The title sequence of the film Se7en uses 70 quick shots over 2 minutes to keep the audience curious about the mysterious main character. Close-up shots of disturbing objects like knives and a picture of torture are flashed briefly to unsettle viewers without context. Scenes of a man cutting himself and writing in a journal hint that he may be mentally ill or consider himself religiously extreme. The rough handwritten title font, flickering images, and unanswered questions effectively set the dark and disturbing tone for the thriller/crime genre film that follows.

1. SE7EN
Analysis of Title Sequence
Produced by Umair Hussain

2. Initial shot
 The initial shot of the title sequence shows a
blank book/journal in focus. This adds a very
dark and sinister effect as the room is dark as
well. The audience becomes curious as to
why this book is important. As well as this the
audience can also see an out focused pair of
hands behind the book which adds to the
mysterious initial shot. The non diegetic music
in the background sounds distorted and eerie
which adds to the horrifying effect.

3. Close ups and shot changes
 After some research on the Se7en title sequence I have
found out that only the title sequence used 70 total
shots within 2 minutes. Of which most of them were
close ups to keep the mysterious character‟s identity
hidden. This would on average mean 2 shots were used
in a space of 1.16 seconds. The reason for this is to keep
the audience curious because they cannot analyse the
mise en scene quick enough. Although the only thing
the audience would be able to notice would be the
creepy detail such as the close up shots of the knives
and carving tools. This lets the producers control what
the audience see and feel. The close ups are also very
focused on detail such as the figure cutting his own skin
off. While doing this the background was out of focus so
this is the only image the audience can pay attention
to.

4. Storyline/Content
 The storyline/content of the title sequence is quite unclear
which is what makes the title sequence more creepy and
sinister as the audience is wondering what is the connection
between all the images and shots. In the title sequence we
see a mysterious figure cutting his own fingertips which
insinuates he is a psycho and is possibly removing his
fingerprints. This starts to make the audience and assume
which drags them into the movie further. We also know the
figure is male by his manly hands as well as his rough broad
outline. He then writes in the blank book and reads over and
crosses out words like „Pregnant‟, „intercourse‟ and
„transsexual‟. This shows this man is not mentally well. We also
know this man is linked to religion and possibly thinks he is
God because he cuts out the word God from the dollar bill
and then tapes down a picture of what seems to be a
torture idea of a man with a contraption around his head
which includes a screw going through the front of his face to
the back of his head. We then see many flashing images of
the creepy male sewing his book together which could
imply he is creating his own bible or religious scripture.

5. Mise en Scene
 The mise en scene of the title sequence included
many strange objects which would not be
common possessions. This included knives, carving
tools, sewing tools, screws, old scriptures, random
dollar bills and film reels. The film reels shows us this
film is not set in modern times as now there is an up
rise in digital technology. All the objects listed
above were in various shots which were flashed on
screen very quickly so the audience only sees
them very quickly. In addition there were many
shots that included random writing such as “C-24”
which were flashed extremely quick so the
audience only sees them subliminally which may
mean something later in the film.

6. Font/Titles
 The font of the titles are seen to be very rough
and untidy. They also flicker a lot which adds
to the thriller/horror genre as they are not still
and boring. As well as this they are bright
white on a flickering grey and black
background which is a sharp contrast
between the two. The font would be classed
as a handwritten font which makes us think
automatically this is the font of the male
figure. The font is also not big so this leaves a
lot of blank space in the background which
seems filled with all the flickering.

7. Conclusion
 In conclusion Se7en has a very powerful
title sequence which makes the audience
curious and leaves them wanting more
which forces them to continue the movie.
Se7en initialised the genre very well
(Thriller/Crime) by using techniques such
as a quick image changes as well as the
use of props and mise en scene. Lighting
was also used very well (low key).