Episode 1 - One Location, Infinite Profits: The Financial Success of ‘Saw I’

One-location Movie's Podcast

Hey, movie lovers!

Alright, so I watched all the Saw movies, and I have to admit, the franchise as a whole didn't quite grab my interest. However, there's something special about the original one from 2004. I found myself revisiting it after putting together a brief article on its financial success—a handy piece of info for a quick overview. Which you can find linked in the podcast description if you're interested.

As a creator and filmmaker myself, I appreciate the passion that went into making the first Saw film. Two guys, one room, chained up. Simple, yet Perfect!

What's particularly fascinating is how Leigh Whannell and James Wan, both just 26 years old at the time, changed their lives with this movie, leading them to step into the industry we all hold dear.

One standout aspect for me is the opening sequence, especially the first five minutes. Watching Adam wake up in a bathtub filled with water, it almost feels like he's emerging from a womb into an unknown world. The dialogue in those moments— "You’re not dead. No one can hear you."—sets the tone, and Adam's reaction, "What the fuck is this?" set the film's vibe.

The choice of a doctor as the character in the room is clever, credit goes to Whannell and Wan for crafting this, two decades ago. Following those intense first five minutes, the ticking clock becomes a character in its own right, and the race begins. It's amazing how a small but impactful beginning can set the stage for the entire movie. The dialogue is filled with questions, and the sound and music play with your nerves. There is no need to mention the camera work creating tension as well.

I've never been a fan of the violence often featured in movies, and horror movies are not my thing, although they’re growing in me, But you know what's cool? The message in this movie. It's all about appreciating life and making the most of it while we can. I'm totally on board with that.

Yet, the reality is, filmmaking comes with a hefty price tag. That's why I want to shine a spotlight on one-location movies that can be a financial saviour for filmmakers. Same goes for this movie, thay created different rooms in a warehouse, like a cop station, hospital, and torture room—all in one place—which is a location manager's dream. It gives control over every aspect of production too.

Consider the thought process of Leigh Whannell and James Wan, creators of the film I'm discussing. If you get a chance, check out their interview with AV Club from 2010. They asked themselves, "What's the cheapest thing we can do?" Their answer: two guys in one room, no windows, chained up so they can't go anywhere. —simple yet effective. But you really need to focus on writing.

I encourage you to watch this movie and explore how a one-location setting, with the right ingredients, can be the canvas for a remarkable debut film.

So here's my question for you: Do you want to spend your time makeing a torture movie or you want to turn that one-location you’ve got to yet another masterpiece? Stick around for the next episodes to see what other filmmakers make of their one location.

Remember, all we need is a well-crafted script.

This is the one-location movie podcast, where every location tells a story.