Thriller Genetic Conventions - Se7en

Se7en

The narrative: The newly transferred David Mills (Pitt) and the soon-to-retire William Somerset (Freeman) are homicide detectives who become deeply involved in the case of a sadistic serial killer whose meticulously planned murders that correspond to the seven deadly sins. The seven deadly sins being gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, pride, lust, and envy.

The protagonist: These are the Detective William R. Somerset (Freeman) and Detective David Mills (Pitt). The two detectives are motivated throughout the sequence to capture the serial killer ( Doe). This shows how they are the stereotypical protagonists of the film, trying to secure justice.

The title "Se7en" clearly relates to the plot of the thriller as the serial killer bases his murders on the seven deadly sins. For example, an obese man was forced by the serial killer to feed himself to death, representing "Gluttony." Another example of the title corresponding with the seven deadly sins is when a drug dealer and child molester before his captivity is found dead, this victim represents "Sloth”. Though unable to learn anything from the insensate victim, the detectives agree that the killer has planned these crimes for more than a year. Relating the title to the antagonist's murders makes the plot more memorable for the audience.  

The protagonists are in danger throughout the investigation. For example, when the killer finds the detectives approaching his apartment, he opens fire on them and flees, chased by Mills. Eventually, the killer gains the upper hand and holds Mills at gunpoint.

The antagonist ensnares the protagonist until the protagonist feels isolated. For example, the detectives arrive too late to find a prostitute killed by an unwilling man wearing a bladed S&M device, forced by Doe (the serial killer) to simultaneously rape and kill her. Another example of the protagonists feeling helpless and isolated is when they investigate the death of a young model whose face had been mutilated. She had chosen to kill herself rather than live with a disfigured face; she is the victim of "Pride". This illustrates how powerful the antagonist can be, this is very stereotypical. It also shows how the protagonists must think fast in order to capture the serial killer, for the serial killer is determined to continue killing, as this is what he believes.

Micro elements were used throughout the opening sequence. For example, camera shots such as a close up were used on the large book. The close up of the book is severally shown throughout the clip, this could show the plot is centered on the book as the audience see its a key prop towards the thriller. Sound such as non-diegetic music has been used throughout the opening sequence. The sound is eerie and mysterious which portrays a dark and gloomy atmosphere for the audience. The sound is parallel to the footage shown in the opening sequence as the suspicious and sharp sounds reflect the mysterious props used. Editing such as short shot duration on the blades, the books, the pictures and the objects is continuously used throughout, making the audience feel the sense of urgency and the pace being kept fast.This significantly engages the audience and creates enigmas for them. Editing such as dissolve and fade ins are used whilst the pages of the book are being flicked by the potential serial killer. This makes the audience again feel that this book is an important and significant object that revolves around the crime. Mise-en-scene is a French word used that translates into “what is put into the frame”. Colour and lighting is one aspect of mise-en-scene. Throughout the clip, the colours are red and black which give connotations of blood, death and gory.  The lighting was low-key at the beginning. However, the lighting shifted to being naturalistic when the shadow of the characters hand was shown in the frame of the camera. The naturalistic atmosphere portrays that this thriller is realistic and based on a true story. The prop of a blade was used which gives connotations of violence and brutal. The director’s aim was for the audience to wonder and ask questions on the viewing clip. The opening scene left the audience wanting more as the story began to unravel.

The theme of the opening sequence is crime and violence. The opening sequence reflects the antagonist in terms of the peculiar and violent props used such as razor blades and needles. However, mirroring and seeing themes are not used in the sequence.