“Seven deadly sins, seven ways to win, seven holy paths to hell, and your trip begins Seven downward slopes seven bloodied hopes seven are your burning fires, seven your desires.” ― Iron Maiden
The 1995 psychological thriller, Se7en is one of the most outstanding works of David Andrew Ficher (Director), who also credited for directing movies like The Social Network, Curious Case of Benjamin Button etc.
The central plot of the movie revolves around the seven deadly sins (or the cardinal sins) of the Christian faith. These sins include lust, glutton, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. These sins were derived from the works of the 4th century monk Evagrius Ponticus, however the movie is set in modern day America. The movie has two protagonist, homicide detectives David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman). Mills is recently transferred to homicide whereas Somerset is a veteran and nearing his retirement. But just days before Somerset’s retirement, the city witnesses a gruesome murder.
The crime scene is strewn with clues and Somerset soon finds the reference to the first deadly sin – Glutton. Somerset realizes that this crime is done by no low life, but a methodical cold blooded killer. He extends his retirement, so as to solve this case. The antagonist sends messages to Somerset and Mills, stating that it is just the beginning and in 7 days seven people would die a gruesome death.
The Antagonist, John Doe (Kevin Spacey), is probably one of the most incredible movie villains to grace the silver screen. Doe is a psychopathic serial killer obsessed with the seven Deadly Sins, and he kills his victims in symbolic murders representing in an attempt (at least in his own mind) to remind the world about the inevitability to avoid these sins.
The movie is a neo-noir with dark undertones and atrocious crime scenes. However the movie is not completely bleak and spiteful. Through its characters the movie portrays that all is not lost for humanity. One such instance is the relationship between Mills and Somerset. Mills is a brash young cop who can be impatient at times whereas Somerset is a mellow but wise character. At the beginning of the movie these characters are uneasy in each other’s presence, but as the story line progresses the work together in a very cohesive manner. Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow), Mill’s wife, is a very tranquil character who helps Mills and Somerset get over their differences and work together, to catch John Doe.
The strong point of this movie is definitely the story-line, but for me the casting was impeccable. All the actors have done justice to their roles and command appreciation! If asked to pick my favorite character it would be Somerset played by Morgan Freeman – class act!
Se7en has its fair share of twists and turns. It is thoroughly gripping and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats throughout the 125 minute run-time.
Rating : 8.7 / 10