Se7en

Movie Recommendations

"Se7en" is a 1995 psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher, written by Andrew Kevin Walker, and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. The film is acclaimed for its dark atmosphere, gripping narrative, and strong performances.

Plot Summary

The story is set in an unnamed, rain-soaked city where two detectives, the seasoned William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and the young and impulsive David Mills (Brad Pitt), are on the verge of retirement and a new beginning, respectively. Somerset is a week away from retirement, and Mills has just transferred to the precinct with his wife Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow).

Their lives become intertwined with a series of gruesome murders, each representing one of the seven deadly sins: Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy, and Wrath. The killer, who meticulously plans each murder to reflect the corresponding sin, leaves clues for the detectives at each crime scene.

As Somerset and Mills delve deeper into the investigation, they find themselves entangled in a complex and horrifying game of cat and mouse. The murders grow increasingly brutal and elaborate, reflecting the twisted moral philosophy of the killer, John Doe (Kevin Spacey).

The film builds to a harrowing climax when John Doe unexpectedly surrenders and offers to take the detectives to the location of the final two victims. In a remote desert, a delivery arrives containing a box that reveals Doe's ultimate plan. Doe confesses that he is envious of Mills' life and has killed Tracy, implying her head is in the box. Enraged, Mills succumbs to wrath and kills Doe, completing the cycle of the seven deadly sins.

Where to Watch

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of "Se7en" is composed by Howard Shore, known for his ability to create atmospheric and unsettling scores. The music in "Se7en" enhances the film's dark and brooding tone, complementing its bleak and tense atmosphere.

Key Tracks

1. "Main Title" - The opening credits feature the song "Closer (Precursor)" by Nine Inch Nails, a distorted and haunting track that sets the film's ominous tone.
2. "Portrait of John Doe" - A brooding and atmospheric piece that underscores the detectives' growing understanding of the killer's psyche.
3. "Envy" - A tense and suspenseful track that plays as the detectives approach the climax of their investigation, reflecting the impending sense of dread.
4. "Wrath" - The final confrontation between Mills, Somerset, and John Doe is accompanied by a dramatic and intense score, heightening the emotional and psychological stakes.
5. "Suite from Se7en" - A compilation of thematic elements from the film, capturing the overall dark and foreboding mood of the narrative.

The soundtrack of "Se7en" is instrumental in creating the film's pervasive sense of unease and suspense. Howard Shore's compositions, combined with carefully selected tracks like "Closer (Precursor)" by Nine Inch Nails, contribute to the film's haunting and unforgettable atmosphere.

Where to Listen

• Spotify
• Apple Music

Where to Buy

• Not available yet on The Score Catcher
• Buy on Amazon.co.uk
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• Buy on eBay

Movie Connections

1. Psychological Thriller: "Zodiac" (2007) - Another film directed by David Fincher, "Zodiac" focuses on the obsessive hunt for a serial killer in San Francisco, mirroring the investigative and dark atmospheric tones of "Se7en."

2. Crime Drama: "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) - This film shares thematic elements with "Se7en," featuring an FBI agent tracking a serial killer with the help of another incarcerated murderer, exploring psychological horror and the nature of evil.

3. Mystery Thriller: "Prisoners" (2013) - Involving the disappearance of two young girls, this film delves into the lengths a desperate father will go to find his child, echoing the dark and grim atmosphere of "Se7en."

4. Noir Crime: "L.A. Confidential" (1997) - Set in the 1950s, this film uncovers corruption and scandal in Los Angeles, with a complex narrative and moral ambiguity similar to that in "Se7en."

5. Horror Thriller: "Saw" (2004) - While more graphic, "Saw" involves a killer who puts his victims in morally compromising survival scenarios, akin to the deadly sins theme in "Se7en."

6. Psychological Mystery: "Gone Girl" (2014) - Another David Fincher film, which like "Se7en," revolves around intricate plot twists and deep psychological exploration, focusing on the media's role in a woman's disappearance.

7. Neo-Noir Thriller: "Memento" (2000) - This film's complex narrative structure and exploration of memory and identity create a psychological depth and dark tone akin to "Se7en."

8. Crime Thriller: "Mystic River" (2003) - Directed by Clint Eastwood, this film explores the impact of a tragic crime on a tight-knit community, driven by deep character studies and a dark, foreboding narrative.

9. Drama Thriller: "Nightcrawler" (2014) - Exploring the morally dubious world of crime journalism in Los Angeles, this film, like "Se7en," delves into the darker sides of human nature and obsession.

10. Psychological Horror: "The Machinist" (2004) - This film features a protagonist driven to the brink of insanity by guilt and insomnia, echoing the intense psychological tension and dark atmospheric storytelling of "Se7en."