Wolf Man’s Leigh Whannell explains Saw reference in new movie

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The “Wolf Man” movie hits theaters this week, and old-time Leigh Whannell enthusiasts may experience a hint of deja vu during one scene.

In the remake of the chilling tale, Blake (Christopher Abbott) along with his spouse Charlotte (Julia Garner) and their child embark on a family vacation to Blake’s old home. Upon arrival, they encounter an unexpected attack by a mysterious creature, causing Blake to behave strangely.

A scene featuring a bear trap and an injured ankle evokes the same unsettling feeling as a specific moment from the movie “Saw,” penned by Whannell, without giving away any plot details.

In conversation with Digital Spy, the director admitted that it was a deliberate reference to his first film.

He didn’t initially plan to create a sequence centered on this idea specifically, but as he was composing, he suddenly recognized, “Ah, this resonates with my foundational work,” which he appreciated.

It’s apparent that there’s a connection in my unconscious mind related to individuals being shackled at the ankle. I enjoy it when a movie series consistently explores similar themes throughout its collection.

When observing filmmakers such as Tarantino, Scorsese, or Fincher, you’ll notice similar elements cropping up in their films, like specific props or unique shooting techniques. As a movie enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for these recurring themes.

In terms of my own films, I consider the perspective of the viewers and include subtle references to previous works.

Under the pen of Whannell, “Wolf Man” becomes his second attempt at breathing life into a timeless Universal Monster for contemporary audiences, a feat he accomplished previously with the critically acclaimed 2020 film, “The Invisible Man“.

At first, he hesitated to undertake the project, preferring something entirely outside his usual field of work. However, once he got an inspiration for how to narrate this tale, he found it impossible to say no.

He shared that his thoughts on crafting the movie were primarily driving him. Unfortunately, when they announced a title for it, he found himself pondering: “How might I approach this project myself?

After pondering on the concept of perspective, I thought about incorporating sound and light to illustrate the transformation. With that element in place, I realized I was committing myself to directing this film.

With the overwhelmingly positive initial responses to the upcoming release of “Wolf Man”, it appears that the investment has proven to be successful.

Wolf Man is released in cinemas on January 17.

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2025-01-13 10:49