Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey
‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’
Few filmmakers in the world have the abilities to tell stories about murder like David Fincher. Following his recognition during the 1990’s, Fincher has excelled telling crime stories. You immediately know what to expect when you’re watching a David Fincher movie: dark characters, grim violence and ingenious plot twists. Fincher has made many unforgettable films throughout his career, but “Se7en” definitely stands out the most.
Released in 1995, “Se7en” has stood the test of time as one of the greatest films ever made about serial killers. Filled with stunning lighting, sharp storytelling and powerful performances, it’s a magnificent murder mystery. While the film may not appeal to everyone due to its gruesome violence, there’s no denying that it’s a classic. Ultimately, it’s a film that demands to be seen for its realistic depiction of serial killers.
Set in a rain-soaked city, “Se7en” tells a story about a pair of mismatched detectives which investigate a notorious serial killer. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman portray a pair of driven detectives that enjoy solving murder. However, their patience is tested when they face danger of a seven deadly sins serial killer. Trapped in a dilemma, the detectives discover that solving this case isn’t going to be as easy as they once thought.
David Fincher’s direction is one of the greatest aspects of the movie. Fincher has always been a master at building atmosphere in his movies through visuals, and “Se7en” is a powerful example of his strength. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Fincher expertly uses low-key lighting to capture negative emotions of detectives that inspect a murder that’s terrifying. Each scene is dark and dingy. Through these breathtaking visuals, Fincher immerses viewers into the lives of serial killers.
Another extraordinary aspect of the movie is the screenplay. Fincher’s greatest strength as a screenwriter is capturing impact of murders through plot twists. Fincher has always thrived at using disturbing plot twists in his movies, and “Se7en” is no exception. The film is filled with unexpected twists and turns that take viewers by surprise. The ending twist involving a box if one of the greatest uses of a plot twist in the history of Cinema. Plot twists are tricky to use in movies. When used excessively in suspense films, they always come across as a gimmick. However, they are beautifully used in “Se7en” as a way of building tension. Through a superb screenplay, Fincher captures serial killers whose murders come with grim price to pay.
One admires astonishing performances. The film would be not the classic it is without the iconic performances from its two leading men.
Morgan Freeman delivers one of his greatest career performances as Detective Somerset. Freeman achieved appreciation by portraying good-natured prisoners seeking redemption. With “Se7en”, however, he portrayed his most solemn character. It isn’t easy to portray the pessimistic personality of a detective solving a murder mystery, but he succeeds. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures anxiety, frustration and resentment of a detective that investigates grim murders. One of Freeman’s most iconic performances that help launched his career.
Brad Pitt is phenomenal as a hot-headed cop investigating a brutal series of murders. While Freeman is soft-spoken, Pitt captures persona of a hot-tempered cop. Whether he’s chasing a serial killer or shocking to discover upsetting contents of a box, Pitt captures the persona of a detective unable to control emotions. It’s an amazing performance that paved the path for Pitt to become the beloved movie-star that he is today.
Finally, Kevin Spacey merits appreciation. As a serial killer committing grim murders, Spacey is absolutely terrifying.
Despite its gripping performances, however, “Se7en” is not a film without a shortcoming. If there’s a minor drawback toward the movie, it may not please everyone. It tackles disturbing themes including anxiety, mental health and trauma which won’t please everyone. Viewers sensitive towards gruesome violent scenes of crime investigations won’t appreciate the film. Therefore, “Se7en” is one of those films that not everyone will admire.
Nevertheless, fans of David Fincher will enjoy “Se7en” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment.
Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic film about detectives putting lives in danger to investigate seven deadly sins serial killers, it’s a spectacular reminder of a movie with a huge impact on popular culture which launched the career of one of the world’s greatest directors skilled at telling dark stories about frightening murders.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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