Film Review: Saw III

Saw III attempts to take the series about being forced to choose between life and death in an entirely new direction, to decidedly mixed results.

For the first and only time in the Saw series, the film does not concern itself with the police investigation. The main plot lines surround Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), his assistant Amanda (Shawnee Smith), and a kidnapped surgeon (Bahar Soomekh) fighting to keep Jigsaw alive for one more test. The test subject is a grieving father (Angus Macfayden) who is determined to have revenge on everyone involved in the death of his son and the killer's freedom. Unfortunately, this change in direction results in the major problem with the film. The two plot lines are connected, but for the most part don't seem to match each other. Unlike the police investigation angle in the other Saw entries, it isn't just two perspectives of the same events. Instead, director Darren Lynn Bousman presents two concurrent plot lines that barely come together in the end.

This might not have been so bad if it weren't for the poor screenplay of Saw III. The dialogue in the film is stronger than any other entry in the Saw series. The problem is, the grieving father plot line does not fit the motive of the killer. He may be living in the past, but unlike other victims who were actively causing harm to themselves or preying off other's lives, Jeff was a man who suffered a great tragedy. It's understandable why he would feel the way he does. The decision to take this character into the game where his life is never at risk betrays the premise of the Saw films. It's not a matter of whether he lives or die, but rather whether he allows those he blames for his son's death to live or die.

The imbalanced nature of the two plot lines does not help Saw III at all. The more compelling story is that of Jigsaw, Amanda and Dr. Lynn Denlon. These scenes seemed to be filmed with more care, and the performances seem more guided than the second plot line. What happens in Jigsaw's workshop is far more compelling than anything that happens in the game because it seems like everyone involved cared more about producing those scenes. Saw III would have been far stronger had they focused on just one plot line. However, with the dual perspective plots from the previous two films, it's understandable why they thought two plot lines were necessary here.

That is not to say Saw III is without merit. Tobin Bell's performance as Jigsaw on his death bed is a treat to watch. The physicality of the role is staggering and not once does it seem fake or staged. This is helped by the equally strong work of series newcomer Bahar Soomkeh, who really comes across like a desperate doctor. In fact, she is also involved in a game with a death collar that seems far more fitting to the series than the main game. The weak link in this three person scenario is Shawnee Smith, who either nails her scene or completely overacts. Unlike the prior Saw entries, her performance is almost entirely physical, which isn't her strength.

Saw III was an unwelcome change in the series. The split focus was distracting at best, and the main game plot line seemed to only exist to amp up the gore. Instead of a smart progression in the series' portrayal of the difference between living and life, Bousman produced the biggest disappointment of the series.