Opening Sequence Analysis of 'Se7en'

Opening Sequence Analysis of ‘Se7en’

‘Se7en’ is a thriller film about the story of two murder detectives in a desperate pursuit for a serial killer who uses every murder to punish one of the seven deadly sins. The enigmatic narrative approach, suspenseful editing and eerie camera shots propels the audience within the thriller genre within the opening sequence of the film.

The opening sequence of the movie ‘Se7en’ uses a combination of clever camera shots put together to create a fast paced montage. The several clips shown develop an ambiguous setting, creating narrative enigma as the audience try to figure out what is happening. For example, several shots of pens frantically writing and heaps of paper work are shown. This could suggest that the clips are of the murderer and his progress in creating projects on his chosen victims. However, it could be interpreted to show the idea of detectives creating a case study on the killer in order to try and catch him. This mystery behind the montage of clips creates an ambivalent atmosphere within the audience, immediately reflecting the genre of the film: thriller. The use of graphic, disturbing imagery of the characters hands also creates a tense aura as it makes the audience squirm at the sight of peeling skin and razor blades. However, this may be affective in addressing the genre of the film, plunging the audience straight into the thriller aspect of the sequence. The use of rapidly showing images for a short amount of time creates a subliminal effect as the audience are triggered with flashing sights of disturbed figures, making them perhaps apprehensive or afraid of what may follow.

(Shot of Pen Writing on Paper)

When the sequence first commences, a loud sound, rather like that of thunder, is played as the image of papers flick throughout the screen. The use of the loud sound could be used to grab the viewer’s attention and create a tense atmosphere to set the tone for the rest of the film. As the sequence progresses, a constant sound of a beating drum is used to create rhythm and build suspense as the various clips are shown. Sounds of a high dynamic range such as screeching also accompany the steady drumbeat throughout the opening sequence. These sounds of screeching could connote the idea of the murderer killing its victims, or it could be interpreted to show the psychological pain the murderer is in as a result of his killing. The use of amplified sounds within the sequence creates an eerie atmosphere and creates suspense within the audience. This could be seen as a common convention of the thriller genre as sound is often used to build tension and engage the audience. Other conventions also used within the film include the predominant use of colour. Many dark colours such as black and red have been used to denote the idea of murder and death, the main theme of the film. The colour red also connotes the idea of blood, homicide and danger, suggesting that the film may also be of a horror genre. However, the use of narrative enigma keeps the audience engaged and want to keep watching to unravel the mystery behind the characters, reinforcing the mystery/thriller genre.

(Use of Colour Red Within Sequence)

As the sequence progresses, the audience become aware of the somewhat deluded and mysterious aspect of the character presented within the film. It is clear that the portrayal of the character is obsessive and disturbed through the use of images and camera shots. For example, the scene showing a collection of images, articles and notes connotes the idea of the murderer creating a project about his victims he has eliminated and perhaps those he may target next. The use of short clips and varied camera angles gives a confused effect, perhaps putting the audience within the mind set of the killer to give an alternative perspective to his deranged method of working. This also makes the audience question why certain things happen, and so are constantly engaged to discover the reasons behind the clips. The use of the font within the opening title sequence conveys the thriller genre of the film appropriately. The font type and editing used creates a disorientated effect, emphasising the mind of the killer and how he may be psychologically corrupt.  The scratching effect used in editing also creates a sense of fear and misdirection, making the audience afraid or curious as to what may occur within the film. The use of placing some of the titles on a plain black background also makes the words stand out from the page so that the audience are aware of the genre and other important information about the film.

(Title Shown within Opening Sequence)

Sound:

There are various sounds used within the opening sequence of the film from music to special effects. The use of non-diegetic sound, music, is a method used to spur fear and edginess within the audience, conveying the thriller genre of the film. The sound of screeching also builds suspense, as the high-pitched noise may be uncomfortable for the viewer, and so makes the audience feel nervous and tense. The use of amplified sound also creates a sudden burst of suspense at certain points of the sequence, making the audience jump and be wary when watching the various clips being shown.

There is no use of dialogue within the majority of the sequence, this allows the use of music and amplified sound to emphasise the thriller setting of the film and is used as a way to create tension without having to use dialogue.

Camera:

The camera shots used focus on various important aspects of the opening sequence, making certain features stand out and make the audience question what occurs. For example, the scene with the close of the hands holding a sharp razor makes the audience question why he is holding it and what he may do with it. The hand held shake of the camera also creates mystery and a lack of perceptive awareness, portraying the sick, disturbing thoughts going through the mind of the deranged character.

Editing:

The editing used within the opening sequence consists of fast cuts between various shots of the characters hands, paperwork and collection of data. These sudden changes in clips and also titles displayed creates an effect of striking fear, confusion and mystery within the audience as they are not aware of what may follow. However, the editing allows tension to be built as the ambiguous connotations of each aspect of the film have various meanings, which creates an eerie atmosphere.

Mise-en-scene:

The props and setting used within certain scenes of the sequence makes the audience aware of the genre of the film. The use of dark colours such as black and red are conventional of the horror/thriller genre, so the audience know what the film may be about. The use of weapons, such as the razorblade, is also conventional of this genre, so the use of props allows the audience to pinpoint a specific genre to the film.

(Razorblade Shown in Clips)

Genre Signifiers:

The various aspects of camera work, editing and mise-en-scene all give an indication of the genre of the film. The use of hand held shaking camera work creates a disorientated feel, which is a convention of this genre, making the audience be aware of the horror/mystery aspect of the film. The use of fast cuts and editing within the title are also conventional of its genre as various other films use this technique, for example, the title used within ‘Paranormal Activity’ uses a very similar effect, emphasising the horror genre of the film. The mise-en-scene also creates mystery as the audience may not be aware of what certain objects are used for and why, showing the narrative enigma used within the sequence, another convention for mystery/thriller films.

Dominate Ideologies:

The opening sequence to the film ‘Se7en’ does not seem to have any particular dominate ideologies or representations due to the lack of story behind the scene. There is also no particular way in which the montage of clips link together, this creates mystery and interrupts the possibility of being a standout ideology.

Narrative Enigma:

Narrative enigma is explored thoroughly within the opening aspect of the sequence to emphasise the genre of the film. This technique is used to make the audience question why certain things occur and create various reactions such as confusion and shock with the viewer. The use of masking the identity of the potential killer creates mystery, as the audience may want to know who the person is and why they are collecting all this information. The use of the collection of data such as images and articles also makes the audience suggest whether the killer has murdered many people within the past or if he is planning to do so. The convention of using narrative enigma within the opening sequence of thriller films makes the audience fully engaged with the film and make them question why certain things happen.