9 shot analysis

se7en

Shot 1

• The opening shot in these titles is that of a half opened book. A book, being known in some thrillers as a way to unlock mysteries and clues as to plots which occur in films. Having a book in the titles could be a sign to the audience that this will be a main feature in the film, adding a sense of mystery and therefore adding to the films thriller genre

Shot 2

• These distorted hands in the opening with the dark corners adds an eerie feel to the film, also the paper which the hands are drawn on look like one from a crime scene or a police investigation, giving the film its sub genre of ‘crime thriller’.

Shot 3

This image creates a enigma for the audience. Razor blades is normally an object in which people self harm with, making the audience ask the question as to what the character holding the razor will do with it next, this could show some sort of mental instability within the character/criminal in the film.

Shot 4

• the dark coloured background gives the audience a clue as to some of the themes which may occur in the film, things that symbolise the colour black i.e. death. Also how the distorted writing is off centre of the screen could symbolise disorientation and confusion may occur.

Shot 5

• Again this shot creates an enigma for the audience, ‘what does the writing say?’ ‘who is writing it?’. The way this shot has been edited so it seems like the audience has double vision, may be a clue to the audience to pay close attention to the detail of the film, not to let their vision get sidetracked by other things within the film, try and keep a clear vision which may help then figure out the mcguffin of the film

Shot 6

the man in the background has a black line over his eyes, this maybe a sign that somebody in the film has a hidden identity. These titles are continuously giving the audience clues as to enigma’s, mcguffins, and conclusions to the film.

Shot 7

• The way the hands seem dry and flaky, also the fingernails are short, as if they are not growing could symbolize neglect. Also the blood on the needle which is being used to thread together a book could suggest the book contains information which the blood could symbolize such as blood, death, injury etc.

Shot 8

• The image in the background is in black and white, could suggest lack of emotion from the man in the picture. Also the man has a chunk of his face missing, which could suggest possibly a fight, or an injury which has caused him to loose this part of his face. The use of photography throughout the titles may show the audience that the use of pictures is a vital clue in the film.

Shot 9

• By cutting out and taking away the word ‘god’ out of the dollar, could symbolise somebody trying to accumulate power in this film, trying to erase the meaning of god, or even trying to replace god himself.