Se7en (1995)

Director: David Fincher
Story: Andrew Kevin Walker
Cast: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
Music: Howard Shore
Time: 127 minutes
Bottom-line: A thrilling, gut-wrenching murder mystery, with an unexpected climax

David Fincher makes his entry into Hollywood with this murder-mystery film, Se7en. Starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt in the lead roles, the film is about a serial killer. What make it unique are the superb performances, chilling atmosphere and score, and of course, some brilliant directing and story-writing by Fincher and Walker. Se7en is not for the faint-hearted – there is no “horror” content, but watch out for some gruesome images of some ghastly murders.

Monday – In a city of constant rain, Detective William Somerset (Freeman), who is about to retire, is partnered with a young, short-tempered detective, David Mills (Pitt), for a murder case. They discover an obese man who has been forced to feed himself till his stomach bursts, causing him to die. Tuesday – a wealthy attorney has been murdered by cutting a pound of flesh from his body, with the word GREED written in his blood. Somerset puts forth a theory that the killer is choosing his victims according to the seven deadly sins – gluttony, greed, pride, envy, wrath, lust and sloth. He says that five more murders will follow. Sure enough, the next victim, representing sloth, is found in his apartment the next day. Seven sins, seven murders, seven ways to die, seven days in a week... what happens next?

Brad Pitt as David Mills

I have read many reviews about the film saying that it has a “haunting climax”, and some have categorised it as a horror film. There is a lot of blood, yes, there are some gruesome images and all, but no real “horror”, in my view. I am guessing that the concept of a killer committing a series of murders based on some pattern is not new, but Se7en proves to be a success because Fincher gives the right amount of time for every part of the story: thrills, violence, character development – and even the seemingly unnecessary scenes have some significance (known in the climax) – instead of just focussing on one thing in particular.

Morgan Freeman as William Somerset 

The suspense is always taut; there is no compromise on twists or thrills. The climax of the film is in some ways the best part, and in some ways, is sort of a let-down. The actual “climax” according to me is the last 15 minutes if the film. The suspense is held in a such a way that  you expect all sorts of things to happen in those 15 minutes, but what actually happens is comparatively “simple” (if I can call it that), but perhaps the most logical as well. This sort of abrupt ending may or may not please you. But I felt satisfied by it.

Freeman’s performance is also a highlight in the film. Alongside him, Brad Pitt has given an impressive performance, considering that this film was one of the first films where he played the lead role. Gwyneth Paltrow also has a small role – that of Mills’ wife, Tracy. The importance of her character is known in the climax. The cinematography, special effects and score are perfect. So, Fincher’s debut film Se7en is superb in all aspects, but to some, it may be too violent – but that’s what makes it effective. Don’t miss the film because of the violence– cover your eyes or do something, but do not miss the film!

My Rating: 4/5
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 79%