In David Fincher’s dark, grisly crime thriller “Seven” atmosphere is as essential as dialogue. Nearly every camera shot from cinematographer Darius Khondji finds some way to contribute to the ugliness of the film’s decaying big city setting. The heavy shadows, grimy color palette, perpetual rain – it makes for a visual experience that is consistently raw and depressing. Its effectiveness still stands out today.
Fincher’s crime thriller works within a pretty familiar genre framework. Two police detectives, one old and seasoned, one young and headstrong, follow clues left behind by a by a twisted, methodical serial killer. But “Seven” comes off as something more than your standard police procedural. The film deals heavily with the psychological effects left by this bleak unnamed city and the gruesome violence that emerges from its rotten core.
Morgan Freeman plays Detective William Somerset, a veteran officer of nearly 30 years. Somerset is well-respected and good at his job, but police work in a city of such moral decline has taken its toll. With only a few days left until retirement he is partnered with Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt), an impulsive but idealistic rookie who just recently moved to the city with his wife Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Somerset and Mills are called on to investigate a gruesome murder where an obese man had been bound and forced to eat himself to death. Clues lead to a second crime scene and eventually a deadly pattern is discovered. The detectives surmise that the killer is preaching a sermon and basing each of his murders on the seven deadly sins (gluttony, greed, lust, etc.). Each murder scene is meticulously framed and hidden within them are hints to this John Doe’s next victim. Somerset and Mills must find a way to get in front of the killer before he can complete his sermon.
One strength of the story is found in its handling of its killer. He is a madman who is unquestionably insane but he’s no imbecile. He never loses control and is always one step ahead of the detectives. Fincher and screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker keep John Doe under wraps only revealing him in the final few scenes. For those who haven’t seen the film I won’t reveal who plays him. But let’s say its a brilliantly uncomfortable performance from an equally uncomfortable actor.
“Seven” is an absolute showcase for Morgan Freeman, a consummate professional with an ever-present strength and gravitas. He is the film’s most grounded character and more subtly impacted by the vile urban mire. Pitt is given the much broader task of playing an ambitious young firebrand eager to make a name for himself in the department but impervious to the effects Fincher’s hellscape has on his family. Very different performances but seamlessly woven together by a persistently unsettling script and setting.
As “Seven” maneuvers its way forward you see it fully embracing its sense of unease and dread. It ends up in a place befitting of a more disturbing horror genre entry and it’s final moments will shock you to your core. Suffice it to say it’s not a movie for the squeamish yet Fincher doesn’t show a lot of violence. Instead it is insinuated through the investigation and glimpses of the effects are in each crime scene. It’s intensely effective.
“Seven” isn’t an easy watch and it still packs the same visceral gut punch it did 25 years ago. Fincher’s bleak and oppressive second feature film shook up the crime thriller genre and set the stage for the litany of copycats that would come after it. And while it may best be remembered for its notorious ending, it’s the aforementioned atmosphere that gets under your skin and stays there.
VERDICT – 4.5 STARS
keithandthemovies.com 
This was a brilliant movie, and so shocking in places. Both leads did a cracking job.
I agree. Have you seen it recently? It holds up REALLY well!
Really good movie (and Brad Pitt again), and because it is so well done and so creepy I doubt I ever watch it again. A badly done creepy movie isn’t disturbing, but a well done creepy movie, those are disturbing.
I understand where you’re coming from. It’s not an easy watch. And I was amazed at just how much it got under my skin during my rewatch. That’s the sign of a good movie!
I haven’t seen it in years. Brad was beautiful and young and the script was shocking. I loved Spacey back then and am happy to hear it still holds up!
Oh it holds up so well. I still remember the first time I saw it. And a lot of those initial feelings came rushing back during the rewatch.
I LOVE this movie. It’s easily in my Top 5 of all time. Since it’s been on Netlix (and even though I own it on blu ray) I’ve probably watched it about 10 more times this year alone because it’s just right there waiting for me to click.
Oh wow! I’m with you though. Great movie and one of Fincher’s best. Talk about an absolute perfect use of tone.
Definitely a film that gets better every time I re-watch it as I just love the atmosphere and a lot of the creepy elements of the film. Especially Kevin Spacey towards the end.
Oh man, that atmosphere is something else. It really is effective. And it’s amazing how well it holds up.
A truly unsettling and grim look if you will at how depraved mankind can be. The performances are excellent and your right, the way it’s shot is so much part of the movie it leaves one in state of grey. Not for the faint of heart. I usually revisit it, once in a while. Then find an upbeat movie right after lol.
Ha! I understand why. This movie doesn’t leave your mind in a great place. But talk about a masterfully made thriller.
Boy is that a movie! I saw it when it first came out. It’s not of my typical movie-going genre, but everyone was talking about it. I certainly saw where they were coming from… and a had a hard time sleeping for a few days haha! 🙂 LOVED your commentary about who plays the killer haha.
I remember when it first came out too. My wife and I went and saw it and we were quiet the entire ride home. We both loved it but it really shook us up. So glad it has t lost its sting over the years.
So good. All except for Gwyneth Paltrow. Woman is THE WORST!
Really? I know there’s people out there who really don’t like Paltrow. I’ve never minded her though.
Yeah I just find her public persona as phony as they come. And that often filters into her roles. Pepper Potts might be the ONE exception where she’s tolerable.
Interesting. I’m not a big fan but I’ve liked her in several things. The Marvel movies, Seven, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and my easy favorite of hers The Royal Tenenbaums.
(SPOILERS) What do you think about the ending? Was that really his wife?
Love the ending. (SPOILERS) I definitely think it’s her.
oooo damn its been a while since I saw this one. I should go on an old Fincher marathon, I loved The Game as well
It holds up REALLY well. It got under my skin again right off the bat.
Yet another one to add to the list!!!
An absolutely deserved classic. Although this film is almost twenty-five years old I still remember seeing it in the theatre and almost jumping out of my seat at one particular scene, which I won’t spoil for the three people who haven’t seen this.
Yep, and it holds up sooo well. It really did set a standard. I love it.