Se7en (1995)

One of the worst movies I've ever seen

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

By the year Seven came out David Fincher was already being considered as one of those sleek auteur whose work have a distinctive style and richness. Here he teams up with Brad Pitt (one of the many collaborations they've been a part of) and Morgan Freeman to create one of the finest thriller dramas of the 90s. Seven also contains one of the greatest bad guy performances in Kevin Spacey. Containing one of the most shocking finales this film reeks of atmosphere and grim. Watch this film right away.

Since the term was first coined, serial killers have fascinated the general public. Filmmakers have capitalized on this fascination across all forms of media, from Anthony Perkins' two-faced performance as Norman Bates to Sir Anthony Hopkins' mesmerizing role of Dr, Hannibal Lector to the very successful television show Criminal Minds. Se7en is a film that stands amongst the greatest serial killer films ever made and that is due in large part to David Fincher's vision. After being forced to deal with a unresponsive and overstepping production company for Alien 3, Fincher was determined to create a film that completely realized his vision and not that of production company executives. Everything about this film plays an important role in consciously and subconsciously building this world for the audience, from the overall production design to the small, seemingly insignificant choices when lighting both Somerset and Mills' apartments. Se7en has many elements in it which students of film should be studying, specifically in terms of world building, set design, lighting, and the subtle ways Fincher builds tension in each scene. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt naturally play off of each other, making their interactions believable as a grizzled, jaded retiring detective trying to impress upon a optimistic, naive newly-transferred detective the darkness of the city in which they work. Although he isn't in the film for very long, Kevin Spacey plays the serial killer John Doe as an emotionless yet understandable man twisted by the same dark city he claims he is trying to wake up. My only issue with this film is that sometimes it is so dark that I wasn't able to pick up on details but this only happened a few times so it did nothing to effect the whole viewing experience. Se7en is a masterfully crafted film directed by a man who truly understands how tension and horror works and acted by those who truly know their craft and allow the audience to connect with them, even the serial killer.

Probably the best "serial killer movie" I have ever seen. Somewhat thought-provoking and really intense throughout, with great performances from the cast. Also has one of the most unforgettable endings!

*SPOILERS AHEAD* The movie se7en, directed by David Fincher and released in 1995 stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. Pitt, is a young detective taking place of Freeman, who is an old, grizzled, detective who thinks he has seen it all, that is until this case. The goal of our heroes is to catch a new serial killer on the loose. This new serial killer, because of the unknown identity of the killer is referred to as John Doe. After investigating the first of Doe's crime scenes it is unknown as to why these killings were committed. But, after the second crime scene detectives noticed the word "GREED" written behind a painting. It becomes apparent that John Doe is committing murders based off of the seven deadly sins written by Dante Alighieri. Soon the other killings follow: Gluttony, Sloth, Lust, Pride. After the murder of pride is committed the detectives have hit a dead end. This apparent defeat is short lived when the killer, still known only as John Doe turns himself in. Through negotiations John Doe exchanges a written confession for the detectives to take him out to a field. It is there when a box is delivered to the field with Brad Pitt's wife's head in the box. Before Pitt is made known of it John Doe tells Pitt how much he envies him, thus committing the sixth sin. Pitt, obviously outraged and furious shoots John Doe in the head committing the seventh and final sin: Wrath. The movies with Brad Pitt being carried off to jail and a distraught Morgan Freeman who goes on to retire. se7en has strong Christian undertones and themes. The strongest and most prevalent of these themes are Good v Evil, with evil coming out on top by the end of the movie. Now the problem with evil coming out on top is that it paints Christianity in a bad light. John Doe is a devout Christian and that is why he commits these killings. This battle between good and evil is illustrated by Doe committing killings, with Pitt and Freeman being at least three steps behind. And sadly, the "resolution" of our hero, Brad Pitt is not really present. But, the ending of the movie does give a message that coincides with biblical truth and that's shoving Christianity down people's throats. Doe states in the movie that in order for the love of God to be spread, he must first display to the world what is wrong with it. I'm no expert but that is not the kindest way of letting people know about the love of God. As stated before Christianity is of main prevalence in the movie. Christianity is not portrayed in a positive light with the main villain being a radical Christian committing multiple murders in order to spread the gospel. On the subject of evil being celebrated in the film, one could argue both points. One side would argue that the fact that evil wins is celebrating it. But, the other side would argue that the film depicts not only evil, but the effects it has on people's surroundings and it paints it in a bad light. And lastly, you can only recommend this movie to people with strong stomachs and people that can handle a film taking their religion hostile. All in all, se7en is a masterpiece of David Fincher. It's constant suspense and stomach turning visuals will keep a viewer glued to their seat for the entire runtime.