Overall Rating: 98.5
"Se7en" was, and continues to be, one of the best crime thrillers ever put to film. Writer Andrew Kevin Walker and Director David Fincher teamed up for their first collaboration, which would lead to future partnerships between the two dark minds.
"Se7en" is the story of a young, eager detective (Pitt) on his first major case partnering with an about-to-retire detective (Freeman). What unfolds over the course of the film is the fact that the case they are working on is a serial killer named John Doe whose victims are all killed based on the seven deadly sins.
The story of "Se7en", however, is more than just solving a case. It's understanding the lives and driving forces of Mills and Somerset. We learn of Mills' psyche as he realizes the magnitude of the case he is on, and how his entire career can be shaped by a positive outcome. Somerset however, has been around the road a few times, yet has never seen anything like the John Doe killings. It's Somerset's mentality in nurturing and trying to prepare Mills' understanding the magnitude of what he is facing that is the driving force of the movie. An elder passing on knowledge, and the youthful exuberance of Pitt refusing to believe him. Add in Mills' wife (Paltrow) to play a medium between the two detectives, and it's a constant moral struggle to find proper meaning in a chaotic situation.
This movie was Fincher's second full-feature movie, and really first to create his own world (his debut was the already created Alien3 universe). The dark, dreary, rainy world in which Fincher throws his protagonists into elevates the mood from suspenseful to outright creepy. It's also the first time that Fincher collaborated with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor (who would later work on "The Social Network" and "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"). The opening credits, which takes a montage and mix-up of NIN's "Closer" is one of the most iconic openings outside of the Bond universe.
Andrew Kevin Walker's script is the perfect blend of intense and light. Detective Mills in particular has some of the most unique, yet funny lines. It's odd to find yourself laughing during such a dark film, but such is the intention of Walker and Fincher. During the climactic car ride featuring Mills, Somerset, and Doe, we get a glimpse into all 3 characters minds: Doe's insanity, Somerset's intellect, and Mills' dismissive humor.
"Se7en" is the type of crime drama that despite knowing the outcome, stands up after multiple viewings. The fast pace and sharp dialogue, mixed in with a suspenseful score and great acting performances make it a thriller for the ages.
Individual Ratings
Enjoyment Factor: 10
Dialogue: 10
Acting: 9
Direction: 9
Audio/Visual: 10
No comments:
Post a Comment