This chapter explores the critical reception of SAW (2004). Critical acclaim for the SAW films is rare. The New York Times regarded the series as 'distasteful', while the LA Times went as far as to say the films were 'vile filth'. Although there are notable critics who support the horror genre, horror is usually dealt short shrift by critical institutions. Certainly, reviews of horror films within the mainstream press would seem inclined to evaluate the film's morality, rather than any artistic or dramatic achievement. An interesting aspect of horror reception, however, is that the genre would seem to be critic proof. Horror audiences are mistrusting of, and even actively contradict, mainstream disparagement of their beloved genre. Despite initial maulings from mainstream reviewers, SAW went on to considerable success.
Gender Dynamics and Critical Reception: A Study of Early 20th-century Book Reviews from The New York Times