1. Information
Se7en is a 1995 Americanneo-noir cerebral crime suspenser directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, and Gwyneth Paltrow. It was released on September 22, 1995, and came a major critical and marketable success.
With its dark themes, atmospheric cinematography, and shocking ending, Se7en remains one of the most influential suspenser flicks of all time. The film explores themes of justice, morality, and the nature of wrong, presenting a grim and implacable vision of crime and discipline.
2. Plot Summary
The story follows two investigators, seasoned stager William Somerset( Morgan Freeman) and youthful, impulsive freshman David Mills( Brad Pitt), as they probe a series of horrible murders grounded on the seven deadly sins Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy, and Wrath. The film takes place in an unnamed, rain- soaked megacity, creating a bleak and rough atmosphere.
The first murder, Gluttonousness, involves an fat man forced to eat himself to death. Greed follows, with a fat defense attorney set up dead after being forced to cut a pound of meat from his body. As the disquisition progresses, Somerset and Mills struggle to find any clear patterns or suggestions, and Somerset, on the verge of withdrawal, warns Mills about the darkness they're facing.
Farther crimes continue Sloth, where a medicine dealer has been kept alive but immobile for a time, his body rotting down; Lust, where a man is forced to kill a courtesan with a bladed device; and Pride, in which a model is given the choice between survival with a disfigured face or self-murder and chooses the ultimate. These murders escalate pressure between the investigators, with Somerset’s regular approach colliding with Mills' impulsive and emotional responses.
The case takes a shocking turn when the killer, John Doe( Kevin Spacey), suddenly handovers at a police station, covered in blood. He offers to take the investigators to the final two bodies in exchange for their cooperation, claiming that if they refuse, further people will die. Mills and Somerset reluctantly agree, and the three drive to a remote desert position.
3. Characters
operative William Somerset( Morgan Freeman) – A wise and educated operative, Somerset is sick of the world and eager to retire. He approaches his work with tolerance, intelligence, and a sense of moral duty. Unlike Mills, he believes the world is beyond saving, yet he still upholds his duty to seek justice.
operative David Mills( Brad Pitt) – A youthful, hot- headed operative who lately transferred to the megacity. Mills is passionate about his work but lacks tolerance and experience. His temper and particular investment in the case eventually lead to his downfall.
John Doe( Kevin Spacey) – The enigmatic and scrupulous periodical killer, John Doe believes he's executing godly justice by chastising those shamefaced of the seven deadly sins. He remains calm, regular, and smooth by his own crimes, making him one of the most nipping villains in film history.
Tracy Mills( Gwyneth Paltrow) – David Mills’ woman, who struggles with the transition to megacity life. She intimately confides in Somerset that she's pregnant, but she's hysterical of raising a child in such a dark and violent world. Her fate becomes central to the film’s woeful conclusion.
4. Conclusion
The film’s climax is one of the most shocking in cinema history. As Somerset, Mills, and John Doe arrive at the remote position, a delivery van approaches. Somerset intercepts the package while Mills holds Doe at gunpoint. Opening the box, Somerset is affrighted to discover Tracy’s disassociated head outside. Doe reveals that he boggled Tracy out of covetousness( Covetousness) — he begrudged Mills’ simple life. He then incitements Mills into killing him, stating that if Mills does so in rage, he'll fulfill the final sin Wrath.
Despite Somerset’s hopeless pleas, Mills is consumed by grief and fury. He executes John Doe, completing the killer’s crooked plan. The film ends with Mills in shock, as police officers take him down. Somerset, now unfit to retire with a clean heart, resigns himself to continuing his work in a world he believes is beyond redemption. The final words of the film are Somerset quoting Ernest Hemingway" The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." He also adds," I agree with the alternate part."