Essay on the opening title sequence of Se7en

Se7en is a 1995 American film, which was directed by David Fincher. The opening title sequence was designed by Kyle Cooper.
At the beginning of the opening title sequence of Se7en we (as the audience) are introduced to the character of Detective Lt. William Somerset, through the use of mis-en-scene and representation, whom is played by Morgan Freeman. Detective Somerset is shown in his kitchen, in his apartment, facing the sink as he is cleaning up coffee. He is wearing a white shirt, whilst the rest of the surrounding kitchen is also white. As Detective Somerset is washing up a coffee mug, this shows the audience that Detective Somerset is a hard working, neat and tidy man. The coffee would also provide the audience with the assumption that Detective Somerset works in a hectic job, as the caffeine from the coffee may be what he needs due to working in a stressful and hectic profession. The repetitive use of white in this scene could represent the honest, true and just character of Detective Somerset. As the colour white connotes all these things, as well as purity and cleanliness.

There is also a chess set present in the shot, this could connote that Detective Somerset is a strategic thinker, whom is always one step ahead of everyone else. As well as connoting that the character of Somerset is intelligent, as well as referring to the film's plot itself. As it could be that the film's plot is like a game of chess, it is Somerset against the criminals. This also links in with the lighting of the shot, as the lighting is blue, which represents the cold and connotes isolation, which could represent the coldness of the outside world, in comparison with Detective Somerset's sanctuary (being his apartment.)There is also a prison like shadow on the curtains of the window. This connotes that Somerset is trapped in the world that he lives in; he is a prisoner in this certain way of life.

In the next shot there is a close up of Detective Somerset when he is putting his tie on. As Somerset is putting on a tie, along with his smart shirt and trousers, this show that Somerset is in a profession of some sort as he is dressed smart. As Somerset has a very solemn, serious, sombre expression whilst doing this, it seems as though he is beginning to reveal the characteristics of the character of Detective Somerset. By Somerset having such an expression, this also gives the audience the feeling that the film itself may have a very solemn, serious, sombre tone.
Next in the opening title sequence is a close up shot of a table. On the table are Somerset's police badge, his pen, and his pocket knife etc lined up in a row. As well as showing the profession that Detective Somerset is in through the police badge (which is of course the police force) it also shows the audience that Somerset is a strategic, methodical person, as he picks up each item in a certain pattern, and places them in a certain way also.

The shot following that is of Somerset flicking a tiny bit of fluff off of his jacket. As well as again, reiterating to the audience that Somerset's character is very neat and tidy, this could also connote that Somerset takes notice of things that others may not consider as important or even have the attention drawn to. Therefore this action is showing that Somerset is an observant character, and an attentive detective. Somerset's observational character is shown again in the next scene, as he is walking around the crime scene, talking to the other detective present. Somerset's character is also presented as a caring, compassionate character in this crime scene shot, as he asks the question whether the child saw the murder take place. This shows that Somerset cares for the welfare of the child; even though he does not know him personally. Somerset's compassion is also shown through the opposing response of his colleague in the shot, which is along the lines of 'What kind of question is that?' This again connotes to the audience Somerset's attention to detail and compassion, which has already been shown in the previous shots.

Next, the audience are introduced to another key character in the film; Detective David Mills who is played by Brad Pitt. Detective Mills arrives in the shot chewing, chewing gum. This portrays Detective Mills character as a cocky, confident character. The cockiness of Mills' character is reiterated when Somerset and Mills step out side, after the body has been bagged up, and Mills then begins to ignore Somerset about going to a bar, and continues to talk over him about transferring, and being a ‘dumper’ on a case in the morning of his arrival.

However, the tables are then turned on Detective Mills, as when Somerset asks Mills why he was transferred; Somerset retaliates to Mills' cocky retort, which then puts the character of Detective Mills back in his place. Somerset does this by saying that the previous work with homicides is different to where Mills has been transferred to, to which replays he understands that. This is also shown in the positioning of the characters in the scene, as Somerset is walking slightly in front of Mills, which shows his dominance as a character. Throughout the dialogue between the two characters in this scene there is constant swapping of the positioning of the characters. At some parts of the conversation Somerset is in front of Mills, and other parts Mills is in front of Somerset. The positioning of the characters, again show their dominance at the particular part in the conversation. Somerset then mentions a key point about the ploy. That for the next seven days he will remember that. This is a key point in the plot as the murders occur over a period of 7 days; which is one person murdered per day, it also unforgettably the name of the film. Somerset the closes this scene and the conversation between himself and Detective Mills; this again shows his dominance as a character.

The next shot is back to Somerset's apartment, in which Somerset is reading in bed. Somerset is doing so with a pair of glasses on, which again represents his character as being an intellectual. There is then a brief period, when Somerset takes off his glasses, the audience can then hear an argument in the street, dogs barking, and cars. These sounds connote that the street outside is dangerous and busy, as well as suggesting that the street has marked Somerset's life; as it seems to be invading his privacy, and he is unable to escape from it. Detective Somerset then reaches over from his bed, to start the metronome on the bedside table. The ticking of the metronome emphasizes Somerset's insomnia, with the assistance of the diegetic sound of the street. This connotes that Somerset's character can never just relax and switch off; he is always 'on the job.' The monotonous sound of the metronome also seems like a ticking, almost like a countdown for when the murderer strikes again!

The next scene jumps straight to the title sequence. This at first shows a close up of a book, with empty pages that are being turned over by a shadowy, creepy, chilling hand. The typography is distorted, sketchy, an almost of a skeleton-like shape. This typography could represent the murder's state of mind; that being dangerous and unpredictable. There is also the sound of a rewinding tape; this could also represent the killers mind, as the murderer could be replaying the same thing over and over in his head. As well as representing the police, as it could be the tapes that police make when questioning a subject for evidence. The lack of colour in the opening sequence could also represent the killer’s state of mind; being it one of dark, dangerous nature and completely unfocused on reality.

There is then the precision of the illusive character when creating the book; this is shown by the precise cutting of pictures, and the endless pages of writing, which gives the audience the impression that it is a calculated character behind the creation of the book. The sinister music that accompanies this scene also adds to that illusion. The crossing out of certain letters, and the eyes of the picture of a male, also gives the impression that the person whom is creating the book, is setting up a sadistic game, which evidently involves murder due to the graphic images that appear next in the sequence. By having 'You've got me closer to God' as the ending of the opening title sequence again puts in the sadistic eerie tone, as the voice itself is distorted and mechanical which instantly causes hackles to appear. As well as the mentioning of God, as many criminals in the past have said that they committed their hideous crimes, due to God telling them to do so. Therefore this again puts an unsafe, immoral and inhumane tone to the film before it has even begun!