Essay On The Opening Sequence Of Se7En.

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Jamie Kennedy Se7en Critical Essay David Fincher’s effective opening sequence to his dark and often disturbing film Se7en provides a successful introduction and prepares the audience for its sinister nature. Through an abundance of techniques including characterisation, sound/music and editing, Fincher gives us an insight into a bleak, dystopian city laden with sin. The film’s plot is woven around two homicide detectives, Somerset and Mills. Somerset, played by Morgan Freeman, has grown tired of the apathetic nature of the city and plans on leaving when he retires at the end of the week. His naive replacement Mills, played by Brad Pitt, is optimistic of his new life in this city and thinks he can make a difference. Together they hunt down a sadistic killer known as John Doe who leaves behind chilling clues. But it soon becomes clear that Mills’ optimism was misplaced in a climactic twist. During the opening sequence we are effectively introduced to Somerset as he prepares himself for work. We are given an insight into his character through his mannerisms. He comes across as methodical and meticulous by the way his knife, wallet, badge and gun are laid out on the dresser. He again shows this when picking a speck of dust from his tweed jacket, almost compulsive in nature. These characteristics are echoed throughout the film from the way he follows leads and clues down to the way he dresses. In his room there is a chess board which highlights his intellectual and cultured side which is seen throughout the film. The chess board may also foreshadow the “game” about to be played between the detectives and killer. Somerset is perhaps best symbolised by the metronome next to his bed. He uses it to block out the sounds of the city to get to sleep. These sounds are representative of the violent and sinful nature of the city of which we are unable to escape.

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