2. SE7EN
In this harrowing neo noir thriller, the opening title sequence clearly sets the tone for
the entirety of the movie. The sequence features a arrhythmic musical set that shows
the disorganised nature of the killer’s mind. Also, the sudden changes in images and
speed conveys the confusing plot and the way both the detectives and the audience are
constantly on edge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k2gsEI34CE
3. The titles start with the flicking pages of a book, drawing the
audience in as to what is in the book.
Throughout the sequence, the credits appear to flicker and
change position as though it is on an old projector, furthering
the abstract nature of the film.
This shot creates enigma by making the
Audience question whose hands they
Are.
4. Following this are a couple of shots of machines or
objects being used or operated, yet due to the fact
the shots are CU it is difficult to determine exactly
what the are, drawing in the audience as they want
to get an insight of the bigger picture/
^ If the above shot is flipped
upside down, the words “in USA’
and ‘surgical steel’ can be read on
the obscured object, this could be a
link to both the films setting and
to the ‘surgical’ nature of the
killings to follow.
In the next shot, a person can be
seen removing their own
fingerprints, this eludes to the
purely psychopathic nature of the
killer. This is also when we discover
what the ‘surgical steel’ is for.
5. Throughout this title card,
the disjointed music turns
into a shrill screech,
similar to that of someone
running their nails down
a chalk board. This would
increase the discomfort of
the viewers and put them
on edge.
D 35 (referenced twice at this
point) is a pain treatment
drug. This could reference
what the killer may be using
when removing his
fingerprints, or what he gives
to his victims as he tortures
This image of
what appears
to be a man
with the word
no next to it
develops with
sudden jarring
shots. In its
second
appearance the
man has been
scratched and
crossed out,
potentially
suggesting he
was a victim.
6. This shot shows a hand with bandaged fingers
cutting something up, and its at this point the
audience may begin to suspect that the title
sequence is the disjointed set-up to one of the
murders, potentially from the perspective of the
psychotic killer.
The words ‘IN GOD’ are a clear link to the
religious background of the killings to be
seen later in the film, all related to the 7
deadly sins.
7. This shot could possibly link to the recurring D
35. It is said that whilst using the drug, “Risk
cannot be ruled out during pregnancy “ This
could suggest the killer has used it on pregnant
women
Here “ONE CAN FAITHFUL” is seen
scrawled across the screen, another hint
to the religious motives
Towards the end of the titles,
the music begins to pick up
pace, with the strange
screeching noise returning.
This could suggest the
nearing of another murder
and that the killer is getting
closer.
8. The final lines of what could barely be called a song are “You get me closer to God”.
This acts as the final nail in the religious/deadly sin themed plot hints. It brings the
titles to an abrupt end and leaves the audience feeling confused yet slightly more
enlightened than at the beginning of the 2 minute 10 seconds title sequence. The
entire thing sets up an very convoluted sense of enigma, whilst also fleshing out the
process leading up to one of the deranged kilings.
