Seven Media Analysis

SEVEN:

In the opening of the film Se7en, Deigetic sound is used such as in the background cars are heard beeping as traffic builds up and sirens pierce the quiet background noise. This was used to help set the scene of a serious beginning as in the camera's eye our Protagonist is moving about his kitchen with his back turned away to build up the characters mystery on why are we seeing him and who is he?

Our protagonist turns his body to face us and he is seen walking towards the camera however the lighting in the room is dark and half lit keeping his face concealed from the audience. A cut in used as we jump location to which we presume is his bedroom and a close up is shown of his torso as he ties his tie using an over the shoulder shot. An upwards tilt is used to unmask his face from the darkness however this still lingers in the background. This may have been used to portray the depth of his character as a closed of person. We as an audience are shown more insight as a close up of his desk or side table is shown showing a numerous items in a perfectly straight line. This is used to show the characteristics of the protagonist as more and more is shown about him. So far we can identify his character as a closed off, doesn't like to talk, consistent and orderly person who keeps to himself, gathering all this information just from those few seconds because of the way the shots and lightening where used. the camera focuses on him and doesn't show his home nor any family/loved ones. No pictures where shown as his body language is practised relaying a routine of sorts. This is typical of the genre as an insight of to the surrounds and home of either or both Detectives/victims are usually shown with close ups of items which are deemed important to their lifestyle.

Cross cutting to a damp and dark alleyway we see a dead body sprawled out on the floor with low lighting casting the body is mostly shadows as an unidentified voice is heard. The reason behind the lighting is revealed as the lighting is used to represent death and pain. This tells to the audience the genre of the film as well as explaining why the detective is around constant darkness.
The protagonist known as Detective Somerset is pictured in a long shot in a corridor. His body language is relaxed with hands in his pockets yet his consistent movement of his eyes and head as he looks around gives off the thought that he is very much aware of his surroundings. Whereas the other characters body language appears agitated as one hand is firmly placed on his hip as his swings his body back and forth in a 180 degree angle.

Detective Mills is exposed to more lighting with 75% of his face lit yet the right hand  then Somerset as a mid shot is used to show the audience the carefree yet slightly guarded attitude Mills. Cross cutting to outside a low angle is used to relay the authority these two men have as enforcements of the law. As a dolly follows the two men an unconscious battle is shown as the two men's body language changes as the decide whose going to led starting with Somerset in the lead before Mills pace quickens and his forward before his trailing behind again.

A metronome is device which produces regular ticks (clicks or beats). The fact that Somerset has one could show that his life is set to this haunting beat. Also the metronome could represent the ever present race against time as the title of the film suggests with having seven days.