Se7en (1995)USA, Dir. David Fincher

Montage editing of various extreme close-up shots of crime

scene notes and evidence.

The black and red are typical conventions of the thriller genre, which also

connotes blood and danger.

The polaroid picture is common ideography within the film genre.

The shadows in the shot reflect the danger and unknown, which is a

continuous feature within the narrative.

The editing varies from smooth transitions to

quick cuts, which makes the audience uneasy and

out of control.

The picture is blurred which demonstrates the

withdrawal of information from the audience which

creates suspense.

The low-key lighting is a typical convention of the thriller genre, which emphasises the

lack of security for the detectives.

The flash light is the main source of light in the shot, which makes it look naturalistic for

the audience and therefore more tense.

This shot follows the rule of thirds and therefore the audiences’ eyes are drawn to the character and the

shelf which is lit.

The dark suits conveys their authority as detectives. Whereas, the hat and

coat shows William Somerset as having the most power and control.

The medium close-up shot of the two characters represents them as equals as they work together to solve the crime.

Gramsci’s theory of hegemony is supported by the representation of power and

authority within the police force, which is regarded acceptable in the film, as well as

everyday life.

The rain foreshadows the danger that will occur throughout the film, as well as a classic convention of the thriller genre.

The low-key lighting is used continuously, which reflects the dangers of crime within society. It

also restricts the audience from clarity.

The raindrops on the camera lens reinforces the weather condition and

mirrors the character’s clouded mind as he tries to solve the crime.

In one of the few scenes where a female is present, David’s wife is in the kitchen,

this supports the feminist theory by which the female is represented with a

domestic role within media.

The wife wears white which connotes innocence, which makes her murder in the end of the film more upsetting for viewers.

The long shot highlights one of the rare scenes in which the characters are

leading normal lives, away from the crime scene.

The yellow lighting is a contrast to the low-lighting which has been used throughout the film. The lighting creates a sense of

safety, however we learn this isn’t the case when his wife gets murdered.

The criminal’s silhouette is reflected in the puddle which shows him as strong and

powerful as he towers over.

The figure is wearing a bowler hat which is unexpected by criminals in the 90s and

therefore highlights the extremity of the crime .

The low angle shot reinforces the height he’s shooting from, as well as symbolism of

his authority over the criminal which is being challenged.

The gun is classic ideography for the thriller convention and creates tension for

the audience.

The red and black polaroid pictures from the opening credits appears again. The

colours make the shot intense and intimidating.

The position of the polaroid pictures in the shot makes it the key focus and so the

audience are drawn to it and builds suspense.

The low lighting is emphasised by the flashlight used by David.

The shot is of the criminal’s ‘’lair’’ which is reinforced by the mise-en-scene,

conveying typical conventions of the thriller genre.

The establishing shot shows the seclusion of the setting, which makes the setting

appear even more frightful to the audience due to the lack of witnesses.

The isolation additionally makes the audition curious as to what will

happen next.

The new character is wearing dark clothing with poor light over his

face, which highlights the anonymity of his character.

The detective is wearing lighter clothing and

therefore portrays him with good morals, despite him

holding a gun.

The vulnerability of the unknown character

demonstrates the authority of the law over him.

The gun in his hand is out of focus, making David’s facial expression the

crucial focus in the shot.

The close-up shot of David’s face is very significant at this point, since he’s making

the decision whether to shoot the criminal or not. This allows the audience to study his

face and sympathise for him.

The bright lighting contrasts with the rest of the film and exposes the character, whilst he

is exposed with a difficult decision.

The facial hair and the stitches on his upper eyebrow and nose demonstrate the struggle he has been through, making the audience

sympathise for him as well.