Textual Analysis CEMS

1. Se7en Textual Analysis

2. Camera
 There’s use of low angle shots after the main title is used on Brad and Morgan
talking and walking together along the busy street side. This shows how one is not
necessarily more dominant over the other, and that both are strong characters who
desire superiority.
 There’s a wide shot of him in bed, which shows his whole room which is simplistic
and nearly empty. This tells us that he is a lonely man, he shares his life with no one
else, and he is set in his ways.
 The camera moves in towards him whilst he’s in bed, enhancing the fact that he’s
lonely and that his life is only focused around his life and his business and that he
perhaps doesn’t have time for others.

3. Editing
 There’s use of rapid cuts between shots during the titling, there’s also use of
strobing effects to create an impact between the shots and represent the
difference.
 There’s also use of superimposition of scratches on the screen above the rest of the
video clips.
 During the titling, the text of names are white and bright showing contrast
between the rest of the dark footage. This makes the names have emphasis in
comparison to the other footage to show the importance, for example big A-list
celebrities such as Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt which attracts the audiences
attention.
 There was use of a short shot whilst showing Morgan in his home, which may
suggest his life has little meaning and is very simplistic.

4. Sound
 The sound of the metronome which is on Morgan’s beside table is emphasised, this
may be a representation of his heartbeat.
 In the opening scene after the title, diegetic sounds are used to create the normal
atmosphere such as traffic, sirens, busy streets and other diegetic city sounds which
you would normally expect to hear in this clip.
 In the titling, there’s an uncomfortable screeching sound which fits in with the rest
of the footage shown. This sets the atmosphere for the film.
 Titling scene ends where the song says, “you bring me closer to God.” This could
suggest he’s religious.

5. Mise-en-scene
 Both men are well-dressed in a tie and shirt, this suggests both have important roles
and well-respect themselves and look after themselves.
 The weather in the city was miserable and was raining, this could show the type of area
that they live in which is quite blue and down which could set the mood for the rest of
the mood.
 Also, Morgan doesn’t bump into anyone whilst he’s in the city, which suggests he
knows the rhythm of the city and how everyone moves, in comparison to Brad who has
just moved there. This shows how long Morgan has been living in the city.
 Morgan is alone in bed, and his home doesn’t have many materialistic possessions just
necessities which shows us that he’s a simplistic man.
 In Morgan’s home there’s a chessboard, which is symbolism that he’s clever and thinks
ahead.