1) The film Se7en stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as two detectives, one who is older and more experienced while the other is younger. 2) The opening scenes establish Freeman's character as neat and precise through point-of-view shots showing him preparing his equipment, while also revealing contrasting styles between the two detectives. 3) Shots of a crime scene then contrast with the opening's calm saturation to set up the film as a thriller, while other technical elements like costumes, sounds and editing further develop the characters and tone of suspense.

1. SE7EN
AS Media Textual Analysis
Scott Cartwright

2. About The Film
We watched the film 'Seven' or 'Se7en' which
stars famous actors Brad Pitt (Known for Films such as RomCom 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' and 'Inglorious B*****s') and
acting legend Morgan Freeman (Known for many films like
Comedy 'Bruce Almighty' and 'Million Dollar Baby'). The
film was released in the US Box Office in Late 1995
(September) and then being released across the pond here
in the UK in early 1996. It was distributed by New Line
Cinema (who were responsible for Nightmare on Elm
Street), written by Andrew Kevin Walker and directed by
David Fincher.

3. Camera Angles and Shots
1) A combination of shots are used to open the film, we see a male character
(Freeman) who is a detective or police officer. A point of view shot shows
how Freeman's character is neatly organised by having equipment laid out
precisely in order and the use of shot/reverse shot here shows how he
places each piece of equipment onto his body (like placing pens in the
trouser or shirt pocket) connoting that this man has a certain lifestyle
which involves being precise.
2) An over-the-shoulder shot shows Freeman's character in the mirror, he is
adjusting the collar on the almost duck egg white shirt that he wears,
connoting that this character is clearly scripted as a man of pride, and likes
to take care of his appearance.

4. Continued…
3) Later, the use of shot/reverse shot shows Freeman's character William
Somerset, talking to a younger detective, David Mills played by Pitt. During this
shot combination, the use of dialogue shows that the detective are
cautious, connoting that they're having to hide something (evidence or
information) from the public eyes and ears.
4) Shortly after, we change location again to Freeman's house. There is a close up
and shallow depth of field on the metronome, it ticks slowly away, this can possibly
connote that Freeman's character's (being quite old) time is running out, or the
first chapter of this story is just ending leading into the rest of the film.
5) And also, within the opening titles, there is many camera angles, point of view
shots to show the detective looking at case files, close ups on a stop bath in a dark
room, and a strand of string with a hand sewing together pages of what seems to
be a case file. The use of all fours technical areas here made a very good opening
to a thriller film.

5. Mise En Scene
1) There is a high saturation in the opening scene of the film, which we as the
audience begin to think that this film will have a rather calm story and not focus
much upon horror. However, the mise-en-scene presented in it's succeeding scene
immediately contrasts that, by having a body that's covered in blood and there
are many detectives, investigators and police within the scene connoting that a
crime scene is always a busy atmosphere.
2) In this film, it doesn't seem to be just the personalities that contrast between
William and David (Freeman and Pitt) but also the clothing too differentiates.
Freeman's clothing consists of a formal dress code, a shirt, tie, trilby with a slick
trim and a long cream/if not brown overcoat. However, Pitt doesn't follow this dress
code as his character. He sport a black leathery jacket, and still keeps some sense of
formal dress by having a shirt and tie, a smart casual look is what you'd call David's
style.
3) Freeman's costume connotes a high sense of formality, it also reflects the look of
the old detectives back in the 60s/70s, which can connote how Freeman's character
may feel out of place in modern society.

6. Sound
1) Throughout the extract that we watched, a lot of diegetic sound is used,
street noise, and sounds of photographs and footsteps in the crime scene
all relate to the conventions of the real life situations explored.
2) As explored within Camera Shots, a metronome is used before the titles, it
connotes this significance of time running out which we as the audience are
almost expected to assume that it signals the near ending of William (Morgan
Freeman)
3) Throughout the title sequence, there are lots of layered sound used, the
use of interference/white noise. The effect of this discording sound doesn’t
fit in with the title sequence.

7. Editing
1) Relating to when we were talking about William's possessions. The use of
an insert combined with an eyeline match connotes how significant these
objects actually are to Freeman's character's life.
2) Later on in the extract, at the point where Freeman and Pitt's characters
are exchanging dialogue, the continuity system makes the editing appear
almost invisible, so the conversation and number of shots flow continually.
3) However, this isn't always the case, there are a few jump cuts in parts of
the extract which can connote that this film's pace may not be calm at
all, but more in fact an Action Thriller.
4) The editing of the title sequence is very well done, it's very dramatic, and
emphasis that the camera provides isn't lost by editing, it creates a rather
sinister overtone when using monochrome colours combined with tints of red.