Se7en

Brief Intro

“Se7en” (1995), directed by David Fincher, is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the darkest corners of human nature. The film follows two detectives, Somerset and Mills, as they investigate a series of gruesome murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. With its compelling narrative and dark atmosphere, “Se7en” not only entertains but also prompts profound reflections on sin, guilt, and justice.

Literary Devices Used in Se7en

In “Se7en”, a range of literary devices intensifies the plot’s emotional impact and deepens the themes. Here’s a breakdown of ten such devices:

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The representation of each sin	Each murder scene symbolizes one of the seven deadly sins, using props and setups that evoke the sin’s essence.
Detective Somerset’s library	Books symbolize knowledge and the quest for understanding in a chaotic world.

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Opening credits	The disturbing, chaotic imagery and quotes in the credits foreshadow the film’s dark tone and themes.
Dialogue about apathy	Early discussions about the city’s decay foreshadow the climax’s moral and ethical dilemmas.

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
John Doe’s surrender	Ironically, John Doe’s surrender is part of his plan, leading to the final sin’s revelation.
The final sin reveal	The audience expects justice, but the final sin’s reveal inverts this expectation, culminating in further tragedy.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The city’s constant rain	The pervasive rain acts as a metaphor for the inescapable corruption and sin in the world around the detectives.
Detective Somerset’s glasses	His glasses represent clarity of vision and wisdom, contrasting with Mills’ impulsiveness.

5. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Dante’s Inferno	The portrayal of each sin alludes to Dante’s descriptions of hell, emphasizing the hellish nature of the city and its crimes.
The use of the word “Wrath”	This directly references the biblical wrath, connecting divine judgment to the film’s events.

6. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Somerset and Mills’ characters	The seasoned, cynical Somerset is juxtaposed with the young, idealistic Mills, highlighting different perspectives on justice and morality.
City scenes vs. domestic scenes	The grim, dark city scenes are contrasted with Mills’ brighter home scenes, underscoring the invasion of evil into personal spaces.

7. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The city	The city is frequently described in terms that give it life and malevolence, as if it’s an active participant in the sin and decay.
The depiction of “Greed”	The crime scene for “Greed” personifies the sin through the victim’s forced actions, making the abstract sin gruesomely tangible.

8. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurring images of decay	Decay appears throughout the film in the form of rotting buildings and moral degradation, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin.
Seven deadly sins	The motif of the seven deadly sins structures the entire narrative, each sin driving the plot forward dramatically.

9. Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
John Doe’s philosophy	John Doe’s actions are paradoxically intended to condemn sin by committing sinful acts, showcasing his twisted morality.
The concept of “Wrath”	Detective Mills is driven to wrath by his pursuit of justice, paradoxically becoming a part of the sin he fights against.

10. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
The scale of the murder scenes	Each murder scene uses hyperbolic elements to dramatize the sin it represents, such as an exaggerated portrayal of “Gluttony.”
Somerset’s comments on the city	Somerset often uses hyperbole to describe the city’s state of moral decay, emphasizing the dramatic depth of its problems.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

“Se7en” utilizes literary devices masterfully to develop its characters, revealing their deeper traits and changes throughout the film.

Character Studies:

Detective William Somerset

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Somerset’s retirement plans foreshadow his desire for escape from the city’s decay, reflecting his deep weariness.
Symbolism	His glasses symbolize wisdom and perspective, contrasting with Mills’ impulsive nature.

Detective David Mills

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Mills is ironically drawn deeper into the sins he abhors, culminating in his own act of wrath.
Metaphor	Mills serves as a metaphor for youthful zeal and idealism, ultimately shattered by harsh realities.

Character Dynamics:

The dynamics between Somerset and Mills drive the narrative, with their contrasting views on justice, sin, and human nature. Somerset’s cautious, weary perspective clashes with Mills’ fiery, impulsive approach, creating a tense yet complementary partnership that propels the film’s thematic exploration.

Thematic Analysis

In “Se7en”, themes are underscored through the strategic use of literary devices.

The Nature of Evil

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The seven deadly sins symbolize the multifaceted nature of evil, infiltrating all aspects of human life.

The Futility of Escape

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Somerset’s attempts to retire and escape the sin around him only pull him deeper into a final, unavoidable confrontation.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

The film “Se7en” employs a series of cinematic techniques that not only complement the narrative but also enhance the literary devices used throughout the film. Here’s how these techniques are applied:

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Use of darkness and shadows	The pervasive use of shadows and darkness visually represents the omnipresent nature of sin and evil in the city.
Foreshadowing	Flashing images and edits	Rapid cuts and disturbing flashes in the opening credits set a foreboding tone that hints at the film’s dark themes.
Irony	Dramatic irony through music	The serene, classical music played during violent scenes creates a starkly ironic contrast that intensifies the horror of the actions.
Motif	Recurring motifs in the soundtrack	The soundtrack features recurring dissonant tones that underscore the motif of decay and corruption.
Personification	Sound personification	Ambient sounds of the city are amplified to personify the city as a living, breathing, and malevolent force in the narrative.

Key Scene Analysis

“Se7en” is crafted with key scenes that leverage both literary and cinematic techniques to heighten the narrative impact. Here are some significant scenes analyzed:

Opening Credits

YouTube Link: Se7en Opening Credits Scene

• Scene Breakdown: The opening credits with quick cuts, disturbing images, and a haunting score immediately establish a sense of dread and foreboding. It sets up the film’s dark tone and introduces the viewer to the psychological thriller’s atmosphere.
• Contribution to Film: This scene effectively uses visual and auditory techniques to foreshadow the chaotic and disturbing journey the audience is about to embark on.

“Lust” Crime Scene

YouTube Link: Se7en Lust Crime Scene

• Scene Breakdown: In one of the most disturbing portrayals of the seven sins, the “Lust” scene uses stark lighting and close-up shots to emphasize the horror and brutality of the sin. The viewer is forced to confront the sin’s reality through the victim’s and perpetrator’s emotions.
• Contribution to Film: This scene is a pivotal moment that pushes the thematic boundaries of sin’s impact and human morality, using strong visual storytelling to leave a lasting impression.

The Climax: “Wrath” Reveal

YouTube Link: Se7en Wrath Reveal Scene

• Scene Breakdown: The climax, where John Doe reveals the final sin, “Wrath,” uses a combination of suspenseful pacing and shocking visual reveals to create a powerful narrative twist. The scene’s desolate setting and tense dialogue heighten the dramatic impact.
• Contribution to Film: This scene is crucial as it encapsulates the movie’s themes of sin, choice, and fatalism, driving home the moral complexities and the tragic consequences of wrath.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our in-depth analysis of “Se7en,” let’s engage with what we’ve learned through a fun quiz! Test your understanding of the literary devices used in this movie:

1. What literary device is used in the depiction of the city?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Irony
   • C) Personification
   • D) Metaphor
   • Correct Answer: C) Personification
2. Which scene uses irony to highlight the horror of the actions?
   • A) Opening credits
   • B) “Lust” crime scene
   • C) “Wrath” reveal
   • D) Somerset’s retirement discussion
   • Correct Answer: A) Opening credits
3. What does Detective Somerset’s glasses symbolize?
   • A) Knowledge and wisdom
   • B) Vision and clarity
   • C) Old age and fatigue
   • D) B and A are correct
   • Correct Answer: D) B and A are correct

“Se7en” remains a masterclass in how film can use literary and cinematic techniques to explore deep, unsettling themes, leaving viewers both enthralled and contemplative long after the credits roll.