Analysis of 'Se7en' Opening Sequence

Camera shot/ Angle/ Movement

• Close ups/ Extreme close ups. These could perhaps be used to create a sense of mystery. The less an audience know about the surroundings the more intense and unnerving the images become.
• High angle shot. Used to show us the whole page of writing, placing us above means were forced to look down on it.

Sound

• Non- diegetic, Music - Fast paced, creates suspense.
• Diegetic - Turning pages, thread, writing.

Editing

• Fast edits. This perhaps reflects the fast pace of the film, and also helps to add to the disorientation of the scene.
• Quick cutaways of random symbols associated with the film. Abstract. Again adding to the sense of mystery.
• Abstract images. Unsettling. An audience doesn’t know the relevance of these images.
• Transitions. Helping to link each image to the next.
• Blurred vision, disorientation.

Mise en Scene

• Dark. Convention of a horror movie. Mystery, darkness, sincerity.
• Mainly red and black - conventions of horror genre. Links to darkness, violence, passion.
• Images of violence, and gore.
• Abstract equipments and books. Mystery

Characters

We don’t actually see any identifiable character. The only human contact we see are a man’s hand. His hands are dirty as he sheds off the skin of the tip off his fingers. We presume these are the hands of the antagonist and as the film develops we will find out why he is shedding his finger prints.

Locations

A dark room?

Perhaps an office or a work space such as a garage.

There is no establishing shot or any long shots, only close ups and so it is hard to get any idea of location, adding to the sense of mystery and suspense.

Narrative/ Plot

The opening sequence is a series of abstract shots and so there is no explicit narrative. However, there are clues as to the theme. For example, a man shaving off his fingerprints is a clear indication of violence and crime. There are also quick cutaways to images of violence.

Themes

Violence

Crime

Mystery

Visual style

At the time the film was made, it had a very unique visual style. It was very original, however since then many films have copied this style.

Genre

Horror

Thriller

Action