Welcome! I'm excited to start this journey with you all. I've been fascinated by movies and books from a very young age, to the point where I almost got a degree in film and did get a master's in literature. My "taste" in stories is pretty varied, so hopefully there is something here that interests each of you.
This first film is the inspiration for this whole endeavor. My husband and I were talking during the movie (yikes, faux pas much?) about how well crafted it was, and it got me thinking about what makes a good film, both in the execution of the visual and audio elements and in the stories themselves. You can have a beautiful film, but without substance it doesn't make much impact. I hope to discover movies that satisfy both of those needs, and maybe find a few new favorites along the way.
Without further ado, let's talk about Se7en.
The Gist
Se7en tells the story of soon-to-be retired New York Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) who reluctantly takes on a final case with the newbie of the force, Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt). The case in question involves a series of disturbing murders with one common thread: each victim's death illustrates one of the seven deadly sins. Somerset and Mills race to capture the elusive murderer before he can complete his gruesome project.
Here is the trailer if you want to take a closer look:
MPAA Rating: R
The Take
Se7en (or Seven, though I prefer the stylized title) is not a film for the faint of heart. Director David Fincher took this dark story and splattered it all over the screen - at some points literally. It is a gruesome, twisted, unrelentingly disturbing story about a serial murderer painting New York in blood and carnage to teach it a lesson: the world is littered with sin, and the reckoning has come.
Fincher's depictions of the murders leaves nothing up for interpretation. You will know, in painstaking, gut-wrenching detail, how each of the victims is made to suffer. Call me Miley, because my tummy was turning during some of those scenes. They are effective in their way, because by the time you meet the mastermind behind the murders, you are convinced in their insanity. Which, by the way, doesn't happen for the majority of the story. The idea of the murderer lingers over most of the film, an oppressive presence that eludes the detectives despite their best efforts.
I can't talk about this film and its intensity without mentioning the music. Kudos to Howard Shore, whose score had me stressed out for two hours. Shore later scored the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit franchises, which should tell you something about the largeness of the music production. It gave the eeriness and tension that the film was delivering, and turned it up to 11. If you're looking for study music, stay far away from this soundtrack, because it will only make you want to run for your life.
Though Se7en may be best known for its dark themes, graphic visuals, and insane plot twist (all of which hold up), my favorite part of the film is the relationship between the two leads. Freeman's Somerset is one week away from retirement, but despite his protests otherwise, this case captures his interest and he becomes immersed in the symbolism and methodology behind the killings.
A book nerd after my own heart
Call me old fashioned if you like, but there is something magical about the pre-internet age of movies. Somerset does his research by going to the library and dictating his notes on a typewriter. A remake of this film might involve a quick Google search and a Notes app, which would diminish the ancient feeling of the murders. These punishments are Old Testament, so it's only fitting that the technology is old fashioned.
The other side of this coin is Pitt's Detective Mills. He's new to town, new to detective work, and seemingly new to the concept of patience. He just wants to find the piece of evidence that will lead them to the killer and get them off the streets. They seem completely opposite in their characters, but the two of them form an unusual bond as the story develops. The case consumes them, their thoughts and their lives, until they can think of little else. But the connection they form with each other becomes a pivotal part of the story, and the ending would not have enough impact without their friendship.
At the risk of being nitpicky, the one weak point in the film is the underuse of Gwyneth Paltrow as Mills' wife Tracy. She gives a soft but complex performance in her three-ish scenes, and she's asleep for one of those. She feels more like a glaring plot device in an otherwise tight story.
Se7en is, to put it succinctly, a LOT. A lot of darkness, a lot of gore, a lot of tension. It's also a lot of good craftsmanship in the visuals, sound, and plot. I wanted to shut it off at one point, but I pushed through and am glad I did. If you can handle the dark story and the graphic murders, it is a worthwhile film to watch.
Rating: 8.5/10
Notable Moments
The apartment scene with the rattling walls, a surprisingly funny scene in the midst of all the darkness.
The moment the killer appears on screen. Not going to spoil that moment for you.
"What's in the box?" Iconic.
Try It If...
You enjoy intense crime thrillers.
David Fincher's dark storytelling interests you.
You want to see an expertly crafted plot twist.
Avoid It If...
You are squeamish with anything involving blood or dead bodies.
You want to watch something happy or optimistic.
Stressing out for two hours does not appeal to you.
Where to Watch
Se7en is currently streaming on Max.
Let me know in the comments below if you're considering watching Se7en!
Great write up. The personality differences between Somerset and Mills is interesting. You can feel the tension between them, because of their contrasting detective styles. The tension they have adds to the tension of the movie. Also your point on using older technology and a remake is spot on.