Textual analysis on the movie Seven

1. Textual Analysis

2.  The film ‘Seven’ often expresses the intensity of each situation through the use of
close ups. In the opening sequence of the film it is used multiple times to show the
serious nature of the characters. For example, when the protagonist is investigating
the murder in the apartment, close ups are used many times to make him seem
more serious about his work. Close ups are also used to show the emotions that a
certain character is feeling, for example a close up can be used to show shock
which is particularly effective when used in a crime scene.
 The opening also uses a low angle shot on the two protagonists after they leave the
apartment. This has two very different effects. Firstly, it makes them both seem
intimidating which, since they are both detectives, is how they would probably
look to the general public. However, this shot also uses the low angle shot to make
them seem vulnerable this is because it makes them stand out above the rest of the
crowd and therefore makes them appear to be targets.
 A tracking shot is used to distinguish the differences between the two protagonists.
For example, one of them, played by Morgan Freeman, has supposedly been living
and working in the city for many years and therefore walks effortlessly through
the crowds of people walking towards him. However, the other protagonist,
played by Brad Pitt, has just moved there and so finds it difficult moving through
the crows as the tracking shot shows him running into people and walking
unbalanced which shows a lack of experience compared to his partner.

3.  The Mise-En-Scene is used instantly in the apartment of the protagonist played by
Morgan Freeman. His apartment appears to spotless and everything seems to be in
place. For example, he has a few items on a table (Knives etc.) that are placed
perfectly straight and perfectly spaced apart. This tells the audience what kind of
character he is by showing how neat and organised he is where others wouldn’t be.
 A metronome is shown when the protagonist is in bed, trying to sleep which
suggests that he may need something to relax him and help him sleep. This, again,
tells us something about the character. It could suggest that he has seen some
horrible things in his line of work that prevent him from being able to sleep
normally and instead needs something to help keep his mind off of such things.

4.  Before the opening credits begin, the music score in the background becomes more
intense and a thunderous sound can be heard. This suggests to the audience that
the events that follow what they have just seen will get much, much worse. This is
because the sound could have connotations of evil or pain and suffering which
suggests that it is exactly that which will follow.
 During the opening credits, a slightly old and sophisticated looking font is used to
display the credits, giving it a slight macabre feel and makes it look more sinister,
supporting the genre of the film greatly.