blood lust and disgust, leaving the public feeling both angry and soiled. Calling for revenge and yet queasy about the blood on our hands from the actions of our government. SAW III is the first film in the series that fully embraces the role of torture guilt inquisitor. The character seeking vengeance is repeatedly asked whether he wants to allow the torture of those responsible for his son's death. Jigsaw repeatedly tells him that torturing the guilty will only make him feel worse. In the end, his inability to control his rage causes his own wife's death.<BR/><BR/>A less well executed link to the post-9/11 psyche is the relationship between Amanda and Jigsaw. She is shown as a brainwashed acolyte, similar to a suicide bomber, who goes overboard in her zeal for a cause she doesn't really understand. "I give you every cell in my body." etc.<BR/> <BR/>That's my take.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com