Analysis : SE7EN

Se7en is a psychological thriller about two detectives; a rookie and a veteran in search of a serial killer  who uses the seven deadly sins as his Modus operandi.

In the opening sequence of seven the genre is quickly established: we see  images of the work of the murderer who shows that he takes care of his work and pays close attention to every detail of every murder. The way in which it is set out, makes it possible that it could also be the detective who are putting together photos and details of the murders to have a profile of the perpetrator that they can flow when interview suspects. This instantaneously sets the enigma. The murderer however is not seen; just his hands are shown which also adds to the suspence and mystery. The images that are shown on the screen  are of body parts that have either been mutilated or images of pages and books that have had words crossed out.We also see pages been sown together as though they are making a book with details of the murders and M.O, this tells the audience that he is a very organised and has everything well planned as well has his need to document his murders. This to us would seem like its something out of an FBI file. However  we already know that its not an agents file but its john Doe's(the murderer). 

 The Credits are rough, scratchy and messy which connotes the writing of the murderer in the  background and its also foregrounding. The images are fast pace which give the opening a more thriller feel to it. The sequence is not highly focused on the narrative this makes the audience feel confused and disoreintated. The typeography is very glitchy which also adds confusion. The way in which the images flash onto the screen intimates death in a way portraying life flashing before a victim's eyes. 




The extreme close ups are taken from the perpetrators point of view. This shows the audience how methodical and organised the perpetrator is . The sound and non-diegetic music is very mysterious and  has a foregrounding tone and atmosphere to it. The sound of the scratchy record synchronises with the names of the main characters as they are shown on the screen. The scratchy record also keeps a thriller like feel and keeps the audience on edge. The character of detective Somerset and John Doe are very similar and show how its possible for it to be the same person. 
Within the opening sequence the lighting in the scenes is very dull and dim making the setting allot more tense and keeps the audience wondering where the person is. The lighting used is almost like  lamp in an office again suggesting that it's a detective who is looking through evidence compiling evidence. 
As there are close up of book on shelves, this also backs up the suggestions that its a detective.   
 The editing is extremely effective in creating a thriller atmosphere. The jump cutting  between the scenes makes the audience tense and uneasy. In addition the superimposition also adds a sense of disorientation to the audience. Overall the editing ,sounds, camera work and mise-en-scene all contribute to the opening of the sequence Se7en being effective representing the thriller genre.