Julie Benz, known for her roles in “Dexter” and “Rambo,” has opened up about the intense psychological impact of filming “Saw 5.” The actress, who starred in the gruesome horror film, revealed that the experience was so disturbing it followed her home in the form of nightmares and nausea.
Benz, reflecting on a demanding year that included roles in “Rambo,” “Dexter,” and “Punisher: War Zone,” described “Saw 5” as the film that affected her most profoundly. “These ‘Saw’ films are very psychologically terrifying, and it really affected me on a very deep level,” Benz stated. Filming, which concluded in late May, left a lasting impression. “I’d go back to the hotel and have nightmares about the movie, not actor nightmares — like ‘Will I be able to perform?’ — but about stuff going on in the film.”
The actress admitted to being surprised by the depth of her reaction. “I didn’t think it was going to affect me like that. I mean, I was there on a set. I knew it was make believe, knew it wasn’t true, and still I was getting really scared.” The disturbing nature of the scenes even caused physical reactions. “They had a bucket on standby because I was really getting nauseous over things I had to do. I’ve never had that reaction to a movie before. I was always able to turn it off. But there were moments I actually forgot I was shooting a movie and really did think something awful was going to happen.”
Despite the unsettling experience, Benz acknowledged a certain allure to the intensity. “It was kind of exciting and fun,” she said in retrospect. “I would do it again in a heartbeat. It probably wouldn’t affect me as much the second time around.” This speaks to the dedication of actors who immerse themselves in their roles, even when those roles delve into the darkest corners of human experience. Julie Benz’s candid account provides a glimpse into the psychological toll that horror films can take, not just on viewers, but on the actors who bring these terrifying scenarios to life.
Beyond her experience with “Saw 5,” the article also touched upon other celebrity news. Cisco Adler discussed his departure from his band Whitestarr to pursue new musical directions and reality TV with “Buzzin’.” Todd Stashwick recounted his surfing experiences while filming “Surfer Dude” with Matthew McConaughey, highlighting the challenges of surfing in Malibu. Lastly, the family-friendly atmosphere on the set of “Law & Order: SVU” was mentioned, contrasting with the show’s mature themes. However, it is Julie Benz’s honest and visceral description of filming “Saw 5” that truly captures the reader’s attention, offering a unique insight into the world of horror filmmaking and its impact on those involved.
