Se7en - 1995

Directors: David Fincher
Certificate: 18

Camera:

– CU
– Jump Shots

The scene opens with a CU of a book laid vertically. This suggests that research of some sort has taken place. There are then several jump shots throughout the opening to black screens with only titles written on them. This not only introduces the actors but it also breaks up the opening into fragments. This is done to eliminate any fluency of the scene. The director has primarily used CU throughout the entire opening. No characters identities are revealed, and very little of the narrative itself is revealed either. This is done to create and build tension. It also invites a sense of curiosity from the audience and allows them to see everything in minute detail throughout.

Editing:

– Fast paced

The editing throughout the opening is fast paced and jumpy. This makes it difficult for the audience to grasp what is going on. There is also a high sense of realism and verisimilitude in the shot chosen and the sense of narrative portrayed. The fast paced editing also creates and builds a lot of tension, keeping the audience guessing at all times.

Sound:

– Sinister
– Strong, slow heartbeat
– Parallel sound

The sound used is very sinister. It opens with the sound of a strong, slow heartbeat. This suggest that the owner of this heartbeat is powerful, calm and in control. The sound is also parallel to the shots, with the continuous sound of creaking and fuzzy noises. This could be representing a squeaky chair, or old rusty equipment. The fuzzy sounds could also be that of an old radio out of signal. All these items are typical of those, which you may find in the office/lab type surroundings outlined in the opening.

Mise en scene:

– Books - research
– Red – blood
– Blacks/greys – sinister – dull
– Old school equipment – stuck in his ways – experienced
– Razor blade – removing fingerprints – removing identity
– Slow actions – contrast editing
– Precision – perfectionist – threads needle first time – expert

The frequent occurrence of books suggests that there has been a lot of research undertaken concerning the project being displayed. The red along the middle of the book represents blood. Blood signifies pain and anguish. Blacks and greys dominate the opening. These colours are dull and sinister and really help to set the sinister tone and narrative of the opening. The CU of the razorblade shaving off fingerprints represents shaving away his identity. The old school equipment and the characters precision of everything suggest that he is a perfectionist, an experienced expert who is stuck in his ways. This is then highlighted with a CU of the character threading a needle in one clean swoop.

Special effects:

– Titles

Minimal special effects are used throughout this opening. This creates a strong sense of realism and takes away any affiliation with fantasy. This suggests that it is aimed at an intelligent audience, with fast minds and those who like puzzles. However there has been CGI used where the titles are concerned. This does not take away any of the verisimilitude as they are already an unnatural aspect but the CG allows them to blend with the narrative.