The Cutting Edge: Philosophy of the SAW Films Paperback – August 14, 2013

While not, by any means, a fan of films which have gained a tremendous popularity lately, having become affectionately known, for their gratuitous violence and cruelty as "torture porn" amongst horror film aficionados, I am a huge fan of the Saw series.How does this series, one might ask, differ from a host of seemingly very similar (yet inferior) films? Author C.J. Patton brilliantly answers this and many other relevant questions in her tremendously well researched and extraordinarily insightful look into the Saw films.Here we explore, in great detail, the motivation and the mind of one of the cinemas great villains......or, perhaps, one of its most misunderstood heroes.Author Patton delves deeply into the shadings and grays and charcoals that make up the mind of a serial killer and it is that which most fascinated me.Jigsaw genuinely feels as though he is performing an ultimate good and service by forcing individuals, for whom the gift of life is unappreciated, to reevaluate through precariously intimate flirtation with near death itself experience.Patton explores the inner workings of his mind, his thought process, and the flaws within his internal logic which will ad, for those who've seen the films time and again, layers upon layers which escape one during the viewing experience and will greatly enhance ones appreciation of these darkly masterful meditations on good and evil, right and wrong.For anyone having seen the Saw films this book is an absolute must have addition to one's library and, having read it, one will immediately find the urge to immerse oneself into entire series again with a new understanding which will enhance ones enjoyment of them immeasurably.....Five stars and an excellent late night read which comes highly recommended to any Saw fan, horror fan or Psychology buff.....

This is a great read. Even if you don't know anything about the SAW movies, this book makes you think about what's right and wrong in a whole new way. It's rare that a critical reviewer digs this deeply and skillfully into the ethical messages of a movie, especially a horror movie. This author did a terrific job of explaining historical principles of moral philosophy and then showing how those concepts are an essential part of the SAW story. It can be really hard to apply academic philosophy to popular culture, but "Cutting Edge" does it really well.For SAW fans, you will love the thoughtful analysis of the messages and characters, and you will be amazed by the detail and thoroughness of the trap index. C.J. identified some traps that I didn't even realize were traps! Best of all, the book has its own great twist that both echoes and pays homage to the phenomenal plot twists of the SAW films.My only complaint is that the book wasn't longer, but I couldn't let that lower my rating. Enjoy!

I am a big fan of the SAW franchise and after watching most of the movies (SAW 1-7/3D) I decided to get this book because it looked interesting. It is interesting, it goes deeper into the philosophy of the series (as the title says) and it does it in a very good and interesting way, although some points made might stray away from the main idea. This is the first book I have read from the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fans of the Saw franchise will love this book as a companion piece to the original 7 film series. If you are a Saw fan and love the philosophical aspects of Saw then you will love this book. My favorite part of this books is the Trap Index where the author goes through every single trap of the franchise and list all the possible outcomes, why they subjects were in the specific trap, and adds their commentary on the traps.

The SAW series is near and dear to me. Anyone that doesn't like the movie is just too ignorant to look past the gore to see the moral teachings and amazing twists these thrillers bring home. This book however read like a college essay. Unfortunately the citations for this book take up approximately 50% of every page of the 1st half. The second half is a just an index of traps. A few things are reiterated and I would have preferred more indepth descriptions of the philosphers and their ideals but it seemed like they were there just there to fill space. I did still enjoy this book because it did point out a few things such as "The greatest good for the greatest number" which is a philosophy our country currently needs to learn.

Great book

Verte good review of a movie!

a lovely insight by the author,,

Perfect paperback book, I am a big Saw fan so I'm very pleased!

I gave it to my friend for Christmas and he absolutely loved it. And I gotta admit I had to read s page or two and now want to buy my own.

excellent book, really helps you see into john Kramers mind and why he does what he does, all the traps and people and listed and why they are tested and the outcomes, are really resourceful insightful book, if your a saw fan, this is the book for you

for a fan of the saw films this was a brilliant purchase and can't wait to read it

Not worth money