'Se7en' title sequence analysis By Luna Islam (4088)

3. • The title sequence contains various frames displaying graphic and disturbing
imagery, this is a perfect convention for a thriller genre.
• The contrast of Black and Sepia gives the audience a juxtaposition of the colour.
This emphasise the distinction between good and evil.

4. • Disturbing and chilling shots are
shown. This makes the audience
feel discomfort and curiosity about
the characters mental health.
• The props used in the opening
could be associated with
interrogations and detective work.
These include books, photos, file,
pen and paper.
• All the objects are shown very
close up and therefore take up
most of the frame. This captivates
and engages the audience
through the effective visuals and
this builds enigma code because
it does not show Who/Where the
person is?

5. • There is very quick editing cuts
used. This gives the audience a
sense of not being in control
and not knowing what is going
on.
• The names of the lead actors
appear first.
• It is roughly hand written and
are flickering on and off the
screen. Again creating a sense
of nausea to the audience.

6. • The paper cut foreshadows blood
shed in the film. This increase the
sense of mystery for the audience
• Colour red connotes danger and
dead. The background music and
screaming and showing pictures of
victims and how they die creates
suspense to the audience
• The close up shot on the money note
has the ‘God’ word cut out of it. This
connotes morality and the
destruction of it. This allusion to
enforce the motif of moral behaviour.

7. • The way the director chose to
shoot the images is effective; the
extreme close up of the objects
enhances the audiences focus.
• The title sequence prepares the
audience for the thrilling narrative.
The pace and editing of the
sequence shows the viewer’s quick
but memorable glimpses of the
disturbing imagery- when I first
saw this sequence I tried to figure
the symbolism from the object in
order for me to work out what the
narrative is about.
• The cinematography shows a dark
and gritty story, the dark colours
connote the discomfort and evil in
the film.

8. Sound
• The non-diegetic sound included within the sequence beautifully
blends with the visuals.
• The soundtrack is very eerie and sinister.
• The sound foreshadows what the narrative will be about - a very dark
and unsettling story.
• The use of metallic sounds created by high hat of a bass drum
creates a feeling of distortion and insanity.

9. In my opinion this is a effective film opening because it
achieves its purpose as it teases the audience on
what to expect in the film. This opening title sequence
defines what the genre thriller is all about.
By Luna Islam (4088)