Se7en Analysis

The title sequence ends around 6:14

In this essay I will be analysing the opening title sequence of the film 'Se7en.' The opening title sequence introduces the viewer to the genre of the film, being crime through the following codes and conventions: key characters (casting), location, plot and themes. The film is distributed by New Line Cinema.

The opening title sequence of 'Se7en' suggests to the viewer that the genre is crime as we see Mills and Somerset walking through a crime scene. Then after this we later see both of them walking outside the building of the crime scene into a rough, busy, urban street. The viewers also get a sense that crime is one of the main concepts of the film as we hear the diegetic sounds of police sirens.

The opening title sequence also introduces the viewer to the key characters in the film, Mills and Somerset. The viewer learns a huge amount concerning these significant characters in the opening sequence, firstly concerning Mills. Although he is a detective his dressing contrasts with this due to the fact that his dressing seems to casual as his shirt is not ironed properly and he has basketballs on his tie. However, compared to Mills' rough appearance Somerset fits the archetype of a detective this is because his appearance is very formal as he is wearing a waistcoat, a trench coat and a hat. The hat connotes importance because he is the only one wearing it and it links to the classic image of a detective. We also learn about the characters personalities. From Mills' posture and the fact that he is chewing gum it suggests that he is rather cocky. In comparison to this, it is implied to the viewer how high Somerset's level of intelligence is in many ways throughout the opening title sequence. Firstly, in the scene when he was in his house he laid all his things out in a certain way this connotes to the viewer that he is very precise in the way he arranges things. It is also suggested to the viewer that Somerset is attentive to the little things as we see him picking up a small piece of fluff from his coat and in addition to this he picks regarding the children in the scene when he talks to Mills concerning the incident. Also since he wears glasses it connotes intelligence and the books do as well. We see a chessboard in his room which implies to the viewer that he is intellectual and he is always one step ahead, this links to his profession of being a detective as they always have to solve mysteries. It seems to the audience that Somerset is quite a relaxed character because when him and Mills were talking he had his hands behind his back, whereas Mills had his hands on his head which suggests he seemed stressed. Overall in this title sequence the viewer learns more regarding the character of Somerset than Mills.

The opening title sequence of 'Se7en also introduces the viewer to the location within the film. In the first scene the viewer is introduced to Somerset's house. The blinds portray prison bars because they are somber and they do not bring much light in. This connotes to the viewer that Somerset feels trapped and gives a sense of loneliness within his household and when the central light comes in from outside it seems as if the world is intruding on him. The kitchen is in such good shape and it appears like his house has not been lived in. This gives the viewer the impression that 'it is a house not a home.' However, later on in the title sequence we see Mills and Somerset step out of the building of the crime scene into a busy street. As a viewer we perceive the street is rather busy because we see passers by dashing and barging past Mills and Somerset. This suggests to the viewer that the area is quite rough and that the passers by do not really have any manners. From this the viewer learns that they are in quite an urban setting. The weather makes the scene look very bleak as we see and hear the rain pouring down, the sound of the rain is non-diegetic.

Generally throughout the opening title sequence the lighting is rather dim, especially when the two main characters are outside the building. When the two characters are talking towards the end of the scene at times Mills will take up most of the screen; whereas at other moments Somerset will take up most of the screen. This implies to the audience that there is a fight for dominance between Mills and Somerset. Although, Somerset seems to regain control as he walks out of the conversation first. This connotes to the viewer that Somerset is in control because he just ended the conversation between himself and Mills.

In the next scene we are introduced to Somerset's house again however he is bed but then he puts the metronome on. This connotes to the viewer that he may find it hard to sleep and that he has a lot of things running through his mind. The metronome is like a countdown clicking down.

Next, the opening credits are shown. The music is quite mysterious and it seems rather slow at first however it starts to increase in pace and becomes upbeat. The text is in white which contrasts with the black background and it appears quite rapidly and the writing is rather awry. Also, there a huge amount of flashbacks featured which could link to the themes of crime and police because the people they may be interviewing may have flashbacks of the past incident. There is a lot of focus on the book and he is seen highlighting words from the book and we see some sort of drawings of people which may be possible suspects.

Overall, The opening title sequence of Se7en introduces the audience to the genre of the film being crime/thriller through the codes and conventions I mentioned in the introduction.