The opening sequence of the film SE7EN uses montage editing of close-up shots to set an unsettling and suspenseful tone. Elements like a sinister musical score, the color red, and sounds of screaming immerse the viewer in the thriller/horror genre. Specific shots focusing on things like a razor blade, notes, and religious symbols provide clues about the serial killer's personality and motivations while avoiding revealing too much of the plot. The sequence introduces actor Morgan Freeman as a main character and draws in his existing fans.

1. SE7EN
Research - opening sequences
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/se7en/#

2. 00:16
Extreme close-up.
Shaving fingerprints off with a
razor blade represents his criminal
intentions. He is doing this so that
he doesn't’t get caught. We only
see images of the characters
hands suggesting that he uses his
hands a lot. They appear to be
worn out. The razor blade has
connotations of weapons and
danger but also neatness and
precision. This links to the ways in
which the murderer may kill his
victims.

3. 00:18
Morgan Freeman is a well recognised
and respected actor. His pre existing
fans will be interested in this film due
to his role in it. The producers would
have recognised this so therefore have
made it clear in the opening sequence
that he is a main character in the plot.
The font used throughout the
sequence appears to be untidy and
handwritten giving the sequence an
authentic value. The handwriting looks
sinister reflecting the killers
personality.

4. 02:01
Subversion of religious views gives an
insight of the cereal killers motives. He
may feel he is above the human race and
the law, or could be driven to kill by his
religious views (the seven deadly sins).
The shot is upside-down because God is
associated with Christianity but when
religious symbols are upside-down they
are associated with Satan.

5. 00:03
The editing used throughout the
opening sequence is montage editing.
This is when a series of short shots are
edited into a sequence to condense
space and information. This type of
editing is effective in the opening
sequence for Se7en because it gives the
viewer an idea of what the film is going
to involve/ be about, without giving
away too much of the story line.

6. 01:01
There are specific words in this
image that link to the genre and
also foreshadow the content of
the film. Most of the sequence is
made up of quick cuts and
fractured editing but this shot is
elongated slightly making the
audience observe the specific
content.
The opening sequence is made
mostly of close-up shots in order
to put the audience on edge.

7. 01:17
The music throughout the sequence is sinister
and dark. It has an increasing speed and builds
suspense, drawing the viewer into the
beginning of the film. This type of music is
typical of horror/ thriller genres.
Use of colour: red connotes danger, death and
also passion. These connotations also link in
with the genre of the film.

8. 00:39
SFX- woman screaming, as the scissors
slice through the film. This screeching
sound creates an unsettling atmosphere
for the audience because it connotes
danger and someone desperate for
help.

9. 00:52
Obsessive and meticulous notes
reflect the personality type of a mass
murderer. This shot is extreme close-
up and reflects the thoughts and
intentions of the character. This is an
important shot because it makes the
viewer look closely at the detail.