Costas Mandylor (Saw VI) interview

As Detective Mark Hoffman, actor Costas Mandylor inherits a unique mantle in Saw VI - becoming the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw, a demented killer who puts his prospective victims to the test through a series of gruesome ‘games’ to help them appreciate the gift of life. So too does the Australian-born actor move increasingly towards the spotlight, returning here with a pivotal role in the most commercially successful franchise in horror history...

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What can audiences expect from Saw VI?

You know, I haven’t seen the film, which is exciting for me because I want to see it with them - with the audience. I live through them, because they’re so dedicated to the whole thing. But from what I gather, from what the producers have told me… Look, a lot of people make movies and say great things about them. But they’re really telling me that, like with the first one, they’re the most excited that they’ve ever been. After the trip of going from Saw I through Saw V, you’d think the standard might drop. But apparently it’s right up there with all the wonderful madness that happened in Saw I. So, I’m as excited as you are. I think it’s going to be great.

How did you first become involved with the Saw series?

Well, I was asked to come aboard on Saw III – just to come in and have some fun. And it was a small little thing that I did. But there was a ‘Hollywood’ promise made that I could be in Saw IV and that it might turn into Saw V, and so on. Usually a Hollywood promise is never going to happen. But this time it happened. And here I am in Saw VI and I’ve had a good run. Apparently I’m the longest standing survivor of the Saw series.

So far...

Yeah, so far (laughs)…

And you never had to audition for the part?

It was a bit of a gift. And that rarely happens. After doing the first movie, they brought me back for more. I guess I passed the test. It’s very rare.

Were you a fan of the series beforehand?

No, I hadn’t seen it. And when I met Darren Bousman, the director [Saw II – Saw IV], I told him so. When he left, the producer says to me, “What are you doing? You told the guy you haven’t seen the movies.” I said, “I’m just being honest with him.” He goes, “You got to lie a little bit – you live in Hollywood.” But it turned out pretty good.

What is it about the series that makes it so popular?

Well, obviously, it’s hard hitting with the violence. But I think it’s clever too. You know, the puzzles. There’s always something to work out. And I think that’s what the audience really relates to, as much as the crazy traps. “Oh, that means that?” You start putting the pieces together. I’ve met the fans and they’re quite clever. Like them, the films are smart. That’s the main thing.

How do the fans react to you?

Well, they’re pretty friendly. The younger ones come up and kind of tentatively shake my hand. And I give them a hug once in a while and I can feel them shaking a little bit (laughs). So that’s quite strange.

And your friends back home in Australia?

Oh, they love it. They actually think I’m psychotic, anyway (laughs). And I always thought I was normal and they were crazy, so everybody’s happy… I just saw everybody, actually. I was doing press there. And it was great to share time with friends. You know, basically all my friends are proud that I’m doing something decent.

You said before that you came onboard initially with an extended cameo…

Yeah, not even…

How did the character progress then? And what input did you have in developing him?

You know, I wasn’t really sure at the start. The main thing I was concentrating on was that I didn’t want to screw anything up. I mean, I wanted to stay out of its way. Because it was its own beast, you know, sailing well without me. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes.

When Saw IV was made, I took a little bit more responsibility and, at the end, I’m like the surprise package… Everyone is dying. And it looks like I’m going to die too, but then, all of a sudden, I stand up and release myself and I’m the guy that’s manipulating everybody. So I just tired to be ‘the helpful police officer’ all the way through the movie so the audience would be shocked… When Saw V came along, through Tobin [Tobin Bell; Jigsaw], I found out that I have a voice and that I had to initiate stuff. So I just became a little bit more responsible as things progressed. But let’s be honest - these guys do a great job in creating everything that they create. I’ve just tried not to be boring!

What can you tell us about Saw VI?

Well, the master is gone, right, Mr. Jigsaw. And he’s given me a lot of responsibility now and I get into a little bit of trouble. I’m the more immature Jigsaw (laughs).

And the traps this time around?

There’s quite a few and they’re pretty wild. But I can’t say much about them. I just know that it’s going to be a hell of a ride, the story is good, and the traps are insanely good.

I’m assuming they’ll also be more unnerving than what we’ve seen before?

They have to be (laughs). They can only go one way!

How did you get your start in acting? I understand you were a professional football player.

Yeah. I got injured. I flew to the States from Australia. I had a friend here, and I was kind of just relaxing. And people kept coming up to me and going, “You know, you should try acting.” I said, “Why?” “I don’t know; you should just do it.” Eventually, I met an acting coach who told me I could really make it in this business. So I just threw caution to the wind and started going to classes and stuff like that. And here I am today.

You’ve also done quite a bit of work outside of the Saw series.

I’ve done pretty well. I’d like to do even better. But being a part of something like this, which is the best in this genre, it’s the king. Anything that’s quality is what I’m chasing. That’s all.

What’s the atmosphere like on a Saw set?

Well, I make it very light and funny because otherwise you’d slit your throat – it’s that dark and depressing! So, yeah, we laugh a lot. I’ve even made Tobin Bell laugh; I’ll take credit for that. We have a lot of fun and the crew has been there for years. That’s why it works like clockwork. That’s why they’re always on schedule. And everyone that does their thing on the Saw movies, whatever their job, it’s almost automatic. Nobody has to worry about anything. Everybody trusts everybody. So they laugh at me and I laugh at them. We all laugh at each other.

And how did you make Jigsaw laugh?

I just said something really stupid (laughs).

What’s it like working with him?

With Tobin? Great. He’s the ultimate professional. He’s a warm guy. He really feels responsible to the fans. So he’s always pushing it to make it better. I’ve had a few phone calls late at night from Tobin, going, “Come to my room, I’ve got an idea.” And I’m thinking, “Jigsaw’s calling me at midnight, should I go or should I stay in my room!” It’s kind of weird... But he’s really good. And he cares, you know. He doesn’t take it for granted.

And first-time director, Kevin Greutert?

Brilliant. He’s edited every movie since the first one, so he knows every nook and cranny, every frame. It was just easy to trust him. He’s also got a great eye.

What’s the biggest challenge for you in making these films?

I sort of have to live up the original man. And if I’m not good, the fans will be like, “Kill him; get him out of here, because he doesn’t live up to Jigsaw.” So I’m trying to live up to a certain standard, which is one of the highest – especially in this genre. But I’m still alive. Of course, I’m not sure what’s going to happen at the end of this movie, because we shot three different endings, so…

Really?

They always shoot alternate endings. So I’m always looking forward to that surprise as to how it’s going to finish. It’s exciting… So we’ll find out. We’ll all find out together. I kind of like the fact that I don’t know, because it’s going to be exciting to see. I honestly have no idea. And I can’t wait to find out.


> Read our interview with Tobin Bell.

> Buy the DVD.

Saw VI is released on DVD and Blu-ray by Lionsgate on 8th March 2010.