Ahead of Jigsaws release, we chatted to John Kramer actor Tobin Bell about his journey with the franchise…
But then, in 2010, cameSaw 3D.
Or so we thought….
This Halloween,Jigsaw(formerly known asSaw: Legacy) will bring theSawfranchise back into cinemas.
Did they seek you out, or did you go and audition for it?
Had I seen their short film at that time?
Im not sure if I had seen their short, but I had read the script.
And then he, very soon the next day or whatever cast me in the film.
And it threw toWaiting For Godot, for me, on some level.
And then, the ending, which I did not anticipate when I read the script.
And I was like, what!, you know?
And I like when there are very unexpected things in films.
And they did shoot it well.
It had a very strong effect, which was great, you know?
Its not about [that].
I knew he was in the middle.
I knew he was the fulcrum, on a seesaw, you know?
And roles in films have nothing to do, really, with the size of the role.
So, Ive played many roles that were not huge talking roles, but were vital.
So, lying on the floor!
I was aware that I was going to have to do that.
And, so, all of those things came to mind.
So, all of those things you think about.
I think its mostly flashback.
Its just kind of a window into where this guy lives, you know?
And how much backstory information did you have to go on, at that time?
Or did you not have that information yet, at that time?
I didnt give a lot of thought to Dannys backstory.
Mine was so sketchy, that, I gave a lot of thought to the cancer.
I think its either in three or four.
When they set up the bathroom?
When Amanda comes in and she says Whats that?
I said It relaxes your muscles.
And she takes everything.
And I said Its time.
I always forget about that scene, when [people ask about favourites].
But when I saw it written in that script, Im not sure if its three or four…
I dont think its five.
You see, the use of time is convoluted.
Yeah, and three and four are at the same time.
Because you could say the same thing and mean three different things, five different things.
you could work on backstory all you want, and have a huge amount of backstory.
Because backstory basically starts with one question: and that question, you answer it.
And that becomes two questions.
Say the first question is where did he live?
Say he lived in Portland, Oregon.
Oh, Portland… what kind of neighbourhood?
Say it was this kind of neighbourhood.
And how long has he lived there?
How did he buy the house he lives in?
Did he buy it?
And you still dont have all the fucking answers.
Speaking of the third and the fourthSawfilms, I think its the end of three, when John dies.
Were you shocked by the idea to kill off the main kind of presence in the franchise?
Err, I… Im an actor, so I was aware of what they were doing.
I discussed it on some level with them.
But its not my choice.
I mightve done it differently.
And I think, frankly, a lot people involved mightve done too.
They had a trilogy in mind, at that point in time, so that I understood.
Jumping forward a bit.
Were you expecting to ever doSawagain?
Hes a trained mechanical engineer, hes an architect, hes a philosopher, hes a theologian.
Can you say anything about what, in what capacity, John does contribute to this new film?
All I can tell you is thatSawfilms, if theyre anything, they have twists and turns and surprises.
And if I told you what I did in the film, then, there would be no surprise.
And, John Kramer is very strong, from the beginning, to the end.
Thats about all I can say about his participation in it.
But it continues his story, in a very clear way.
Im really looking forward to finding out, I must say.
I do, yeah.
Id be interested to read your review, once its done.
What were you saying?
[I give up on the traps question.]
I agree with that.
What did you think when you read it?
I like Josh a lot, and I like his writing.
And I think its tricky to come in, new, into a situation.
I obviously saw the script once it was quite close to completed.
And, very often, concept is of primary importance to filmmakers these days.
And only after that concept is realised do actors get to see the script.
So, I like Josh a lot.
I liked working with him, and Ive lots of really good creative conversations with him.
So, I think he did a really great job withJigsaw.
I know that, over the years, youve given notes and made contributions to the character of John.
All of that dialogue with Donnie Wahlberg in that movie…
So that would be the first thing that came to mind.
Tobin Bell, thank you very much!
Jigsawis in UK cinemas now.
