Se7en film opening analysis

Genre

Se7en is a detective psychological thriller. The thriller aspect is created by the dark backgrounds and the eerie music playing in the background. This connotes a sense of fear and darkness in the world.

 

Narrative

The opening shows a villain assembling a gruesome document of horrors. This serves to introduce us to the villain who is not seen again till well on into the movie. This opening sequence therefore bridges the gap of meeting the killer for the audience. Immediately they can see what the killer thinks and feels which makes for an intense sensation. They begin to get inside the killer’s head.

The sense that he plans meticulously is reinforced by the use of the blade to cut off his fingertips to eliminate the leaving of fingerprints. We realise he is obviously hiding his identity which creates an uneasy atmosphere. The use of a blade is a common generic convention in thriller films. We realise violence will be a major theme in the movie. His hands are rough suggesting violence. 

Setting

The opening suggests that its set during the modern day with some of the up to date items yet there are some old-fashioned items such as the camera film.

Themes

Horror, death, violence are continuously portrayed throughout the film opening sequence.

Character

The format of the opening sequence is a montage of lots of clips put together. It lacks order and connotes a sense of chaos. The props used include books, photos, files, pens, paper, all equipment we might find in an office. The objects are shot in close up. We have no idea of the location of the scene as only close ups are used. We also have no idea about the
character. This all adds to the suspense and makes us uneasy. There is no security here. This sense of unease is in keeping with the genre. The immense amount of stationery shows a character who is a meticulous planner. He is precise and sadistic in his planning. We learn a lot about the character here. He shows us he is calm and methodical and pays attention to detail. There is cutting, piecing, crossing out – all these are destructive activities.

 

Atmosphere

The title sequence for Se7en is a wonderfully creepy opening that perfectly sets the mood for the film. It was created by designer Kyle Cooper.

The intense focus on the photos in the scene makes us question whether these people are the victims. We feel empathy with them.

The lighting is dark connoting danger. The shots are taken indoors using low key lighting. This gives a sinister air of mystery. The colours are predominantly black and white with shades of grey. There is a lot of use of dark and shadows suggesting evil. There is a red light used to develop the photos connoting danger and the audience realises that there is imminent danger for the character in the photo. This creates an air of foreboding. A small drop of red blood falls connoting danger. This fits in with the genre of the movie.

The use of the black highlighter also connotes death and danger.

Sound

The non-diegetic music is a remix of “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. The sound track is screechy and raucous and puts the audience on edge. This creates a very dark and creepy atmosphere, which will keep the audience entranced and on edge as they will wonder what's going to happen.

Titles

The lettering is very important in the credits. Each letter was designed individually and these were used in the opening. The words and letters become actors in their own right and have a part of their own. They jump and lurch to the music and do far more to create the sinister scene than merely impart information.

Some of the transitions from one scene to the next have a fading effect which gives an eerie feel, and connotes a sense of tension and drama.