Chapter 93: Psychopathy

The warehouse used for filming was quite large, with only about half of the space being utilized for set construction. The rest of the space mostly remained vacant, but now it was filled with numerous large boxes. When Murphy led the crew over, most of the boxes had already been opened by Paul Wilson and Jonah Hill, revealing rows of brand-new syringes inside.

"This looks pretty eerie," Jonah Hill remarked, scratching his head.

He had already finished filming his only scene a few days prior, yet this hefty fellow hadn't left the set; instead, he stayed to help out. In his own words, as long as the crew provided meals, he was good to go.

Murphy knew he was like most newcomers trying to make it in Hollywood, not in the best agent situation, and he didn't refuse to help. Plus, the guy was strong and suited well for temporary labor.

Two interns entered carrying some smaller boxes, and Murphy called everyone over. He took a small box from one of the interns and extracted a specially customized rubber syringe from it. "Our task today is to replace all the syringe needles," he announced.

These syringes would be used in the filming of Amanda, played by Carey Mulligan. Naturally, metal needles couldn't be used, so Beck Claybert had specially ordered rubber ones from a company. The needles were coated with a special gel on the outside to make them look identical to metal ones.

The cost of the needles exceeded ten thousand dollars, far surpassing the cost of the syringes themselves. This made Murphy abandon his plans to add too many elaborate killing devices, considering his investment here. Although the cost of personnel was relatively low, expenses still needed to be saved, as exceeding the budget would be troublesome.

The biggest advantage of such a small production crew was the ability to multitask within one's capabilities. These individuals, with no fame or credentials, generally didn't refuse to do tasks beyond their primary roles.

Around thirty people gathered around the boxes, beginning the task of replacing the syringe needles with rubber ones. After finishing a box, the two people closest would exchange and inspect them to avoid any oversights.

After the seminar on murder earlier that day, Murphy had written different scenes involving the use of killing devices. However, due to budget constraints, most of them had to be abandoned—a regrettable outcome.

In fact, anyone familiar with the series knew that the elaborate killing devices were a key factor in its success.

However, twisted philosophies like those of Jigsaw, admired by some, weren't exactly a major selling point in a film like this.

As a director, there should indeed be more pursuits, such as the film's substance, philosophical reflections, and artistic aspects. But Murphy's current reality dictated otherwise—he needed commercial success urgently.

Like other directors, with a solid foundation of commercial success, considerations of those other elements would become more practical.

"You see, in Murphy's script, it seems like the old man is conveying a value of cherishing life," the boisterous fellow sitting next to Murphy, part of the trio nicknamed the Despicable Trio, spoke up. "This set of values seems very cool, giving people a chance at rebirth, feeling like they're some kind of extraordinary judge, an omnipotent god. However, this can't hide the fact that the old man is just a damn psycho!"

"I don't agree with that," James Franco tossed a syringe into the box. "Respect, cherish, be grateful, be honest—these ideas themselves aren't wrong..."

"But can normal people do what the old man does?" Jonah Hill interrupted James Franco. "Would you, as a supporter, dare to do it? No, because it's inhumane, not something normal people should do."

Seth Rogen adjusted his glasses and nodded in agreement. "Calling the old man a pervert is totally justified. Who gave him the authority to test other people? Maybe they made mistakes, but everyone's personality is equal. You don't have the right to do anything to them that they don't agree to. That's why we need morality and law."

He turned to James Franco, speaking bluntly, "You think you understand the old man's values, but truth be told, you're just showing off!"

"You two..." James Franco pointed at them, defending himself, "When did I ever agree with his values? I just think Jigsaw is a logical, profound, and tasteful pervert!"

James Franco then sprayed a few words at the two of them before turning to Murphy and asking, "You're the playwright. How do you evaluate Jigsaw?"

"Forcing one's own values onto others is inherently psychotic," Murphy said without looking up, installing the needles. "The greatest arrogance, ignorance, and stupidity of a person lies in thinking they're a god."

"Cut! You're still the best at acting!" Three middle fingers were raised in front of Murphy.

In fact, such questions were prevalent among those who had watched the series. At first glance, the bloody scenes and terrifying games in Saw gave the impression that the person behind it all was a bit twisted. However, as the plot unfolded, revealing the original intentions behind the games, some people's perceptions might change. They might come to accept the actions, believing them to be reasonable.

But for some, the initial impression of gore and violence might be too strong, and they might feel uncomfortable with certain game elements. After all, preconceived notions are sometimes difficult to change. They might persist in thinking that the old man is more of a psycho. Supporters of Jigsaw might attribute this to a lack of understanding of his motives and purposes, simply seeing the bloodshed and violence, believing they didn't grasp the essence of the film.

This is also part of the charm of the movie.

Nearly thirty people worked diligently for the entire afternoon, finally completing the replacement of all the needles. Murphy had Paul Wilson and Jonah Hill, along with three interns, carefully inspect them again to ensure that there were no metal needles present.

Upon serious consideration, if an actor were actually pricked by a needle, as long as they didn't complain to the actors' union, compensation could solve the problem. But considering the role was played by Carey, Murphy didn't want to see this girl get hurt during filming.

After extensive preparation, the tightly packed syringes were placed into a narrow metal chute. Even though everyone knew the needles above were made of rubber, the gleam of metal still made one's scalp tingle.

Especially for those with a fear of sharp objects, seeing these would surely cause them to faint.

After Carey finished her makeup, filming for this pivotal scene was about to begin.