I’m surprised I seem to be the first person to review the film Se7en (Seven) here on Ciao, and also that it’s classed as a ‘horror’. Sure, the film features some pretty horrific stuff, but personally I’d have called it more of a crime thriller, albeit an 18-rated one with disturbing themes…
The film came out in 1995 and was directed by David Fincher. It’s rated #55 in IMDB’s top 250 films (at time of writing – 8.3/10 viewer rating) and features a number of star names:
Morgan Freeman – Detective Lt William Somerset Brad Pitt – Detective David Mills Kevin Spacey – John Doe Gwyneth Paltrow – Tracy Mills
The plot essentially concerns a series of homicides carried out according to the ‘seven deadly sins’ (bet those who’ve written about them in the Ciao café are scared now!) The case is taken by Detectives Somerset and Mills – the former an old hand, due to be retiring in a week, the latter the cocky young rookie who thinks he knows everything. Naturally you have all the clichés
you’d expect – Somerset trying to give (slightly cynical) advice based on his experience, and Mills thinking he knows best.
The characterisation of these two I felt was very good, despite the clichés. There are lots of little touches that show the differences between them – for example, where we see the two of them getting dressed, and Somerset does his tie properly, while Mills makes the loop then puts it over his head. Somerset realises what’s going on, and starts researching the sins (from Chaucer, Dante, Aquinas, etc) – and when he tries to tip Mills off, we see Mills is actually relying on Cliff Notes to understand the books!
I did think that Somerset seemed a little cold in his approach though – as fascinating as his exploration of the killer’s modus operandi and motives was, I think it could’ve been saved for after the killer had been caught. In real life, I’d have expected him to concentrate on catching the killer – otherwise you almost had the feeling he’d let the sequence reach its conclusion just to see how it was completed…
I don’t want to give away the plot (so I’ll try not to), but the way the killer works is methodical – he picks victims guilty of sin, and punishes them for their crimes (e.g. a fat man is made to eat until he bursts – gluttony). The plan (and the way he leads the cops on) is, of course, completely sick, evil and twisted; yet at the same time one can’t helping admiring the criminal mastermind for the way he carries it out – particularly the last two sins (and pride too). I did feel that it wasn’t quite perfect though – sometimes the wrong people seem to die (both at the end, and maybe lust). (See: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/board/nest/1576587 - but beware, spoilers if you haven’t already seen the film)
(And for those who don’t know their Bible too well, the sins are: Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath, Pride and Lust)
The performances in the film I thought were generally very believable, with my only real doubt being Pitt at the end – but then that was very difficult to portray. I’m not entirely sure about the believability of the script on the other hand – I’ve already expressed some doubt about Somerset’s approach, and I’m not sure the film stays faithful to police procedure. Then again, I don’t mind suspending disbelief – it’s not a film constrained by realism, but portrays how things should be, in the name of entertainment.
The plot’s a basic premise is easy, but there is a twist at the end in the way the seven murders are completed. I don’t think it’s too taxing to follow, but it probably will require you attention. It’s something you can watch again and again too – I’m not a big one for seeing most films many times over, but I’ve certainly enjoyed this several times (all the more since I couldn’t quite remember how the ending resolved itself). I think if you liked something like Fight Club, then you’ll also enjoy this film. Personally I found it a very good film.
Not being religious myself, I don’t really know if anyone would be offended by the religious themes (I’d say only if easily offended). The film does contain violence, some strong language and gruesome murder scenes (particularly sloth) though, so deserves its 18 rating – not one for family viewing (although as I said earlier, I wouldn’t really call it horror).
(Oh, they get extra credit for playing Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Closer’ during the opening credits, even if it isn’t on the soundtrack CD!) Duration: 127 minutes http://us.imdb.com/Title?0114369
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Brilliant review, I'm watching it now, very helpful
woof45 28.11.2005 14:07
This is a fantastic review - I studied it for Media Studies last year and you include all the bits that are really relevant - Wish I could write reviews like that!
What a brilliant review!!! Keep it up!! kate x
Tea65 06.06.2005 10:09
A brilliant film and equally excellent review. Tea xx
Advantages: Great cast, amazing attention to detail, some shocking scenes with in-depth psychological exploration Disadvantages: Maybe a little dark for some
gunda96 27.02.2005 (27.02.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Se7en
Advantages: Great cast, amazing attention to detail, some shocking scenes with in-depth psychological exploration Disadvantages: Maybe a little dark for some
gunda96 27.02.2005 (27.02.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Se7en
Advantages: Great directing, camerawork, mood, characters...just about everything really Disadvantages: Not for those who like happy endings or have an optimistic disposition
dreamstar70 04.01.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Seven (DVD)
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