Se7en (1995)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

The film opens with Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a seasoned and weary homicide detective, about to retire in a week. He is partnered with the young and brash Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt), who has just transferred to the city with his wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow). The setting is an unnamed, perpetually rainy and grim urban city.

The First Murders

Somerset and Mills are assigned to investigate a series of gruesome murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The first victim is an obese man forced to eat until his stomach ruptures, representing “Gluttony.” The second victim, a wealthy defense attorney, is found dead with “Greed” written in his blood, having been forced to cut a pound of his own flesh.

The Investigation Deepens

The detectives discover clues at each crime scene, indicating the killer is methodically planning each murder to reflect the respective sin. Somerset begins to see a pattern and realizes they are dealing with a highly intelligent and meticulous serial killer.

“Sloth” and the Killer’s Taunting

The investigation leads to a man kept alive but immobile for a year, representing “Sloth.” The victim is found in a horrific state, barely alive, tied to a bed, surrounded by air fresheners. The killer leaves behind taunting messages and clues, challenging the detectives to catch him.

“Lust” and “Pride”

The next victims are a prostitute (representing “Lust”) forced to have intercourse with a bladed strap-on, and a model (representing “Pride”) who is given the choice of taking her own life or living disfigured. The brutality and psychological manipulation of the murders deeply affect Mills and Somerset.

Tracy’s Confession

Tracy, feeling isolated and afraid in the city, confides in Somerset about her pregnancy, which she hasn’t yet told Mills. Somerset, empathetic, advises her to consider carefully whether to keep the baby, given the harsh environment they live in.

The Killer Surrenders

Unexpectedly, the killer, John Doe (Kevin Spacey), turns himself in, covered in the blood of his latest victims. He offers to lead the detectives to the final two bodies, but only if Mills and Somerset accompany him alone. Suspicious but desperate for resolution, they agree.

The Shocking Finale

Doe leads them to a remote location, where a delivery van arrives with a box. Somerset opens the box and discovers Tracy’s severed head inside. Doe reveals that Tracy was his “Envy” victim, as he envied Mills’ normal life. He goads Mills, urging him to embody “Wrath” and kill him. Devastated and enraged, Mills succumbs to his anger and shoots Doe, completing the killer’s final plan.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Somerset reflecting on the nature of evil and humanity. Mills is taken away, shattered by the loss and his actions. Somerset, despite his initial plans for retirement, decides to stay on the force, leaving viewers with a somber meditation on the darkness within society and individuals.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Se7en.

Type of Movie

Se7en is a psychological thriller and crime drama that delves into themes of morality, justice, and the human capacity for evil.

Cast

• Brad Pitt as Detective David Mills
• Morgan Freeman as Detective William Somerset
• Gwyneth Paltrow as Tracy Mills
• Kevin Spacey as John Doe
• R. Lee Ermey as Police Captain

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Howard Shore, whose haunting and atmospheric music underscores the film’s dark and intense mood.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California: Principal photography was conducted in and around Los Angeles, with various locations doubling for the film’s unnamed city.

The grim and rainy urban landscape plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s oppressive and foreboding atmosphere.

Awards and Nominations

Se7en received critical acclaim and several nominations, including:

• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Film Editing
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Original Screenplay
• MTV Movie Awards: Best Movie, Best Villain (Kevin Spacey)

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director David Fincher aimed to create a bleak and oppressive atmosphere, achieved through meticulous set design, lighting, and cinematography.
• The decision to cast Kevin Spacey as John Doe was kept secret until the film’s release to preserve the surprise.
• Brad Pitt insisted on filming the climactic scene as scripted, despite concerns about its bleakness, believing it was crucial to the story’s impact.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from classic noir detective stories and serial killer narratives. Its themes are influenced by existential philosophy and the concept of moral decay in urban settings.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no alternate endings were filmed, the studio initially pushed for a less bleak conclusion. Fincher and the cast fought to retain the original ending, believing it was essential to the film’s integrity.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Se7en was not based on a book but has since inspired various novelizations and analyses. The film’s screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker is highly regarded for its tight plotting and character development.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The discovery of each sin-related murder.
• The intense car ride with John Doe leading to the final scene.
• The shocking revelation of Tracy’s fate and Mills’ subsequent breakdown.

Iconic Quotes

• “Ernest Hemingway once wrote, ‘The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.’ I agree with the second part.” – Somerset
• “What’s in the box?” – Mills
• “You can’t see the whole picture; you keep missing the point.” – John Doe
• “I’m setting the example. What I’ve done is going to be puzzled over and studied and followed… forever.” – John Doe

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The title sequence, featuring disjointed and unsettling imagery, sets the tone for the film and foreshadows the meticulous nature of John Doe’s plans.
• The film’s color palette shifts to reflect the emotional and narrative progression, using increasingly darker tones as the story unfolds.
• Each crime scene includes subtle clues and symbols related to the respective sin, enhancing the thematic depth.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was around $33 million, and it grossed over $327 million worldwide.
• Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Somerset was influenced by his own personal reflections on justice and morality.
• The rain in the film is almost constant, symbolizing the pervasive sense of dread and cleansing.

Why Watch?

Se7en is a masterful blend of suspense, psychological depth, and moral inquiry. Its compelling performances, especially by Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey, combined with David Fincher’s meticulous direction, make it a standout in the thriller genre.

Director’s Other Movies

David Fincher also directed:

• Alien 3 (1992)
• Fight Club (1999)
• Panic Room (2002)
• Zodiac (2007)
• The Social Network (2010)
• Gone Girl (2014)
• Mank (2020)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
• Zodiac (2007)
• Fight Club (1999)
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
• Prisoners (2013)

Se7en is still a pretty chilling and thought-provoking film, delving deep into the darkest aspects of human nature and the unrelenting pursuit of justice. It’s had a huge impact on the thriller genre, making it a must-watch for fans of intense, morally complex narratives.