Se7en - Why Less Is More

In this episode of A Matter of Film, we will discuss Se7en. We will take a closer look at how David Fincher reveals only the necessary information to get the message across and why this is so effective in creating a compelling story with a dreadful atmosphere. We explain why Se7en continues to be one of the best movies of the 1990's.
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David Fincher likes to treat his audience with respect. In 1995, his second motion picture Se7en was released to shock the world. At the time, certain critics argued that the movie had no substance and it was just a gruesome spectacle. However, upon deeper analysis, you will find that Se7en is actually a very subtle movie in a lot of ways. It is this subtlety that many filmmakers, especially directors today decide to renounce. They hit you over the head so much with whatever the movie is trying to say that it gets to the point of being even insulting to the audience as if we don’t have the capacity to understand what the movie is trying to tell us. Fincher, on the other hand, only shows us just what we need to see or hear to get the point across.
In the opening credits, there are very clever cuts in sound and image whenever things start getting too disturbing. Another example is that for the majority of the movie we have no idea who the killer is. Kevin Spacey was even left out of all the marketing and opening credits.
A Nameless City
Since we don’t know the identity of the killer for the majority of the movie, the city plays a huge part in the story. In this vividly realized location, the setting itself is the antagonist for the majority of the film. Ambiguity is key here since we never know exactly where the story takes place, but we get just the right amount of information. It’s constantly raining and it’s seen and referred to as an ugly, disgusting place filled with crime. Not revealing the actual location where the story takes place is an extremely smart idea. While there certainly is crime in big cities like Chicago or New York City, we already know that these cities also have positive traits to them like culture. In Se7en’s nameless city, it’s all misery.
Restriction is Key
Fincher proves with Se7en over and over again that less is more: As an audience by knowing just certain things about what’s happening on screen and not the whole picture, we have to paint some of that picture ourselves. This is an important aspect of horror movies, the extreme example being The Blair Witch Project. A lot of times imagining is even worse than actually seeing.
A further example is the great Lust scene. We are given just enough information to connect the dots for ourselves, but that is enough. Fincher never actually shows any of the murders take place, which is a pretty bright choice because it leaves a lot of ambiguity for who the killer actually is and because we can play detective.
So the point is, Se7en could have very easily been really bad. It easily could have been some kind of corny slasher flick and it would have been really easy to just make it a gory spectacle in New York City or Chicago, where we see a guy fuck a prostitute with a knife for a dildo and Gwyneth Paltrow’s freaking head in a box. But we never do, and Se7en works exactly because of this. Great scenes like the dinner scene at Mills’ apartment or the diner scene with Tracy and Somerset, show us that the focus isn’t really on the violence, but on the people. These restrictions on violence effectively build up the dread more and more until we get a very good payoff. And it is, it’s one of the best examples of building up and finally paying off, although the ending is hardly satisfying.
“Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer, and then you’ll notice you’ve got their strict attention.”
The Ending That Shook the World
Spacey dominates the final act of the movie. Being under arrest, Doe is an apparent position of weakness. But Spacey’s head haloed by the Sun foreshadows he is on his way to achieving his supposed religious purpose. John Doe is always shot on very stable close-ups, on a tripod. Mills, on the other hand, is shot handheld, showing his lack of control. Brad Pitt was dating Gwyneth Paltrow at the time so all the easier for him to show his emotions.
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[@Jennyfisch]

The weird thing is I was positive that the film shows Gwyneth Paltrows severed head, and when I saw the film again years after the first viewing I thought I was seeing a censored version. My mind seemed to remember something never actually shown in the film.

[@guitarman0365]

well she did say that they actually did make a prop of her head so maybe you got confused and because they did plan for that but then just filmed it without a head because the line what's in the box was much more impactful and clued you in to what was obviously in there. Or perhaps this is a mandela effect for you because i can assure you there was never any head in the film despite the prop being made.

[@davedanger9839]

Could be that what you are thinking of is they do a single frame flash of her face when they are showing the box... much more eery effect.

[@Jennyfisch]

That could be it, maybe my memory distorted that. I just hope it says more about Finchers filmmaking than about where my mind was at as a teenager...

[@TheFaithfulAtheist]

Me too actually. MANDELLA

[@mechasatsu6214]

wow. thank you for saying this. This is exactly how I remember it

[@frederickschmeer2509]

Se7en takes place in Gotham

[@kyleshiflet7932]

That be a cool batman comic story

[@RolandLatoreSpeed]

I think it takes place in Bradford, the same city in Fight Club...

[@daustin8888]

That would make John Doe The Riddler

[@neerajpandey3154]

the dark knight was heavily inspired by seven

[@dragon-tamer7956]

Yes, it does take place in Gotham.

[@TrashPanda5150]

"what's in the box?!!" was the friggin money shot! This movie was a damn masterpiece. Great video, thanks!

[@doom7ish]

"what's in the fucking box?!"

[@varowan1]

Masterpiece. The Game is another.

[@murmur7111]

@@doom7ish P a n d o r u m.mp4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJzJmKCBh7xoba8

[@swapnilrana2206]

Other movies that prove less is more: Jaws- it had so less scenes with the shark unlike its sequels The Shining: Too less horror scenes Iron Man: A 2 hour superhero movie with about only 25 minutes of action

[@AMatterofFilm]

Great examples, Have a nice weekend!

[@Locadel2003]

What about Predator? Less scenes with the Predator or alien, less scenes with the alien. Suspense scenes, terrifying soundtruck and action sequences are better than show the creature in every scene. Less is more. This video is a good review and your comment is clever

[@navaneethjayakumar849]

@@Locadel2003 Anytime anytime.. a n y t i m e.... BUHAHAHAHA...

[@navin6923]

Drive (2011) has few driving scenes!!

[@cw5547]

I thought Jaws had issues with the shark regarding the art department & that was why the actual shark wasn't really pictured?

[@GusFogle]

Se7en is a very restrained movie, an excellent example of how to do a tense thriller without exploiting graphic violence. Movies like Saw tried to imitate the feel of this movie but went way over the top hitting you over the head with closeups of gore.

[@MsTiagosk8]

That seems completely misguided, they're not even close. How would you know what other movies tried ?

[@GusFogle]

@@MsTiagosk8 Oh, I don't know, maybe "Saw" directly ripping off numerous stylistic cues from this film, in particular lighting, editing, and camerawork? And besides, how do you know what other movies HAVEN'T tried?

[@MsTiagosk8]

@@GusFogle I see the movies as totally different but I'm not that into Saw. Asking me the opposite question didn't make any sense. I didn't say what they tried or not, U DID.

[@GusFogle]

@@MsTiagosk8 Cool. We have differing opinions. Have a great day.

[@GusFogle]

@Starlight Runner I thought the first 3 were fine, with the original Saw being a standout. 4,5, and 6 blend together for me. The whole story arc with Detective Hoffman never worked for me. 4 and 6 I thought were ok. 5 and 7 were especially weak. The 8th movie Jigsaw was an improvement over the previous few sequels. I've seen the whole series a couple times through. With the exception of the first movie, I don't think any of the Saw series stands up to the quality of Seven.

[@ARosethatBloomsinEarlyMay]

All I can say is, Mills + Somerset = most underrated bromance in cinema

[@Vishnu_Karthik]

Not really, they were always at odds with each other.

[@paulstopford466]

விஷ்ணு கார்த்திக் which is what makes it a bromance 😂

[@inferno0020]

Yes.

[@Pedro370100]

I told my dad the first time I saw it, that the personalities of them resembles me and him in our relation. Me being mills and him, somerset. (Sorry for that terrible written comment)

[@kendallrivers1119]

@@Vishnu_Karthik And best friends get along all the time in you imaginary world? LOL. You must not have any real friends because bickering and annoying each other is just as common as watching each other's back and having good times.

[@mariumkhan9521]

Detective ... Detective ... DETEEECCCCTTTTIIIIVVEEEEEE That scene gave me the chills. So good acting. So good

[@nrabinov]

Kevin Spacey wasn't acting

[@catsrule1343]

You're looking for me

[@Snowaxe3D]

It made me flinch,

[@4ndyr0g3r50n]

Just like he said, you can't just tap people on the shoulder when you want to say something, you have to hit them with a sledgehammer

[@rucianapollard7098]

That was scary!! However, I doubt any cab driver would have picked that guy up as bloody as he was!!

[@MrSecretSentai]

one of the few movies I pray doesn't get a remake

[@yearginclarke]

They better not, the movies is great how it is.

[@MsTiagosk8]

@Ed Findlay what ?

[@inferno0020]

the person that remakes it must be put on trial for the crime against humanity.

[@cristobalolguinfilms]

Great video. I remember that "Lust Scene" traumatizing me, it was more horrific and disturbing than any other horror film I've seen, due to the way small pieces of information filled in the bigger picture. Another example of this technique used was in Alien when the creature kills Lambert. You don't see her actually get killed, but those screams down the hallway was what made it scary.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Yes! That scene in Alien is so good. I like how in the extended cut they also show the alien hanging there but it's really subtle :)

[@Mrhostil95]

Also the oppressive and overwhelming atmosphere with the strange electronic tracking blaring through the speakers, mixed with vibrant red, infernal lighting of the place, make it for an extremely antagonistic and outright evil place to step into.

[@KinTheXin]

My mother introduced me to Se7en and now I am proud to say that this is the best crime/ thriller movie ever.

[@ryandiraaaa]

how about zodiac? or prisoners?

[@sophie-wg5iq]

@@ryandiraaaa imo se7en is the best then prisoners then zodiac

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@sophie-wg5iq Seven is peak detective fiction movie, and those other films are also fantastic as well but seven is just a step above all.

[@bookeblade]

@@ryandiraaaa prisoners sucks?

[@therevolvingmonk]

'Less is more' type movies are almost always my favorites. Se7en, Leone's Dollars trilogy, No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood and Dunkirk all used the technique to great effect. Movies that do it make a connection with the viewer because they have to use their imagination to fill in the blanks or questions start popping into their head that make them think about the movie over and over after they've watched it. It makes the movie mean something more to the viewer.

[@MK-hm5gg]

Matthew Chapman yeah people say that the ending is unsatisfying, that’s because we aren’t John Doe

[@MK-hm5gg]

Therevolvingmonk shit those are some amazing films u listed

[@MsTiagosk8]

Somerset was never "filled with apathy" to begin with, in the second scene of the movie, he cares about the kid who witnessed the murder and asks another cop if the child was okay. Sommerset IS the empathetic one, just surrounded by cold people.

[@Pedro370100]

Yea, I think Mills is empathic too, but just too angry and impatient. Always sure of what he fights for.

[@Mrhostil95]

I'm sure some of that generalized apathy he was surrounded by bled through his values as well. After all, being an experienced detective like him in that cesspool has to affect you in some way.

[@EyebrowCinema]

Nice video. Also effectively diffuses the myth that Seven is hugely violent and exploitative. As you so accurately depict, that really isn't the case at all.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you! Yes, it's a pretty big myth that we hoped to debunk with this video :)

[@BloodFangLucario555]

This is one of the greatest movies ever made and IMO is the standard but which all horror and suspense thrillers should be held. Every second is captivating and important, every little nuance is a detail to be observed. Nothing is shown to early and nothing can be diffused by the audience before it’s revealed to them in full. This movie puts silence of the lambs to shame.

[@Jacob-ir6zi]

I've always compared this movie to silence of the lambs since they're both crime thrillers but it bugs me that SotL won the big 5 oscars and Se7en was only nominated for 1 and it was for best editing of all categories. This movie makes SotL look goofy. Fun fact: On IMDb Silence of the Lambs is rated as the 24th best movie of all time, while Se7en is rated as the 23rd best movie of all time. People agree that this movie is better

[@fleshbag7754]

I don't think it puts Sotl to shame per se.. they are just different movies. I do think that se7en has a Very interesting story that is more applicable long-term, and is quite a bit more visually pleasing. And most (if not all) of the writing in Sotl is just as good. The character's facial expression acting in Sotl I think makes up for the 'lack' of more colorful / wild shots. At the moment I can't even determine which character ( Hannibal Lecter or John Doe) I like more, they are pretty even ( story wise). Acting wise I think Spacey nailed it, but so did Hopkins. And I love me some Anthony Hopkins. I'm kinda rambling Basically both movies are high up in my faves. I can see why people find se7en more attractive, but I tryy to look beyond just watching a movie. I frequently try to imagine being blind or deaf while experiencing a movie. Trying to figure out exactly what aspects I enjoy, and maybe how to recreate them differently in my own work. Fragmented thoughts from an exhausted mind

[@MsTiagosk8]

Silence of the lambs is way more complex than this movie, this simple movie could never put it to shame, in any category.

[@BloodFangLucario555]

@Slim Savage you’re the one responding to a two year old comment

[@nathanslay6342]

Yeah, Se7en is far and away superior to Silence of the Lambs. Se7en took more risks and is ultimately the more brilliant film.

[@Apollo181920]

You are extremely underrated and overlooked. The way you see these movies needs to be noticed. And shall bring life back to Hollywood movies again.

[@BreakingBanter]

Just discovered this channel yesterday and the content is freaking ace! Keep it up 🔥

[@AMatterofFilm]

Breaking Banter Thank you so much!

[@MrinalSingh904]

Omg! Me too.

[@1000ways2fly]

When I saw the box scene I was expecting a shot of a severed head and was a bit disappointed at first lol, but I realized immediately after that not showing the severed head was way more effective. Idk..watching that scene for the first time had me feeling extremely anxious and disturbed. The very fact that the head wasn’t shown but was implied made it all the more realistic to me. Including the lust murder. I was fucking shaking the last 5 minutes of the film

[@cracyzero666rat]

That lust scene, was in my head for days. Really gets into your head 😳

[@1000ways2fly]

zeroblackdeath 13 someone find me the actors name. I must know more about him

[@johnedwardcastillo8442]

@@1000ways2fly Leland Orser

[@rucianapollard7098]

Me too!!

[@rucianapollard7098]

​@@cracyzero666rat That "Sloth" scene stayed in my head for years!!!

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

Se7en is an absolute masterpiece and a piece of film that will forever be cherished and used as a masterclass for all

[@notinspectorgadget]

this was his *second* movie? goddamn dude.

[@Maya-bk4jn]

Imagine how shit the ending could’ve been if Mills’ dog’s head was in the box 🥴

[@Maya-bk4jn]

Frepa Gioerne the dog(s) really appear only once on screen during the movie.. they’re seen playing with brad Pitt when Morgan freeman visits his house for the first time..

[@zurronuro]

@Frepa Gioerne PETA don't get along with dogs. You know if you know.

[@Pedro370100]

The comic relief would honestly destroy this movie imo

[@mileshegazi5033]

Thank god it wasn't lmao

[@simonpaterno8336]

...instead of Paltrow's face flashing before his eyes before the shot, it would've been the dog's...LOL

[@JackSturmanFilms]

One of the themes Seven debates is nihilism. The use of structure, characters and symbolism is used to share the movie’s moral judgement on the way in which one should traverse through life. We see through David Mills the young and ambitious drive to help the world despite its apparent evil (this can be seen through him modelling Somerset by reading the books necessary to better understand the case). Contrastingly, Somerset who is in the latter part of his career is quitting his job to move elsewhere. Somerset tells himself that he just wants a change of life, however David (who can be seen as a younger version of himself) exposes him to the reality that he has lost a mentality that fights for the good of the world rather than accepting the notion the crime is inevitable and will never stop. David never fails to tell Somerset the objective truth regardless of its consequences (which explains why at first Somerset does not want to be associated with Pitt as he leaves Somerset vunerable to exposure. However, Somerset later takes a liking to Pitt and learns from his harsh truths). This can be consolidated through the symbol of the clock and the ever present theme of time. In the beginning of the movie, whilst Somerset is still wanting to retire the clock operates as a symbol of his time left as an inspector and the slow rise in volume parallels its increasing urgency. Later on in the movie (after David exposes Somerset), Somerset dramatically throws the clock symbolising the protagonist taking back the responsibility and burden of helping the world around him and consequently himself. This behaviour can also be seen in David in the early stages of the movie with his (as previously mentioned) harsh but truthful talks. Despite the consequences it could bring, David takes the burden to help those around him and say it like it is. The structure leads to the climatic ending where both characters in entirely contrasting points of morality are faced with a choice. Somerset (who chooses correctly) finds the head of David’s wife in a box and decides to attempt to calm David down in an effort to help him. Conversely, after a dramatic sequence of shots, it is made personal with David, as he finds out his wife has been one of the victims of the killer. David subsequently struggles with the ultimate choice of whether to choose to fight for the good in the world, or join the evil and kill John Doe (fulfilling the seventh deadly sin: wrath). David ultimately shoots the John, and thus conforms to the nihilism that is the physical embodiment of the killer. The movie shows nihilism in the face of an evil world to be cowardly and out right wrong, as David ends up arrested, and likewise the killer dead. Lastly, Somerset addresses a profound quote which says “the world is a fine place and worth fighting for” Somerset disagrees with the first part and agrees with the latter. Somerset who is shown to be reserved, gets to like David as it can only be assumed that David resembles Somerset’s former self. He sees the ambition and strive to help the world which allows him to reconnect with that morality. The plot therefore shows that the evils of the world will get you down, but only you can choose the painful but fruitful task to get back up, and to keep fighting for the good. This is shown to be a very serious task that must be approached with the upmost caution. Fighting the devil is no easy task and it can irreversibly damage the spirit (as we see with David). Furthermore, the references to literature such as Paradise lost and Chaucer’s Canterbury tales only consolidate these arguments. Also the symbolism of the killer’s room (a cross but in red light - the colour of the devil); all the Christmas trees hanging down from the ceiling in John’s room (the imagery of the birth of Christ which is falling (representing hell)). These all represent the killer’s mindset of damnation that subsequently leads to his death. Despite John being well read and smart, it does not mean he cannot cause his own damnation through nihilism. Thus, take this as a warning to keep your own values in check. Whatever happens you must make the decision to fight for good, and not to fall victim to evil.

[@nathanslay6342]

What’s so interesting about this film is that the typical saying with films is the “show but don’t tell” motto. However, this is one of those films that takes a reversal on it decides to tell and not show. It’s the fact that we have to imagine all of the murders in our mind, but I feel like that’s one of the movie’s biggest strengths. It makes things a whole lot more disturbing than if they had just showed everything. I also love Somerset’s arc in the film. I love how he goes from someone who cannot wait to leave the city to someone who is willing to fight against the corrupt people of it. That’s great writing.

[@mwfilmstudies986]

Awesome. When I watched Se7en and then looked up the reviews for it, I was quite shocked to see what critics were proclaiming it was as a self indulgent and overglorified thriller. They must have seen a different film from me!

[@kendallrivers1119]

Yeah most critics are pompous idiots who know nothing.

[@Batman2029]

Awesome video analysis! You really went deep into what Seven is about. I think it is a unique psychological horror mystery thriller. David Fincher is one of the best at what he does. I’ve watched a few of your other videos and they’re great as well! I’m a big movie fan, too and I love analyzing movies.

[@Omaricon]

Seriously underrated channel. I hope for many more views in the future!

[@sammyjankiss287]

I appreciate you giving my favorite movie of ALL TIME the respect it deserves. Bravo.

[@jaylouis8227]

I just discovered this channel. I'm loving your analyses of movies so far!

[@BranWolfgaming]

My favorite film... one of my favorite videos I have it saved to come back and look at this every once un awhile thank you!

[@ticklemewesker7019]

Omg. I never knew he was left out of the poster credits! That’s amazing.

[@infobahnpirate9713]

Absolutely love the content on this channel!! Thanks!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Infobahn Pirate Thank You!

[@roosaylonen1768]

I'm so glad I found your channel. These videos are amazing, each and every one even better than the previous. Keep it up, love your work!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Roosa Ylönen Thank you! We try really hard to make every video our best :)

[@christiansansareva6514]

When I saw seven, I was 13 and my big brother almost forced me to watch this and I thought it was so bad. Upon watching it again after turning 18, I immediately fell in love with Fincher, one of the reasons being of course having seen Fight Club too. Nice vid :)

[@TheFortressMaximus]

"Do you like these things, do you like these things that you see." "No...but that's life, isn't it?"

[@fullfrontal2860]

Brilliant work, keep it up. Hope your channel grows.

[@Vaultboy-qi5bu]

I love these videos!!! I really appreciate your knowledge on film!

[@AMatterofFilm]

We really appreciate that you comment on our videos Justin. Hope you enjoy what we have planned in the future :) Remember to check in for tomorrow's video!

[@kennethalzamora8993]

You just earned a subscriber good sir. Great content

[@ScriptSleuth]

Excellent video on what I consider to be Fincher's best film. Looking forward to more content from you!

[@malopez1976]

Superb movie. Thank you for your video, great one.

[@bwclark7758]

Your final words are right on the spot

[@bretthutchison9245]

Nicely done. This is a Masterpiece of film making and should be studied by anyone wanting to make movies. I wish there were more like them

[@DarthPhallix]

One of the finest movies out there, no doubt. What doesn’t get talked about enough is the fantastic on screen chemistry between Pitt and Freeman, something that is difficult to develop or harness, if not outright impossible if it just doesn’t exist. These guys were born to play those roles opposite each other.

[@makaraaquarius4974]

Got another subscriber, just watched this film and I was mind blown thanks for the great analysis.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you! Welcome to our channel :)

[@alibensacrifice]

Clean and amazing video. Keep it up!

[@sharpdude100]

just discovered your channel! Thanks for the video. A really great analysis. There's just so much detail in the movie and so much to explore.

[@AMatterofFilm]

sharpdude100 Thank you!

[@Cristobal138]

very well articulated

[@kamalbocat]

this one is probably my fav breakdown. you guys are doing an amazing job. please keep it coming! and thank you so much.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you very much, Kamal! We'll keep working!!

[@Pablo-xp5je]

“Although the ending is hardly satisfying “ well I can’t speak for everyone out there, but it sure as hell was for me.

[@michaelspears7116]

Agreed. I loved it.

[@jacobdominguez7808]

Great video!!!👍

[@Lyle267]

Ashamed I’ve only just come across your channel now. Subbed!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Glad you have found us, welcome to the channel :)

[@msp720]

I've read old drafts of Se7en, and there are definitely some parts I wish they'd left in. Somerset in particular has a subplot about a new house he's renovating outside of the city, so he carries around a wallpaper swatch with him as a reminder that he's getting out soon. That's why his last on-camera line "I'll be around" is so tragic. Another interesting change from the early scripts that I'm glad they changed is that in the car scene near the end, John Doe was originally in the front seat with Mills in the back. They moved him to the back seat with a divider in between to make it appear more like a confession booth. Doe is preaching.

[@msp720]

As for the endings, it wasn't all studio interference. The early draft had Doe leading the detectives down an alley, then escaping down an open manhole. A chase through the sewers ends with Mills getting captured, and Somerset tracking them to an abandoned church where Doe murders Mills, and Somerset kills Doe. Later it was switched to the open field, and there are drafts where Somerset kills Doe, Somerset shoots Mills to prevent him from killing Doe, and finally the one where Mills kills Doe. The final change actually came from Brad Pitt, who said "If he cut my wife's head off, I wouldn't even let him finish a sentence."

[@rucianapollard7098]

Where did you find old drafts of "Se7en?" Where can I find them??

[@hasankartal1726]

You deserve 1 million subs

[@Illstatefishing]

Beautiful analysis on a great film!

[@Ryfinius]

Now I get it, Kevin Spacey was Kaiser Soze!

[@Wolfangs88]

🤔🤔

[@matthewrocca4197]

The greatest trick the devil ever played was making you believe he didn't exist

[@nhoussin]

All along!!!!

[@ahmadrahimkhan]

O my word 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 brilliant again

[@ScorpionStrike7]

Good analysis

[@jamesholt8516]

What ever happended to this channel A Matter of Film? This is probably my favorite channel, and he hasn't done any videos in two years. This person knows how to write and analyze a film.

[@baritony8763]

Wonderful interpretation.

[@natalieps2387]

Se7en I remember just shocked the industry . People came out of that movie so excited by what they saw they couldnt help but take about it. I remember my cousin loved it so much she called me & went on about it she was spoiling so much each crime I had to bed her nit to spoil the end. Also on a shallow note Brad looked at his best in this movie. Plus something about it really captured the 90s.

[@miongskie]

I will definitely respect my audience.

[@CSM100MK2]

very nice video! i hate how more popular channels who churn out videos every 3 days write at such a middle school level, yet quality creators like yourself with something original and intelligent to say remain mostly overlooked.

[@oliveribasta5929]

Good job

[@pixoul2237]

What really struck me in Se7en outside of the plot and characters was the scene-building. Gluttony's house and John Doe's apartment especially! Such elaborate atmospheres that all seem to mirror their respectful characters' stories (Mills with the shaky subway and dogs; Somerset with antique furniture, a double bed, and the metronome; the nameless city as a whole with the rain; etc.).

[@popeinnocentiii6315]

Very nice.

[@Sicktoid]

Not saying "this is what the movie is about", but the main reason I keep coming back to Se7en every couple of years, is the dynamic between Mills and Somerset. They personify the struggle between optimism and pessimism that is very familiar to all of us. We can't afford to sink into pessimism or we will no longer find joy in anything. But remaining an energetic optimist in a world that seems like it is out to get you is difficult, and some will see your optimism as a weakness they can exploit. There are other movies that have done this very dynamic. Hell, there are other COP movies that have done it. But the strength of the actors and the sheer style and the subject matter of Se7en just brings that dynamic to life better than other films.

[@orges_x8652]

I like you videos , continue you on this way !

[@AMatterofFilm]

Orges_X Much appreciated! Will do.

[@pulkitsinha3736]

ANOTHER BLADE RUNNER FAN!

[@gizzykatkat9687]

Easily my favorite movies of all time along with Cabaret. They stand side by side for me.

[@Migstaper]

You deserve way more subs

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks Swaggy!

[@baritony8763]

You produce quality videos,to me. I just unsubscribed to one who adds unnecessary background music,for 'taste', only to overpower his own voice.Simply viewing(and listening to) what you put out reveals those things and shows you actually do care.

[@thejakeakar]

beautiful ,your words the movie the directors method all are beautiful ,,.Se7eN its a movie to watch and to learn and to kinda know how people get

[@Pablo-xp5je]

One of my favourite movies

[@Caspenar]

This video perfectly describes why Seven is my all time favourite movie.

[@bothi00]

I am binging all your videos and these are fantastic ! I’m wondering if you’ve seen the first season of true detective. Very similar tone and theme wise.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks man! This was actually the second video we ever made :) We have seen it! It's one of the best seasons of TV ever and we're big fans of Rust Cohle's philosophy. We may do an analysis of TD at some point in the future, too.

[@bothi00]

@@AMatterofFilm would love to see that definitely! And ya I agree Rust Cohle is top 3 characters of any literature ever to me (along with Tony Soprano and Bojack Horseman) and I'm also a fan of his philosophy and actually the philosophy he derives his viewpoint from in general

[@AMatterofFilm]

We're also big fans of The Sopranos! That one's definitely coming soon. Stay tuned, my friend!

[@fbxurumela]

The most perfect ending in cinema history. Fincher's work. The original script has an absolutely cliché and forgettable ending The entire final sequence, from the trip through the desert and the killer monologue to the delivery of the box, is worthy of Hitchcock and vaguely reminiscent of the plane scene in North by Northwest. Mills' despair at guessing the contents of the box is heartrending. His hesitation at contemplating the fact that his life is over and that the only emotionally logical alternative is to end it once and for all by murdering John Doe is even more painful. Understanding all this, Sommerset tries to dissuade him but doesn't try to stop him. He knows the killer won and has proved his point Masterpiece

[@mattheodiaz3823]

I know I'm super late (great content by the way editing makes a pleasant viewing experiance) but what is the music you use around the 4:50 mark

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks Mattheo! It's Bach. Air on G string.

[@mattheodiaz3823]

A Matter of Film Thank you. Great taste in classical

[@LucasAssarsson]

so underrated channel holy shit

[@kokomanation]

I was 15 when I saw this movie for the first time it was October 1998

[@bclr6843]

Another video pointed out that seven was Gotham and it was a prequel to all Batman stories and it blew my mind.

[@michaelspears7116]

It's an interesting theory but easily derailed by the fact Gotham isn't surrounded by an arid, desert landscape.

[@williams.vincent4235]

I completely agree with your analysis of this movie - it'a very well directed, written and acted film. I'm roughly the same age as Brad Pitt so I was in my early 30's when this movie came out. I've watched it probably 10 times and I understand and see more and more what the director, writers and actors meant to convey. This film is easily in my top 10 and I'm sure that when I watch it again I'll learn something new.

[@derekescalante1355]

I remember watching this movie and it inspired to become a detective

[@murmur7111]

Fully understood today, why Spacey insisted on taking him out of the starting credits

[@bradebronson8835]

One of my fav murder/crime/mystery movies.

[@RJMacReady1]

I dont remember reacting to the revelation about the box and the final sins the first time I saw it, I was so young. But I mean, that must have been what settled it for people, right? That was the point they know they were watching one of the best movies ever made. Its fantastic from start to finish, to be sure, but to build up to such a finale, and then put a horrifyingly perfect bow on it. Man this movie is something else...

[@nicky29031977]

"The worlds a fine place and worth fighting for" ...Hemingway quote. Somerset answers " I agree with the second part". In spite of whats happened he's oddly optimistic about humanity.

[@JuanRodriguez-xl6mp]

good video

[@miguelpereirasilva7662]

I really liked this movies world, because I love rain and an overall dark atmosphere

[@gummiewormproduction]

Seven is my favourite movie, but I never saw the ending as optimistic at all

[@hunkarun]

I think the ending is fantastic...worth the wait, very realistic and not the usual everything eventually turns out hunky dory ending. I didn't find the movie overly violent either.

[@iliamsv83]

Awesome movie ever

[@rivmaheepala8799]

Dude this was amazing. You deserve a million subs not 35k

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks dude! Hopefully we'll get there in a few years :)

[@kimjongun9311]

after a year and you only have 90k subs. i’m subbing, this was wonderful.

[@jambler15]

I wish Seven took "less is more" a lot further. Love how Lust and The Box leave the horror to the viewer's imagination. The other Sin Scenes are too graphic.

[@Gnug215]

Great review. One miiiinor nitpick. You DO actually see one murder. Wrath. (Mills kills Doe.) But even that one is done at a bit of a distance, and it isn't really gruesome, just... done in anger. And yes, this movie is great. In fact, it's perfection, and I predict that in the future (or maybe even now), many will re-visit it and revise its status, and acknowledge it as indeed one of the best - if not THE best - movies of all time.

[@natalieps2387]

Great channel. I guessed it was chicago or ny. This movie was huge i remember it had major buzz and anyone who saw it wanted to tell what it was about. It brilliantly dealt with a religious aspect and old literature like aesops fables dantes inferno cantebury tales and of course the 7 deadly sins. The scariest part was spacey saying detective over and over quietly until he screamed detective and the cops cuff him and are like what the hell bc ge has tons of blood all over him. Plus he was always a step ahead. He wasnt caught he turned himself in. On a shallow note brad pitt was in his prime regarding looks hot dayum

[@AMatterofFilm]

it's a wonderful film, more people should definitely watch it. Thanks for coming, have a great day Natalie!

[@rucianapollard7098]

Brad Pitt should have gotten an Academy award for this movie!! And yes, he was at his finest!!!

[@suvineetsrivastava3011]

I 100% agree with the fact that this movie plays on your imagination too. If you pay close attention to the details, you realize that John Doe was planning all this for a really long time, around 7-8 years. Given this, maybe he knew Mills way before than this. Maybe their arrival at the city wasn't just another coincidence. Maybe, they finding a house which rumbles and makes terrible noises (due to a train passing nearby) wasn't a coincidence. One simply cannot hear any other sound while the train passes. Maybe John Doe planned it. Maybe not.

[@rucianapollard7098]

You think John Doe was planning these murders for 7, 8 years?? How?

[@DerekLeyrer]

Absolutely one of the best movies

[@user-or6sm2br3q]

I really like your chanel

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you so much!

[@idxstudios]

Sloth victim scene scared the shit out of me

[@PureSparkles22]

7:00 hopeful ending

[@footballlife1939]

It’s not the worst side of humanity. It’s the fact and exposing the lies of humanity.

[@kristijanhorvat8192]

The best thriller of all time and one of the best movies of all time

[@rucianapollard7098]

"Pyscho" is the best thriller of all time!!

[@meganefanatic9218]

I always loved the movie but never knew why