Revisiting A Classic – Se7en | Have you ever seen anything like this?

No other movie inspired and influenced me like Maniratnam’s Kannathil Muthamittal and David Fincher’s Se7en. It doesn’t get much more influential than this… Se7en is unique, I’ve watched many crime thrillers and murder mystery movies and no comparison. I can’t compare even my favorite, Bong Joon Ho‘s ‘Memories of Murder’ with this classic. Now, as I was watching Se7en for the nth time, I couldn’t resist myself from writing about it. First of all, this is one of my ever-time favorite movies, right on the top five spots.

David Mills: Honestly, have you ever seen anything like this?
William Somerset: No.

This movie is about a young cop who joins an experienced cop in the investigation of a serial killer whose murders are based on the seven deadly sins. The seven deadly sins is a classification of sins that has been used in Christianity to educate Christians concerning what is wrong, and what doing are punishable. The seven sins are: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony, similar to that of in Hinduism like Abhiman, Lobh, Kama, etc…

“It seems that envy is my sin.”

The story is very engaging, as the investigations become more intense, and the more the protagonists get wrapped up in the case. It is highly pleasurable in the awe-inspiring sense. The frames are incredibly eye catchy and give the dark dusty feel required for the mood of the script, and make it a haunting poem. Every element of this movie contributes to its strength. The film’s fine technical qualities are supported by some excellent performances. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt act wonderfully and manage to remain in character and evolve throughout the film.

I could go on and on about this movie. First I have to say this, the feel of the movie, the atmosphere. The uniformity in its tone is worth mentioning. Not just its sets, costumes, lighting but also the color tone that is used to augment scenes make each scene grumpy and portentous.

The very beginning is like Hitchcock movies, a slow opening introduction of Inspector William Somerset – the scene jumps to a man lying on a pool of blood – it is a crime scene.

High contrast, low lighting, cloudy weather and razor-sharp frames of source lighting – four short scenes takes us to the mood and hints us what to expect from the rest – Inspector Somerset is back to his apartment -> here comes the title with disturbing images and sounds.

“This isn’t going to have a happy ending.”

The case murders are so brutally staged, and it clearly shows what kind of monster we are going to see. Kevin Spacey steals the entire climax portion as the killer. His scene in the police car where he justifies his gruesome killings is the film’s most powerful and thought-provoking scene. Like the very popular scene from Shankar’s Anniyan (Tamil), where Anniyan appears before a huge crowd and explains what he is doing and justifies himself.

The twist ending plays huge role in catapulting Se7en in to cult status. The whole climax sequences are one the most gripping pieces of cinema I’ve ever witnessed. What makes it so shocking is that you see the consequences. This is a highly awe-inspiring film with more than one layer. If ever I make a feature film in the genre, it will have traces of this classic, with absolute zero doubt.

David Mills: Honestly, have you ever seen anything like this?
William Somerset: No.