"Let the games begin."
When Jigsaw, the fiendish killer at the heart of the Saw franchise, first spoke these words in 2004, little did he realise just how many spectators there would be. With the seventh (and reputedly last) instalment released today, Saw has become the most profitable horror franchise on record. Those horror icons of the 1980s - Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers - have nothing on Jigsaw, the killer played by Tobin Bell, who likes nothing better than putting his victims in devious torture devices that test their minds, bodies and souls to the ultimate limit.
The 2004 original, made by the director James Wan and the writer Leigh Whannell, set the tone for what was to come. Shot in Toronto for less than US$1 million (Dh3.7m), the film made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival to largely positive reviews - the New York Times even drawing comparisons to the horrors of Abu Ghraib - before going on to make more than $100m around the globe.
Ever since then, the numbers have stacked up like the corpses of Jigsaw's victims. To date, the six Saw films have grossed $730m around the globe. Now that might not sound so hot compared with Avatar's $2.7bn haul, but you have to consider that each film was made for less than $11m - peanuts in movie terms. In the US, only the Friday the 13th series crossed the $300m mark, in terms of domestic grosses, and that was across 12 films, including the hybrid horror Freddy vs Jason and the 2009 reboot. Despite multiple entries, remakes and crossovers, the rest of the major Hollywood horror franchises - Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Scream - don't even come close.
Admittedly, you might argue there have been more profitable one-off horrors, such as last year's Paranormal Activity (made for just $15,000, it grossed a staggering $193m). In truth, the Saw films have never touched this - 2006's Saw III was the high point, collecting $162m around the world. Yet the franchise's box-office performance has been remarkably consistent, with only Saw VI the one entry not to take more than $100m. With Saw VII being shown in 3D, as well as promising to wrap up some unanswered questions, there's a good chance it will buck the franchise's gradual box-office decline and take its overall tally to well over $800m. Indeed, the early signs are promising, so far the film has taken nearly $40m worldwide. One of these major questions will be what happened to Dr Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), one of the two characters from the original Saw, who wake up chained together in a grubby bathroom only to discover one must kill the other to survive. By the end, as Gordon crawls away, we're left to wonder what happened to him. "There had been so much blogging from the fans online," says Elwes, "saying 'Where's Dr Gordon? Every other character has been fully developed and we never understood what happened to him. Can you please explain it?' And the producers thought the best way to bookend the series was to answer that question."
At the core of the franchise is Jigsaw - who, despite dying at the end of Saw III, has remained the franchise's central figure. Compare him with the likes of Halloween's psychopathic Michael Myers, Friday the 13th's hockey-mask wearing Jason Voorhees or Nightmare on Elm Street's dagger-gloved Freddy Krueger. All three were leading players in the wave of slasher films that dominated the 1980s, their victims chosen almost indiscriminately. Not so Jigsaw, whose mechanical traps are designed as moral tests to teach each luckless wearer the value of life. "As twisted as his games are," says Whannell, "his intention is to help people."
A rather questionable argument, it hasn't convinced some cultural commentators, who branded the whole franchise "sick" for its over-the-top scenes of death and dismemberment. Nobody can dispute Saw's impact on Hollywood, where it has been instrumental in inspiring a wave of films that includes Hostel, Captivity and remakes of Last House on the Left and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, all sharing a "sheer, ruptured-sewage-pipe deluge of gore, mutilation and general unpleasantness", as The Guardian newspaper's film critic Peter Bradshaw so delicately put it.
At least Saw had Tobin Bell's turn as Jigsaw to elevate it above its peers. As the LA Weekly critic Luke Thomson wrote, "He's the best 'real-world' horror antihero since Anthony Hopkins first played Hannibal Lecter." In the later films, we learn that the late Jigsaw is out for vengeance upon the health insurance executives who denied him cover during his illness.
What is remarkable about the Saw films, though, is the discipline with which they've been produced - seven films in as many years. "Most big serial studio films take their time between releasing sequels," says Elwes. "Mostly it's two years or three years. The Friday the 13th series was sporadic at best. With Halloween we had a gap of three years before we saw its first sequel. But these guys kept to a deadline of meeting a certain date for release purposes. It was like a conveyor belt. They literally had to wrap one and start the next one right away. And they never cheated by filming two at the same time, like some franchises do."
Partly, this consistency has come from keeping hold of the key creative personnel. After working on the original, both Wan and Whannell (who also played Adam, Dr Gordon's companion in that bathroom) have remained as executive producers, with Whannell co-writing Saw II and both men contributing to the writing of Saw III. While Darren Lynn Bousman was brought on board to direct the second, third and fourth instalments, David Hackl, the production designer on the first four films, went behind the camera for Saw V. Meanwhile, Kevin Greutert, the editor on the first five films, was promoted to director for Saw VI and the forthcoming final episode.
With the cinematography and score for the first six episodes provided by David A Armstrong and the former Nine Inch Nails member Charlie Clouser respectively, it's no surprise the films have managed an aesthetic and tonal consistency that most horror franchises fail to achieve. Yet, with the final four episodes all co-written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, what Saw and its sequels all share is the intricate plotting. The stories are laden with multiple flashbacks, parallel time-lines (with events of Saw III and IV taking place at the same time) and dozens of characters.
With Costas Mandylor's psychopathic cop carrying out Jigsaw's wishes in his wake, it seems rather apt that the Saw universe looks set to live on even after the demise of the franchise. The inevitable merchandise aside, the films have also spawned Saw: The Ride, the world's first horror-movie themed rollercoaster at Thorpe Park in the UK. You might even say the producers have put something back, following the US-based Saw blood drive that has encouraged fans to visit the Red Cross and "Give 'Til It Hurts". A horror film that saves lives? Now that's unique.
Ÿ Saw VII 3D opens in the UAE today.
POWERWASH%20SIMULATOR
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IF YOU GO
The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
How to vote in the UAE
1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/
2) Take it to the US Embassy
3) Deadline is October 15
4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
Japan 30-10 Russia
Tries: Matsushima (3), Labuschange | Golosnitsky
Conversions: Tamura, Matsuda | Kushnarev
Penalties: Tamura (2) | Kushnarev
More coverage from the Future Forum
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
MATCH STATS
Wolves 0
Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 90 4' pen)
Red cards: Joao Moutinho (Wolves); Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Man of the match: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
THREE
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Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
Brief scores
Barcelona 2
Pique 36', Alena 87'
Villarreal 0
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
UAE SQUAD
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
