Se7en
The Plot:
Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust--these are the seven deadly sins that are being punished with unimaginable cruelty and calculation by an enigmatic killer in David Fincher's bleak thriller SEVEN. Set in a perpetually gloomy unnamed city, the film follows Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a retiring police detective, as he experiences his final week on the job, reluctantly working with assertive newcomer Mills (Brad Pitt). When an obese man is found brutally murdered in his home, the seasoned Somerset realizes this is no ordinary killing--someone tortured him because of his appetite. Slayings that reflect the sins of greed and sloth soon follow, leading Somerset and Mills on a desperate search to find the mysterious John Doe, who is responsible for these methodical murders. As the case builds to a startling conclusion, both Somerset and Mills become more involved than they ever could have imagined. After a brief opening scene, SEVEN immediately cuts to a highly stylized title sequence. An intricate collage of books and photos, scissors and razors, and blood and skin eerily captures the dark, graphic tone of Fincher's intriguing mystery. The film cleverly avoids depicting most acts of violence onscreen, focusing instead on the cryptic remains of the crimes, allowing viewers to investigate along with the detectives. An example of nearly flawless filmmaking, the movie features a meticulously crafted screenplay, brilliant photography and design, sure-handed direction, and excellent performances from the entire cast. All of these elements combine to amazing effect in the film's unforgettably stunning finale. (From Yahoo Movies)
My Thoughts: (Reviewed by K-Billy)
Director David Fincher brings us a devilishly intelligent mystery/thriller. Se7en details the lives of a detective on his way to retiring, William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and a detective on his way in the door, David Mills (Brad Pitt). The two don’t really tend to get along, for Mills is replacing the old detective. However when a string of serial killings corresponding to the Seven Deadly Sins occurs, the two detectives find themselves both caught in the middle of a murderous spree to horrifying to be committed by any human being. All of this leading to a shocking ending that will leave you thoroughly disturbed.
A lot of supposedly intelligent thriller/mystery movies are shelled out into theaters. Most of them really never amount to anything more then darkly themed films that try to cover up their highly overblown plots with random acts of cheap suspense and violence. This is where Se7en sets itself apart from the pack. This is one of the most intelligently written movies I have ever watched, the story is so intriguing and is genuinely original and new. Nothing more horrifying then a deeply disturbed individual killing others because he believes that it’s God’s way of working through him. And let me warn you now that this is a very disturbing film. What’s interesting is that it never shows the act of violence, only the aftermath. And I think in a way that that is even scarier because then your mind is free to run wild and make up any elaborate scenes of gore and ultra violence that one can think of. The story unfolds by each day and wonderfully reveals each crime and all the evidence. The struggle the detectives have and the frustration at not being able to even begin to understand who it is that is committing these crimes. The meat of the movie involves the two detectives interacting with each other, this is where the script really shines. The dialogue is so natural and so well done. The contrast between Mills character and Somerset is genius, right down to the difference in language used by the two.
The two detective’s
personalities compliment each other wonderfully. Mills is sometimes out of
control and is almost always on a short fuse. “It’s impressive
to see a man feeding off his emotions,” Somerset says. Where as Mills
isn’t always thinking clearly and at times can be rash, Somerset is
as cool as they come. He’s calm and collected and extremely intelligent.
Taking routes to conclusions that Mills would never even think of.
Each of their personalities both help and hinder the investigation at the
same time. This makes for some interesting scenes to be played out and they’re
made enjoyable by two all star performances. Morgan Freeman needs no praise
and is always consistently good in what he does, but in Se7en he really raises
the bar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this good except maybe
in The Shawshank Redemption. And what cannot be said about Brad Pitt. He is
an unbelievably talented actor. His performance in this movie is dead on and
he captures every essence of his character. From the high emotions to the
calm collectiveness both actors are unbelievably good in this film.
Overall
Se7en is probably the best mystery/thriller film that I’ve ever seen.
It’s wonderfully intriguing and never once slips into mediocrity. Director
David Fincher beautifully shot the film and it truly has some of the best
cinematography I have ever seen. Watch this in the dark and if you have any
knowledge of filmmaking you will be struck with it’s raw beauty. With
three incredible performances (although I won’t comment on the third
at all because it would ruin the film) and a top notch story, Se7en has a
hell of a lot going for it. While some may be turned off by the films grisly
nature and unbelievably disturbing moments and ending, (not to mention frenetic
pace). Those who can manage to sit through it will have the pleasure of knowing
they have seen one of the greatest films of the 90s.
Starring:
Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, R. Lee Ermy
Directed by: David Fincher
Rated R