Textual analysis on key shots within the film Se7en.

1. Se7en (1995)
USA, Dir. David Fincher

2. The shadows in the shot Montage editing of various
reflect the danger and extreme close-up shots of crime
unknown, which is a scene notes and evidence.
continuous feature within
the narrative.
The picture is blurred
which demonstrates the
withdrawal of information
The black and red are
from the audience which
typical conventions of the
creates suspense.
thriller genre, which also
connotes blood and danger.
The editing varies from
smooth transitions to
quick cuts, which makes
The polaroid picture is common the audience uneasy and
ideography within the film genre. out of control.

3. The low-key lighting is a typical convention
of the thriller genre, which emphasises the
lack of security for the detectives.
This shot follows the rule of thirds
The flash light is the main source of light in
and therefore the audiences’ eyes
the shot, which makes it look naturalistic for
are drawn to the character and the
the audience and therefore more tense.
shelf which is lit.

4. The dark suits conveys their authority
as detectives. Whereas, the hat and
coat shows William Somerset as having
the most power and control.
Gramsci’s theory of hegemony is supported
by the representation of power and The medium close-up shot of the two
authority within the police force, which is characters represents them as equals as
regarded acceptable in the film, as well as they work together to solve the crime.
everyday life.

5. The rain foreshadows the danger that will
occur throughout the film, as well as a
classic convention of the thriller genre.
The raindrops on the camera lens
reinforces the weather condition and
The low-key lighting is used continuously, which mirrors the character’s clouded mind as
reflects the dangers of crime within society. It he tries to solve the crime.
also restricts the audience from clarity.

6. In one of the few scenes where a female
is present, David’s wife is in the kitchen,
this supports the feminist theory by
which the female is represented with a
domestic role within media.
The wife wears white which connotes
innocence, which makes her murder in the
end of the film more upsetting for viewers.
The yellow lighting is a contrast to the low-
lighting which has been used throughout The long shot highlights one of the rare
the film. The lighting creates a sense of scenes in which the characters are
safety, however we learn this isn’t the case leading normal lives, away from the
when his wife gets murdered. crime scene.

7. The low angle shot reinforces the height
The gun is classic ideography for the
he’s shooting from, as well as symbolism of
thriller convention and creates tension for
his authority over the criminal which is
the audience.
being challenged.
The criminal’s silhouette is reflected in the
puddle which shows him as strong and
powerful as he towers over.
The figure is wearing a bowler hat which is
unexpected by criminals in the 90s and
therefore highlights the extremity of the
crime .

8. The red and black polaroid pictures from
the opening credits appears again. The The low lighting is emphasised by the
colours make the shot intense and flashlight used by David.
intimidating.
The shot is of the criminal’s ‘’lair’’ which is
reinforced by the mise-en-scene, The position of the polaroid pictures in the
conveying typical conventions of the shot makes it the key focus and so the
thriller genre. audience are drawn to it and builds
suspense.

9. The establishing shot shows the seclusion
of the setting, which makes the setting
appear even more frightful to the audience
due to the lack of witnesses.
The isolation additionally makes
the audition curious as to what will
happen next.
The detective is wearing
The vulnerability of the
lighter clothing and
unknown character
therefore portrays him with
demonstrates the authority of
good morals, despite him
the law over him.
holding a gun.
The new character is wearing dark
clothing with poor light over his
face, which highlights the
anonymity of his character.

10. The gun in his hand is out of focus, The facial hair and the stitches on his upper
making David’s facial expression the eyebrow and nose demonstrate the struggle
crucial focus in the shot. he has been through, making the audience
sympathise for him as well.
The close-up shot of David’s face is very
significant at this point, since he’s making The bright lighting contrasts with the rest of
the decision whether to shoot the criminal the film and exposes the character, whilst he
or not. This allows the audience to study his is exposed with a difficult decision.
face and sympathise for him.