Se7en is a 1995 thriller film directed by David Fincher about two detectives, William Somerset and David Mills, investigating a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as the theme for his murders over seven days. The film uses a realistic narrative structure and features gory crime scenes and a clever, unexpected climax. It stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey.

1. Se7en - Case Study
Hannah Worboys

2. Se7en
- Narrative: Story of an investigation into serial killings from the
perspective of two homicide detectives.
-Typography: Title credit typography resembles handwriting. This
creates a personal connection as it links to a diary.
- Clever unexpected climax.
- Horrific and gory scenes.
- By not showing John Doe committing the murders the film allows
the audience to construct their own images of what the scene
would have looked like.

3. General information
- Certificate 18: This is the minimum age of the target audience
which has been legally set. This implies that the film includes
images and content that could upset younger viewers.
- Producer: Arnold Kopelson
- Director: David Fincher
- Star Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin
Spacey
- Tagline: Seven deadly sins. Seven ways to die.

4. Structure
Se7en uses Realist, Liner and Closed Ending narrative structures.
Realist:
- Serial killers do exist
- Mentally disturbed religious fanatic
- Plausible Methods
- Methodical investigation
Liner:
- There is a beginning, middle and an end
Closed Ending:
- The narrative in the film reaches a conclusion

5. Narrative
Based over a seven day period. William Somerset is a homicide detective
with seven days until his retirement. He prefers to work alone in a very
precise manner whereas his replacement Detective David Mills is
prepared to bend the rules for a result and to impress. On day 1 the first
of the murders is committed and is subsequently linked to a series of
murders that happen over the following 6 days. The murders are linked
through the theme of the seven deadly sins. The serial killer is obsessed
with the seven deadly sins and uses each of them as part of the murders;
he uses the sins as a justification for his actions. Although at first
Detective Somerset and Detective Mills clash, with the interference of
Tracy, Mills’ wife, combined with the increasing number of murders, they
have to work together and become an unlikely partnership.

6. Character Profiles
- Detective William Somerset (Played by Morgan Freeman)
Detective William Somerset is an older detective who is retiring in seven
days. He is not popular with his peers, is single and is a loner.
- Detective David Mills (Played by Brad Pitt)
Detective David Mills is newly arrived in the city with his young wife
(childhood sweetheart) to become Detective Somerset’s replacement.

7. Character Profiles
- Tracy Mills (Played by Gwyneth Paltrow)
Tracy Mills is a teacher and the wife of Detective David Mills. Unknown to
her husband she is pregnant with their first child.
- John Doe (Played by Kevin Spacy)
John Doe is the serial killer who is obsessed with the seven deadly sins;
Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath, Pride and Lust.

8. Technical
Lighting: Low key lighting is used which combined with the muted colours
communicates a tense and dramatic mood. It also adds to the sense of danger
and suspense.
Camera angles: Se7en uses multiple camera angles –
- Close up
- Establishing shot
- Extreme close ups
Editing: the editing was slick and methodical. It was used to amplify horrific
scenes, so as to make the audience jump and to prolong the suspense.