Title Research: Se7en

Hi There!

I was able to research a multitude of title sequences such as the one in my last blog on the Watcher! This one is also a thriller, titled Se7en. 

What titles are displayed during the opening sequence? 

    The titles displayed go in this order; the studio name (New Line Cinema), the producer (Arnold Kopelson), and the director (David Fincher). Then, it follows the actors' names (Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman) the title of the movies (Se7en), and then strangely continues with the actors (Gwenyth Paltrow, Richard Roundtree, R. Lee Herney, John C. McGinley, etc.). Next, is the people who cast the movie (Billy Hopkins, Suzanne Smith, and Kerry Borden), who did the music (Howard Shore), the costume designer (Michael Kaplan), the editor (Richard Francis-Bruce), the Production Designer (Arthur Max), director of photography (Darius Knondji), the co-producers (Stephen Brown, Nana Greenwald, Sanford Panitch), the co-executive producers (Lynn Harris and Richard Sapestein), the executive producers (Gianni Nunnari, Dan Kolsrud, and Anne Kapelsun) the screenwriter (Andrew Kevin Walker), the producers (Arnold Kopelson and Phyllis Carlyle), and the director (David Fincher).

- What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

    The images prioritized are seemingly unrelated in the beginning, but as they continue it becomes obvious that is a character writing and pasting photographs into an unknown journal. The series of tabletop shots compromise the title sequence and also include various items such as random photos, rolls of film, and photography. The writing shown in the notebook is none top with no paragraph breaks or spaces which makes it seem almost manic. Each set of images includes small items covered in red that one can assume is blood such as a sowing needle and a screw. These images flash continuously leaving the audience whirling as they try to comprehend and connect all of the items together. Between these flashes, the screen goes completely black to show each title card. 

- What connotations do these images carry?

    These images have been strategically placed to make the audience feel a sense of unnerving, as their minds whirl attempting to keep up with the flashing images. The conjunction of these flashing images with bloody materials and photographs of people leaves the audience wondering what the journal is and how it is all connected. The placement of the journal introduces a manic character who continuously scribbles. Showing the hand in various clips, there is a sense of familiarity with the journaler but at the same time creates an unnerving feeling as the audience has no introduction to said character. However, this introduces a feeling of paranoia, waiting for something to be revealed. 

- How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?

 The non-diegetic sound and lighting perfectly portray the genre. The music is designed to make the audience jumpy as the hardcore rhythm flashes in time with the images.  The dark lighting utilized puts a shadow over the entire scene giving the audience a sense of fear of what is not seen. Psychologically, it introduced the anxiety we associate with the dark. 

- What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

        This movie is targeted toward those who appreciate suspense. By giving them a vague preview of what's to come, this title sequence appeals to a suspenseful audience. You know there is an aspect of murder but there is something more psychological introduced as an undertone. Most will be intrigued by the dark lighting and seemingly inconspicuous but mysterious opening.

- How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques?

        One of my favorite things about this title sequence is the editing techniques. The quick cuts and abrupt leaves the audience jumpy as it flashes to the next scene. Additionally, the classical gray filter that darkens each scene creates a grotesque image setting the audience on edge. The chalkboard title cards and vignettes give a distinctive aesthetic of chaos that binds the title sequence together. 

Thank you!