Bloody Disgusting Interviews Darren Bousman

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Saw II: Co-Writer/Director Darren Lynn Bousman
By: Elaine Lamkin

First-time feature film director, Darren Lynn Bousman, couldn’t have been handed a more challenging film to do: the sequel to the horrifying “Saw”. But for those who saw it in the theater as well as those who WILL see it when it is released on DVD on Valentine’s Day (how appropriate), Bousman was more than up to the challenge of continuing the crimes of Jigsaw. He was adept at developing even more brutal means of dispatching the many characters in “Saw II” due to his love of “disturbing” horror. Things look good for horror fans when “Saw III’ comes out this October.

BD: Hello Darren and thank you for taking time to talk with Bloody-Disgusting. I have read that you are originally from Overland Park, Kansas. How did a “nice” Mid-Western boy end up directing one of the horrific films of 2005?

DLB: Growing up, I always wanted to be an actor and after high school, I went to Kansas University and studied acting. But a friend of mine went to Full Sail, the film school in Orlando, Florida and when I went to visit him, I was hooked. So I transferred there and received my film degree in 2001.

BD: How did you transfer from student to short films to music videos to “Saw II”?

DLB: I had a group of friends and we were determined to go to LA. I did a couple of short films: “Butterfly Dreams” (2000) and “Identity Lost” (2001) but on both shorts, we ran out of money. But for “Identity Lost”, a friend of mine suddenly inherited a large trust and literally wrote a check for $60,000. And on “Butterfly Dreams”, my friend, editor Hunter Via, financed the rest of the film with money he and his fiancee had saved for their wedding. Both guys were paid back!!

We headed out to LA from Florida and the first job I got was on “The X Files”. That didn’t last too long, about 7 or 8 episodes, as one I was assigned to keep track of one of the actors and I thought he was in the honey wagon so I waited outside, working on a script of my own. When someone came looking for the actor and discovered that not only was he not the person in the honey wagon but that I was not doing my job, I was asked to leave. But I did get to meet Gillian Anderson and Robert Patrick – here’s an interesting bit of…synchronicity. Robert Patrick’s brother Richard used to be in Nine Inch Nails with the composer for “Saw” and “Saw II”, Charlie Clouser.

BD: How did you come to be involved in “Saw II”?

DLB: Well, when I was “asked to leave” “The X Files”, one of the things I was doing that they didn’t appreciate was that I was working on a script of my own. And I decided to write THE most disturbing story I could. Something that when people read it, they would be so upset. That script was “The Desperate” and after tons of rejections by “upset people”, I finally met an agent who loved it and that got me a lawyer. “The Desperate” is similar in structure to “Saw II” and when I met Leigh Whannell – well, let’s just say we’re both interesting but disturbed. I wish someone had recorded the conversations I had with him as well as with him AND Eli Roth! We probably would have all been arrested.

Between Leigh and myself, “Saw II” came into being – quite a few of the elements of “The Desperate” were kept in the “Saw II” script: the characters, the traps, ALL of the deaths.

BD: How much preproduction time did you have for “Saw II”?

DLB: We had two months to get ready.

BD: Did the script’s twists and turns at the end exist early on in rewrites and are there seed of “Saw III” in “Saw II” that we may or may not know about?

DLB: Yes, those twists and turns were there early and yes also to there being the seeds of “Saw III” in the current film. Actually, “Saw III” is set to be released this October but that’s all I will say about that. Except that James, Leigh and I will all be involved in some capacity.

BD: How would you compare your directing style to that of James Wan?

DLB: We both had similar influences and there are definitely hints of “Saw” in “Saw II”. I would say the styling and editing are different but David Armstrong DP’d both films so that dirty, grimy, gritty look is still there.

BD: How did the untimely death of producer Gregg Hoffman in December 2005 affect you?

DLB: I owe my career to Gregg. He was truly on of the “good guys” in Hollywood. I was so disheartened by the business until I met Gregg and he sold me on Twisted Pictures. He had nothing to gain by taking a risk on me but he did. I will never forget him

BD: How has the success of “Saw II” changed your life?

DLB: It has made me realize that anything is possible. The world opens up, people are paying attention and I can now “pollute” the world with MY vision (laughs).

BD: What new projects are you working on now?

DLB: I have two pictures with Dimension Films – one is entitled “Threshold”, based on the French-Canadian film “Evil Words”, and will be written by Stephen Susco who wrote the remake of “The Grudge”. The other is still called “The Untitled Horror Project”.

BD: What is your opinion on the state of horror today? Particularly the PG-13 versus R rated films that are being released, many to dismal box office.

DLB: I think the studios want to appease everyone and some films, like “The Grudge”, should be PG-13. But in order to appease everyone, the studios HAVE to also release R rated movies, like “Hostel”, “Saw” or “The Devil’s Rejects”. But THEN you get religious groups attacking the movie business.

BD: What advice would you give to up-and-coming filmmakers?

DLB: Well, I am a classic example that anything can happen. It’s what you make out of it – I wouldn’t and won’t do anything outside of the entertainment industry. If I had taken a job as a bartender in LA, I might as well have moved back to Kansas.

BD: What would be your “dream project” as a filmmaker, in any genre?

DLB: Making any movie that challenges people is one “dream” but also, as I am a huge “Rocky Horror” fan, I would love to make a horror rock opera film

BD: What are some of your favorite horror movies?

DLB: Wow, that’s a tough one! I would have to say “Audition”, “Ichi the Killer”, “The Last House on the Left” and early Polanski.

BD: Do you have any favorite horror authors?

DLB: I love Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary” as well as a book called “Dirty White Boys” by Stephen Hunter. A great thriller! And I also love to read true crime.

BD: What is one thing no one knows about Darren Lynn Bousman that you think they should know?

DLB: Well, my middle name is my dad’s name and I use it professionally to honor him. I have seen every single episode of “Law and Order: SVU”, I have a black belt in Tai Kwan Do and I’m addicted to coffee. I can’t go to sleep unless I have some coffee!

Introducing: The SAW Mailbag

Hey everyone! Im getting ready for SAW news and information (The DVD for SAW II is OUT go get it! [hurry because I haven't been able to see a place where it is not sold out] Now!) but I thought I might start a "SAW Mailbag" Send me your questions via email and Ill answer them....be sure to include a name/nickname! Send all emails to:

SAWtheBlog@gmail.com

And I will be sure to answer them! I don't think this will take off immediatly but Im sure once its started going the questions will start pouring in. Until later. Im Out.....oh and heres an example:

Hey, I was wondering if you think SAW III will be the last movie? If so, why?
-John S.

Saw 3 Will Make Its October 27th Release Date.

Over at Bloody-Disgusting they got a word in with Darren (director & writer of SAW II)and here's what they said:

After the passing of the legendary Gregg Hoffman, whom is one of the founders of Twisted Pictures, genre fans have been asking the question "will we still see Saw III in theaters by October 2006?" Today BD reporter Elaine Lamkin talked one-on-one with Darren Lynn Bousman, director of Saw II who not only confirmed that 'Saw III' WILL be released this October (tentatively the 27th), but that he, and Saw co-creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell will be involved in it in some capacity. More news when we post our interview with Darren soon. 'Saw II' hits DVD on February 14th, just in time for your honeys.

SAW II DVD Menu Screenshots

So, The SAW II DVD is coming out and SAW the Blog is still running :D. Anyway Im getting into the article writing mood so I am going to write some articles along with the news that is coming out with SAW III....Saw the blog, all saw news, all the time! Anyway I found some images on the internet of the dvd menu screens, check it out:









These images are also in the gallery.

Post 100= Scary movie 4 trailer wth audio

Right Here

More SAW 3 news comign SOON!

first look at saw 2 dvd

From Here

Inside you'll find a look at the nearly completed DVD art for Lions Gate Home Entertainment's release of Saw II on February 14th. The sequel’s DVD will contain interviews, commentary, five featurettes and more. The film directed by Darren Bousman, stars Donnie Wahlberg, Franky G., Glenn Plummer, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Beverley Mitchell, Eric Knudsen, Shawnee Smith, Dina Meyer and Tobin Bell. Click the title above for posters, images, art, trailers and reviews or just click here for the official website. Read on for a look at the DVD art...

Back in november, talking with tobin.......

From Here. My speclling mistakes are in RED lol

Tobin Bell is a man that should require no introduction. He's made a name for himself among horror fans playing the twisted Jigsaw Killer from both Saw films, but he's been working steadily since the 80's, playing everything from a face in the background to near-starring roles.

This chat took place the week following Saw II's monstrous release, in which it took home more money than I think anyone had expected, and was the final in our series of live chats with some of the principals of the sequel. Check out the "related to..." field below to see the rest. For now, sit back and enjoy the wisdom of Tobin Bell!

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Uncle_Creepy: LET'S ROCK!

jdclar: Hey Mr Bell! Believe me sir when I say there're a whole lotta people who think you're the greatest (and I mean you sir, not just 1 of your characters) Know that! Okay, 2 quick questions: would you inquire about doing the commentary for the Saw II DVD? Please! And, have you ever heard of "It's a Tobin thing" (on your IMDB page under miscellaneous)? I hear the owner's a little crazy but that she thinks the world of you! I also hear she's got a helluva crush on ya! The very very best to you, Mr Bell. e-hugs 2 u!-Jenny(owner.. lol)

Tobin_Bell: Generally, they try to use another voice for narration for something that has a bunch of fictional characters in it so the viewer can tell the difference, but yes, I will inquire about doing the commentary for the Saw II DVD...

As for the page you mentioned, thank you and no I haven't heard of "It's a Tobin thing," but I will check it out, and I thank you, JD, for your hugs and support and I return them in kind and send you the very best also.

Goldmember91: Mr. Tobin Bell! So nice to meet you! One of my idols, sir Here is my question; I heard Saw III is coming out, and was wondering, are your returning for it? Many people are going crazy about this cause, well the ending of Saw II...

Tobin_Bell: Well, yes, there is talk about Saw III And yeah, I would certainly consider it, he's a wonderful character and I would consider playing Jigsaw again I know the producers and the people involved are determined, if there was another sequel, to make it better than Saw II That would be the goal all of us would have. If you look closely at the end of Saw II, where I'm sitting in the car, there is a slight smile on my face, and I interpret that smile to mean Jigsaw is still in complete control So don't worry about the end.

freddyfan12: Hello Mr. Bell, I'm 14 and a huge fan of your acting skill! What's your opinion on underage kids watching horror films like Saw or Saw II? And will you be making any convention appearances in NJ? i want to meet you and get an autograph!!!

Tobin_Bell: Just to clarify, I was enormously pleased with Saw II To make a sequel you always want to improve, if you're not losing ground, you're gaining ground Freddy, that's up to your parents, not up to me. I talked to a ten year old the other day that brought his mother to see Saw II I expressed some surprise to him; he said he thought I was pretty good. I asked him if he was scared, and he said 'nah' but he thought I was really good.

As for convention appearances, I would certainly love to, I have friends who live in Hoboken and would be happy to visit the Garden State, but don't have any plans at the moment And I want to meet you too, Freddy.

metallico0kie: Heya Tobin! You're the killer and all in the movie, but did any parts in Saw II disturb even you?

Tobin_Bell: Yeah, I think the needle scene is pretty intense...there are other very intense scenes also but I found that particular scene hard to take.

intheend: Thanks for taking the time to drop by and chat Tobin. My question is what was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while filming Saw II?

Tobin_Bell: Jigsaw has a lot on his mind and the information was all there to be said in the scenes with Det Matthews, but it was hard work for us to restructure those scenes so that they played dramatically in terms of both our relationship and the stakes Information is one thing, but keeping tension in a scene is something else. And Donnie Wahlberg and I worked very hard to do that.

SirStunty: Heya Tobin! I recently saw you guest star in an episode of "Nash Bridges" and was wondering what it was like to work on that show and work with Don Johnson and the rest of the cast and crew Sorry if this is a bit of a blast from the past.

Tobin_Bell: Yes indeed! I did that episode for one reason and one reason only other than the cash...Willie Nelson was in it! The opportunity to work with him was a big motivator, he's as sweet a man as one would think and I'm proud of the opportunity to spend time with him.

perfectbabyperfect: Hi Tobin! Thanks so much for chatting with us! First, I'd like to say that Saw II was absolutely incredible! Secondly, I'd like to know how you prepared mentally for the role of Jigsaw?

Tobin_Bell: Jigsaw is an engineer and a scientist, a specific and pragmatic thinker He thinks very technically and I am very interested in science and in the scientific process so I felt comfortable working with the details that Jigsaw works with, he works with a lot of details But in terms of working on him as a character, I worked on him as I would any character that I play whether it's a priest, soldier...I ask myself questions about it. And I start with the text.

Whatever questions that I have that the text gives me, whether it's the description of his activity or what he says, I try to fill that in with as much detail as possible Each of you knows everything about your life, from the moment you get up in the morning You can track it. When you play fictitious characters, all of those details have to be brought to life. So I ask very specific questions about the character I play and Jigsaw is no different.

Do I take the character home with me? The answer is no My personal life is quite different than Jigsaw's. I'm not involved in criminal activity in any way, I'm not a recluse...but all of us have small parts of us that are reclusive There's a little evil in all of us. We all have complaints about what we have with one another, as does Jigsaw. He takes responses to his problems to a degree that any normal person wouldn't.

In terms of method acting, it's often misunderstood. Every actor has his or her own method You can approach acting from the outside in or the inside out. And, I studied with Lee Strasburg and he would've been the first person to suggest that "whatever works" for you is okay So, that's what I mean by method acting is sometime misunderstood.

WattSaysPot: Do you agree with Jigsaw being called a "Prophet," why or why not?

Tobin_Bell: I don't know, I haven't heard that before Most prophets don't think of themselves in those terms and I don't think Jigsaw does "Prophet" is a term given to an individual by others. Jigsaw doesn't think of himself that way, he has some things that trouble and disgust him, and he acts on those things in a particular way, but I don't think he thinks of himself as a prophet.

Leer: What are your relationships with Leigh, Donnie, Kames and Darren?

Tobin_Bell: Splendid. Leigh is a very smart young man, both a writer and an actor James is both sensitive and very artistic. Darren is a committed filmmaker who made a wonderful film with Saw II. Very well put together.

I leave Donnie last but certainly not least because I can go on for a while about him, but I won't Donnie has a very strong sense of personal truth. When you look at his acting in the film you can see that. He's fun to be with and a gracious host.

the_woman_in_black: You were sitting down pretty much the entire time you were on film Was that at all annoying to you? Were there times you just wanted to jump up and run around the set, or were you so into the character that it didn't matter?

Tobin_Bell: It's a multi-part question, so I'll answer in parts I was sitting town pretty much the entire time until Donnie wrenched me out of that chair and I was glad to be out of it Was it annoying? No. I didn't want to jump up and run around the set and yes, I was so into the character it didn't matter at all.

ilikeshinythings274: Mr. Bell, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule It is such a huge honor to be talking to you! You are the greatest actor ever! Here's my question: Now that you are done with Saw II, are you working on any future projects?

Tobin_Bell: Yes, I'm working on some material that some friends of mine had written at the Actor's Studio in New York and I'm reading a number of scripts at the moment Lastly, I'm a writer myself and have had a number of screenplays that I've written that are in pre-production. So there's lot's to keep me busy.

I extend my thanks to you all for your support of the film and I can tell you that Twisted Pictures and LGF and all of the creative people involved are very happy that the Saw fans have responded to the film and want to see more!

Uncle_Creepy: Lets hear it for Tobbin!

metallico0kie: Love ya!!

lizzie: Thanks so much Tobin!

ilikeshinythings274: We're with you all the way Mr. Bell!

bloodpuddle: Bye Tobin!

Metalwulf: Thanks Tobin (:

SirStunty: wooo!

jdclar: Thank you Mr. Bell --so much sir!

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A large thanks goes out from us to Lions Gate Films and Twisted Pictures for working with us on setting up all of these chats, and we sincerely hope you guys enjoyed them all! And of course especially large thanks to Mr Tobin Bell for taking the time out to chat with us about Saw II, which is now in theaters! See it again!

Hey Everyone!

The news of Gregg Hoffman's death is sad and unexpected. We all show our support for his loved ones.

House of Jigsaw has added some new fourms in memory of him.

Updates on Gregg Hoffman's Death.

LOS ANGELES, CA – December 5th, 2005 -- Gregg Hoffman, Twisted Pictures partner and producer died of natural causes on Sunday, December 4th, at 7:15 a.m. in Los Angeles. Hoffman was 42 years old and is survived by his wife Lucienne, Four year old son Luke, Eight year old son Jared, mother Stephanie and sister Tracy.

Hoffman, a partner in Twisted Pictures and President of production most recently produced SAW, SAW 2, Catacombs and Silence. He was currently working on Crawlspace and SAW 3.

Prior to his time with Twisted Pictures, Hoffman worked at The Walt Disney Company, and was instrumental in the acquisition, development and production of numerous successful projects including “George of the Jungle,” “Inspector Gadget,” “101 Dalmatians,” “102 Dalmatians,” “The Parent Trap,” “The Rookie,” “Corky Romano” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Prior to exiting, Hoffman held the post of Senior Vice President of Production and earned a producer credit on “George of the Jungle 2.”

Hoffman’s first position in entertainment was as a story editor. He later embarked on his writing and producing career.

Hoffman was from Arizona and was a Dean’s List graduate from American University in Washington DC.

Donations in Gregg Hoffman’s name can be made to Habitat for Humanity, 310-323-4663.

Memorial information to be announced.


Source: Lions Gate Films

Gregg Hoffman, Producer of SAW 1 & 2 (and was scheduled for number 3) had died.

A post on Darren Bousman's Blog:

This weekend I was informed of a terrible and tragic loss of a close friend, Gregg Hoffman. I, as you, always prefaced Gregg Hoffman as the producer and genius behind SAW and SAW II, but I realize now that was only doing Gregg a disservice as 'Hoffman' was much more than the producer of a couple of horror films, he was an extremely passionate and amazing human being.

Gregg Hoffman leaves behind a legacy not only of the films he produced, but of the peoples lives he changed. I only had the honor of knowing Gregg for a little over a year, but within that year he took an insecure Midwesterner with hopes and dreams of being a director and made it reality. "I am going to take you into a war zone" he would tell me "Stick close by me, listen when I tell you things and I promise you, I will not let you down." And Gregg my man, you did not let me down, ever.

Besides being my producer, Gregg was a very close friend. Any person who could put up with my obsessed and insane personality ought to be commended, Gregg did it with a smile on his face.

Gregg, you gave me an opportunity when no one else would. You took a chance when everyone else didn't. You stuck by me through hell and high water, you pushed me to the edge, but were there to make sure I didn't fall off.

Gregg, I thank you... For taking a risk... Being a man of your word... Being a mentor... But more importantly being a great friend.

I will never forget how you changed my life, and everyone else's you came in contact with.

You will truly be missed my friend, and forever remembered.

dlb

This is a tragic loss, a surprising, never expected, Ive never met the man but Im sure he was awesome.

New SAW II DVD Info

November 21: SAW II DVD details, THREE…EXTREMES art

Fango got the word on DVD extras for SAW II, which slashed up the box office this fall and is coming in February from Lions Gate Home Entertainment. While video/audio specs aren’t available at the moment, the supplemental package will include:

• Audio commentary by director Darren Lynn Bousman and star Donnie Wahlberg
• Interviews
• The Making of SAW II featurette
• The Traps of SAW II featurette
• Creating the World of SAW II featurette
• Sounds of SAW II featurette
• Sharpening the Blade: The Postproduction of SAW II featurette
• Trailers

Retail price will be $28.98. Lions Gate director of marketing Chela Johnson also shared with Fango the cover art for the upcoming two-DVD release of THREE…EXTREMES, the Asian horror anthology from directors Fruit Chan, Takashi Miike and Park Chan-wook, which will hit shelves February 28. Confirming what we previously reported here, the extras will include DUMPLINGS, Chan’s feature-length expansion of his EXTREMES segment, and commentary by Miike (in Japanese with subtitles) on his BOX story. The widescreen, Dolby 5.1 release will include English and Spanish subtitles; retail price for this one will be $26.98. —Michael Gingold and Sean Decker

From Here

OMG NEW POST!

Check this out

THAT IS SO F***ING HORRIBLE

SAW the Blog 2.0 dies silentely

Hi all! STB 2.0 was great and all but I still like this theme and well, it was REALLY BUGGY I couldnt work all the bugs out of it so I deleted it!

Where is the SAW news?
there wont be much until about febuary to be honest, until then keep checking back just incase!

Currentely Working on a New SAW the Blog 2.0

With SAW the Blog 2.0 coming out I had high hopes! problem is I dont use Internet Explorer (cause its horrible) I use a borswer called firefox and basically well, this theme really isnt compatable with firefox, So I think Im going to make a new theme, more black based, and if it doesnt work Ill just put the old theme up until I can work the bugs out of this one!

Possible SAW II DVD Cover

A possible SAW II DVD case cover has been released on the HOJ message boards, go ahead and check it out here I think its fan made personally but the hand on the back is preety tight, give your opinions in the comments or on the message board.