The opening sequence of Se7en uses mise en scene elements like props, positioning, lighting, and camera techniques like shallow depth of field to establish tension, mystery, and a sense of danger. Close ups of sharp objects and a montage of unclear clips leave the audience confused and unsure of the location and characters. Dark lighting in mostly black and white with flashes of red further this unsettling tone and imply a serious, scary film.

1. SE7EN
OPENING SEQUENCE

2. MISE EN SCENE - location
There is no long shots or establishing shots in the
se7en opening sequence, therefore from the props
used, we assume that the events taking place are
held in an office or home-office type environment.
However this location is never revealed to the
audience creating tension and mystery (which are
key themes in thriller films).

3. MISE EN SCENE - props
 The props used in this title sequence are sharp, harmful
and dangerous. They reflect a real feeling of insecurity to
the audience.  There is a montage of different yet
significant clips, however when these
clips are put together they appear
random, not making much sense –
leaving the audience somewhat
confused, intrigued and creates a
distance for them.

4. MISE EN SCENE - positioning
 The way in which the characters
and props are positioned
throughout this opening
sequence are very close and
detailed, however this
juxtaposes against the feelings
of distance and space created
for the audience.
 Never being introduced to the
character also adds to the
themes and feelings of
uncertainty, untrustworthy and
confusion.

5. MISE EN SCENE - lighting
 The majority of shades used in
this opening sequence are
black and white. The use of red
and red lighting is shown within
when photographs are being
developed, this not only shows
a sense of recency to the event
in which the photographs were
taken but it the colour red adds
themes of danger too.
 All the shots are reasonably dark, this
connotes danger and fear, implying
that the following film will be quite
serious and scary.

6. CAMERA – depth of field
 As all of the shots used are mainly close ups or extreme close
ups, there are many shallow focuses. For example, books, pens
and other significant objects.
 These close ups allow the audience to focus mainly on what is
happening and how certain objects are being used, as this might
reflect some of the events in the film. It also distracts them from
knowing the character. This creates themes of mystery - a
common convention of the thriller genre.