'Se7en' title sequence analysis
- 3. • The title sequence contains various frames displaying graphic and disturbing imagery, this is a perfect convention for a thriller genre. • The contrast of Black and Sepia gives the audience a juxtaposition of the colour. This emphasise the distinction between good and evil.
- 4. • Disturbing and chilling shots are shown. This makes the audience feel discomfort and curiosity about the characters mental health. • The props used in the opening could be associated with interrogations and detective work. These include books, photos, file, pen and paper. • All the objects are shown very close up and therefore take up most of the frame. This captivates and engages the audience through the effective visuals and this builds enigma code because it does not show Who/Where the person is?
- 5. • There is very quick editing cuts used. This gives the audience a sense of not being in control and not knowing what is going on. • The names of the lead actors appear first. • It is roughly hand written and are flickering on and off the screen. Again creating a sense of nausea to the audience.
- 6. • The paper cut foreshadows blood shed in the film. This increase the sense of mystery for the audience • Colour red connotes danger and dead. The background music and screaming and showing pictures of victims and how they die creates suspense to the audience • The close up shot on the money note has the ‘God’ word cut out of it. This connotes morality and the destruction of it. This allusion to enforce the motif of moral behaviour.
- 7. • The way the director chose to shoot the images is effective; the extreme close up of the objects enhances the audiences focus. • The title sequence prepares the audience for the thrilling narrative. The pace and editing of the sequence shows the viewer’s quick but memorable glimpses of the disturbing imagery- when I first saw this sequence I tried to figure the symbolism from the object in order for me to work out what the narrative is about. • The cinematography shows a dark and gritty story, the dark colours connote the discomfort and evil in the film.
- 8. Sound • The non-diegetic sound included within the sequence beautifully blends with the visuals. • The soundtrack is very eerie and sinister. • The sound foreshadows what the narrative will be about - a very dark and unsettling story. • The use of metallic sounds created by high hat of a bass drum creates a feeling of distortion and insanity.
- 9. In my opinion this is a effective film opening because it achieves its purpose as it teases the audience on what to expect in the film. This opening title sequence defines what the genre thriller is all about. By Luna Islam (4088)