For 20 years, he’s played ‘Saw’s’ boogeyman. He doesn’t see it as a trap

As I delve into the captivating journey of Tobin Bell, a seasoned actor who has breathed life into the enigmatic character of John Kramer in the “Saw” franchise, I am struck by the richness and depth of his career spanning over half a century. His ability to transform from the tender father on “Once and Again” to the chilling voice of Jigsaw is nothing short of remarkable.

I’m seated opposite Tobin Bell, the seasoned actor, and our eyes are locked. A substantial metallic case filled with nine notebooks separates us on the table. Each notebook corresponds to a “Saw” movie he starred in, symbolizing two decades of intense preparation to portray a horror genius.

2004’s “Saw” handwritten notes on the first page depict a spiral diagram that investigates John Kramer’s preferences, dislikes, and driving forces. Known for his meticulousness, high intelligence, and ingenious trap-maker abilities, some view him as a righteous avenger while others see him as a cold-blooded murderer.

In a different outfit for the red carpet, Bell explained to me that each movie he’s in presents a unique tale and John finds himself in a distinct position this time. Essentially, it’s still the same man, but under varying circumstances. When discussing the philosophy of his morally ambiguous character, Bell sometimes echoes Kramer’s words word-for-word, mirroring the same subdued intensity and gravelly tone we’ve come to expect from him on screen.

In a manner that sent shivers through me, even on an ordinary sun-kissed day at the Lionsgate offices in Santa Monica, he states: “Decide between life and death, choose your path.

This year at the Beyond Fest, you’ll find Bell participating in a 20th anniversary screening of the original “Saw” film, in its unrated version, taking place on Friday at the Egyptian Theatre. Later in the month, the theater will briefly re-air the movie that started the gruesome franchise.

82-year-old Bell, a renowned actor who made his mark in the movie industry later in life, shares that the scripts are filled with a sequence of questions about his character. These begin with simple facts like “Where am I?” and progressively delve into more intricate inquiries until they form an upside-down triangle full of self-discovered insights.

He learned this method from Oscar-winning actor Ellen Burstyn at the Actors Studio in New York City back in the ’70s and has applied it to every role he’s landed since.

Bell mentions that by the point he starts filming, he’s already dealt with 128 responses. He acknowledges you can’t know everything, but he hopes he knows enough to avoid driving himself crazy while portraying a character he’s not familiar with.

He often admires acting performances that seem natural and immersive, similar to those displayed by actors such as Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, or Spencer Tracy. As a child in Weymouth, Mass., he frequently watched their movies at the theater every Saturday. According to him, these legendary screen figures embodied their characters completely; they didn’t appear to be acting.

Prior to joining the ongoing “Saw” franchise, Bell had already spent nearly three decades acting professionally. His resume boasts a diverse range of roles on screen, including several notable supporting parts. These include his appearances in the racially tense crime thriller “Mississippi Burning” and Sydney Pollack’s “The Firm”, two of the four films where he shared the screen with Gene Hackman.

He once observed Sidney Lumet directing Paul Newman in “The Verdict,” a courtroom setting where Bruce Willis, then an unrecognized actor, sat beside him. Additionally, he had felt the disappointment of being omitted from the final cut after collaborating with Martin Scorsese on the movie “Goodfellas.

He mentions that there was a particular scene involving Robert De Niro which didn’t make the final cut. “It’s part of the game,” he adds, “you have to accept that. At this point, my role is limited to just shaking hands and inviting him into my office.

As a young man, Bell found himself in summer-stock theater but decided to pursue journalism at Boston University with aspirations for broadcast television careers. In an alternate reality, he might have been like Walter Cronkite. His life took a different turn when the assassination of John F. Kennedy occurred during his time at university, altering the trajectory of his future.

Shortly following the unfortunate event, Bell stealthily attended a private gathering exclusive to drama students, where Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy were discussing acting as a noble pursuit. On that particular day, he realized the world was already saturated with voices and made up his mind to pursue a career in art instead.

According to Kennedy’s speech to Robert Frost, he believed that the artist is the final stronghold of freedom and often has a complex love-hate relationship with society, always keeping us alert. Bell remembers this sentiment, stating, “I no longer felt any obligation to anything. I yearned to simply act on my impulses rather than being guided by some notion of a career.

1964 saw Bell, with a mattress atop his vehicle, embarking decisively for New York City. This was after he secured admission at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre. Unaware that his acting aspirations would demand an unusual lifestyle, he found himself painting the undersides of stairwells in a 17-story apartment building to earn a living, often lying on his back for the task.

For over two decades in New York, he held approximately 53 part-time positions to make ends meet. His work ranged from loading trucks, parking cars at the Hilton garage, serving tables, tending bars, to even being a background actor and stand-in in 35 films before he ever had a speaking role.

As a cinephile looking back, I’d say my journey into the world of art wasn’t your typical straight line. In New York, amidst the bustling city life, I found myself taking a surprising turn – marriage and parenthood. To secure a steady income, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science. For the following six years, my days were spent creating enriching educational experiences for schoolchildren along the Hudson River, where I would catch, observe, and release fish.

Regardless of the circumstances, Bell maintained a firm belief. He expressed this by saying, “Despite all the stage work and TV appearances in New York, I was convinced I would become a movie actor.” Being a part of The Actor Studio, an exclusive professional association, played a significant role in sustaining that dream.

Bell expresses, “I found a sense of belonging there.” He adds that being accepted into the Actors Studio made him think, “Perhaps I possess something worthwhile. Perhaps I’m talented enough.

Over time, the passage of days accumulated, and during one fateful moment at a renowned acting workshop, a scene guide proposed an intriguing strategy for my professional growth. They advised me to make my way to Hollywood, where I could explore roles that portrayed “villains.

Reflecting on past disappointments, Bell shares, “I had imagined myself as the charismatic leading man in romantic roles.” However, a representative once advised him, “To get work, Tobin, they need to perceive you differently.

After that, Alan Parker’s 1988 film “Mississippi Burning” was released, where Bell portrayed an FBI agent. Bell recalls Parker, the late British director, inquiring, “You know why I wanted you here, Tobin?” He then indicated at the headshot Bell was using and stated, “Because there’s strength in that photo.” The following year, on the advice of his “Mississippi Burning” colleague Kevin Dunn, Bell relocated to Los Angeles.

In just two weeks after arriving, he landed the role of a criminal in the 1990 Canadian television series “Broken Badges,” which was titled “Broken Badges.” From that point on, opportunity followed opportunity, allowing him to support himself solely through acting for the first time. The projects he worked on varied greatly in quality, ranging from captivating to forgettable. You might have caught him as the head of a military academy in an episode of “The Sopranos” or as a stern record store owner on “Seinfeld.

He notes that he’s gained more knowledge from dealing with challenging situations rather than pleasant ones, because it necessitates making improvements and adding intrigue.

In due time, his path would cross with “Saw” in a fortunate fashion, much like many other opportunities. Known for playing Patrick Dempsey’s father on the TV series “Once and Again,” Bell’s strong, penetrating voice stood out despite his character being enigmatic. Coincidentally, both the series and “Saw” were cast by the same person, Amy Lippens. When the debuting Australian director James Wan was in need of a voice for Jigsaw’s tapes in “Saw,” she recommended Bell.

In “Saw II,” it was that Bell truly began to feel a significant stake in the character of John Kramer, whom he refers to as a “gigantic figure, like King Lear.” This led him to contribute ideas for the script, such as dialogue, which he’s carried on doing for each subsequent film. Despite not supporting Kramer’s actions, Bell empathizes with his contempt towards those he traps.

According to Bell, John thinks that many individuals today lack exceptional qualities, and he suggests that this is a result of our own actions. Furthermore, he feels that these individuals are often ungrateful for the things they possess.

Bell, in truth, isn’t particularly fond of horror films (but he was intrigued by the Australian slasher “Wolf Creek”). Instead, historical movies and period dramas are more to his taste. However, through shared conventions and encounters with enthusiasts of the horror genre, he’s developed a newfound respect for their dedication and the insightful questions they pose about Kramer’s perspective. He also ponders a personal explanation as to why people find fear appealing.

Bell explains that this encounter is an intense and unavoidable experience. Unlike watching passively, you find yourself actively involved, even jumping out of your seat at times. Some people enjoy such surprises, but for Bell, it wasn’t his preferred choice. As a child, he disliked horror movies so much that he would hide during frightening scenes.

In the realm of the blockbuster hit “Saw,” when I inquire if he’s ever experienced being typecast, Bell articulates that it’s not just him; every actor can find themselves pigeonholed. This could be as an up-and-coming talent, a neighborly charm, or for him, the ominous role of the villain.

Bell says, ‘Go ahead and categorize me if doing so allows for a deep acting experience – that’s why I chose this career. As an artist, it’s my duty to produce within the limitations provided, and my job is to challenge your perception of me. If you have a specific image of me in mind, you might find yourself rethinking it when you watch my next movie.’

Regarding the upcoming “Saw XI,” set for release in autumn 2025, Bell has confirmed his significant involvement in the film. Following the positive response from both critics and viewers to last year’s “Saw X,” which was set in Mexico, the aim is to further enhance the quality of the franchise.

He further notes that success in horror films isn’t solely dependent on the writing, but rather, they can have depth akin to other genres. In other words, it’s not merely about one individual lurking outside a screen door with a side light on him. Interestingly, when discussing his work on “Saw”, fans tend to engage him in discussions about its deeper ethical themes, instead of the graphic details themselves.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t contain my enthusiasm when I say, “I’m eagerly looking forward to exploring his character further.” “The enigmatic John Kramer isn’t through yet; there are still lessons to be gleaned.

After half a century in acting, there’s still plenty more to discover about Bell, who is not only working on a memoir and writing screenplays of his own, but will soon present a play he wrote at the Actors Studio. As he opens a fresh composition book for another Jigsaw story, his fascinating life continues to fill more chapters.

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2024-10-01 13:32