Saw VI2009

[Flashback]

William Easton:
Sounds like we're in a similar business, John.

John Kramer:
Oh, yeah? How's that?

William Easton:
Well, you try to predict people's behavior. So do I. People count on us for coverage, and we have to analyze each person for the probability of success.

John Kramer:
How do you do that?

William Easton:
Well, it's a formula. It's pretty complicated, actually, but in essence, it breaks down to monthly payments multiplied by lifespan, minus the probability of illness, and if its sum is positive, we consider coverage.

John Kramer:
Who devised that formula?

William Easton:
Me.

John Kramer:
So, in a sense... you choose who lives or dies?

William Easton:
[pause] No, I, uh... No, I'd say I decide which people have the potential to live long, healthy lives.

John Kramer:
But you're not taking into consideration the most important human element of all.

William Easton:
Which is what?

John Kramer:
The will to live. Until a person is faced with death, it's impossible to tell whether they have what it takes to survive.