Directed by: David
Fincher
Written by: Andrew
Kevin Walker
Starring: Morgan
Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey & Gwyneth Paltrow
Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) is partnered with
Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) to investigate a number of grotesque murders, some
grisly scenes I assure you. John Doe (Kevin
Spacey) is the warped suspect, killing remorselessly with graphic symbolism
those he feels break the seven deadly sins.
It’s hard to tell where to start when a movie is this good.
So here goes, Seven is one of the most
visually interesting films I have seen in a long time, the gritty and sinister
tone of this film is largely achieved through the cinematography, in
post-production the film was developed using a technique called bleach bypass
creating moody visuals which
compliment the narrative fantastically whilst at the same time reflecting the
characters’ emotions. It’s worth noting that Saving Private Ryan went through a similar film development
process.
A detective thriller wouldn’t be a detective thriller
without a pessimistic long-in-the-tooth cop partnered with a younger cocksure
maverick, and the Morgan Freeman/Brad Pitt coupling works a treat. Whilst Gwyneth
Paltrow beautifully represents the single glimmer of light amongst the
criminality, which in a lesser film would appear inconsequential, but it’s
Gwyneth Paltrow and she delivers a far from trivial performance. Then throw
chilling Kevin Spacey into the mix, playing his role with seemingly effortless depravity
it makes you feel like the film just doesn’t have enough Spacey.
Although the detective partnership is a marvel, I think the
most intriguing correlation is between Freeman and Spacey. As the narrative
develops you begin to notice the similarities between Somerset and John Doe,
despite being on opposite sides of the law. Detective Somerset’s cynical
viewpoint is shaped by his many years of investigating heinous crimes, leaving
him disillusioned by human nature, this perception is shared by Spacey’s John
Doe who goes about executing his own warped sense of justice. I feel all of
this is summed up in Morgan Freeman’s line “Ernest Hemingway once wrote ‘the
world is a fine place and worth fighting for’, I agree with the second part.”
As a self-proclaimed film geek I find it troubling that this
is the first time I’ve seen Seven, especially when I’ve heard ‘what’s in the box?’ referenced so many times. So, if you’ve
already seen this mid 90’s classic thriller then I hope this short review
prompts you to revisit it. If like me you haven’t seen Seven then I would advise you to take heed, this is a film well
worth your time.