Seven - Scene - Creating expectation for the climax

SEVEN : www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369
(© Warner Bros)
SPOILER AHEAD!
This 8 minute scene of mostly dialogue has three main functions.
At this point in the movie, in the beginning of act three, after the previous story twists, our expectations of what is to come are already well set up. But here John Doe is very confident and repetedly emphasizes the impact of his coming act. This raises even more the audience expectation and triggers an almost unbarable curiosity for the climax. (Just imagine a hand of God breaking your DVD-player just before the end sequence and you would Never Ever get to know what happened!)
On another level the dialogue handles the theme as John Doe explains his motivation for his beastly act. We learn that his engagement is perfectly reflecting the reason of Somerset to resign. They share a dark view of the world as a place where nobody cares anymore. But, and this should really be annoying, as Somerset chooses to stand back and resign, John Doe, in his perverted way, takes action to make the world a better place.
Finally, the escalating conflict between Mills and John Doe, that ends with John Doe humiliating Mills, is needed to emotionally set up Mills for the actions of the climax.

[@_ChristinaLauren_]

I know a lot of people didn't like Brad Pitt's character in the film but I thought he was a great representation of how an inexperienced cop saw only the surface while Morgan Freeman's character knew from experience that the shit hadn't yet hit the fan. Opposites. It was perfect.

[@danielmoorefield4891]

Shit usually hits the fan at the worst possible moment.

[@sharonhayaalee-v5974]

He was the one for that. Beliv me . I know.

[@sweetbeauty2153]

@@danielmoorefield4891 yep!

[@inferno0020]

I think Pitt has done a great job for portraying an inexperienced, irritable cop.

[@Da_Wurm]

thank you for saying this. i completely agree. and anyone who says Pitt did poorly in this film is an absolute fucking moron

[@Scrootumm]

Damn John Doe knew Mills better than Mills himself.

[@bluehat3673]

@Trumpis God what does this mean

[@huehuehueheh5806]

@@bluehat3673 look in the mirror and you will find the answer

[@dmcrun3572]

BP’s character was fairly transparent and he didn’t exactly hold back his emotions, thoughts, or opinions

[@Dan_Kanerva]

@@dmcrun3572 yeah, is easier to read a man when he doesn't keep much to himself

[@alifakhrzadeh1544]

Well Tracy met Somerset so you can’t thoroughly blame Mills for that

[@KKelly-ng1ni]

There are so many reasons why the car scene is a powerful scene. The fact that David's wife was already dead and some of the blood was found on John Doe and he had no idea. Tracy kept calling David and calling him and he ignored her. The part where John Doe tells him he won't miss a thing. I also believe that although there was no sequel, John Doe was absolutely correct when he said they couldn't see the whole picture yet, but when it all came out people would be shocked and amazed.

[@yvesheinrich5013]

Now that I read your comment. I don't understand why the blood on John Doe's cloths weren't examined?

[@KKelly-ng1ni]

Yves Heinrich They were, but they could only tell that there was blood from the victim of his that they found and one other unidentified person's blood.

[@yvesheinrich5013]

Motormouth Kelly So you're saying the bloods could've been combined and it was hard to identify who's who?

[@KKelly-ng1ni]

Yves Heinrich I'm saying that they hadn't found the detective's wife yet so they had nothing to compare it to.

[@yvesheinrich5013]

Motormouth Kelly Ohhhh. I guess in the movie if they would've found out who's blood was in John Doe's cloths, we would already reach the end of the movie with decisions. But realistically, it doesn't make sense not to scan the blood - just skipping that part...

[@singularity6065]

Love the cinematography in this scene. Notice how the bar is in front of the frame when it shows the murderer and brad pitt's character? They both are "Trapped". The only character shown without the bars is Morgan freeman's character, foreshadowing what will come to happen after this scene.

[@rickybobby4827]

I just noticed that!!! Awesome!

[@screamrad218]

Great observation! I just picked that up.

[@deantreur248]

holy shit.

[@ravaunmitchell6112]

Lol

[@illwitness]

Brilliant analysis so obvious and subtle at the same time.

[@awwwyeaboyeeee]

This movie was devastating.

[@VVeltanschauung187]

It's fucking great

[@Hexsmasher2099]

By devastating you mean that it is terrifying because it might have some points in people sinning

[@yearginclarke]

@@Hexsmasher2099 Like John Doe said in the movie, "We see a deadly sin on every street corner, in every home, and we tolerate it."

[@jimsty5222]

Devastatingly good! Lol I know what you mean though -- the ending was so tragic but so good. Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Andrew Todd Walker, David Fincher and especially Kevin Spacey made a true masterpiece!

[@UrAvergFrTeen]

@@jimsty5222 Andrew Kevin* Walker

[@FresnoCA93727]

That whole scene was so well done. The whole movie is a classic. But that scene alone was just awesome.

[@timishere1925]

@anthony Surely you jest about which scene when you are here watching the particular clip you've watched. Hopefully by now you can't read this because you passed on to the great beyond.

[@mdiaz013184]

@anthony im thinking something ironic happened since he gave no reply...

[@timishere1925]

@anthony Sorry. I haven't gotten notifications on youtube for years. My grammar is fine, at least for youtube. You understood what I was saying so that's all of the confirmation I need that my grammar is passable. As far as your response to the rest of my comment, I'm just going to let my comment stand.

[@timishere1925]

@@mdiaz013184 You thought wrong son. Now mind your own business. You're a dime holding up a dollar.

[@kenadams9725]

True, watching this scene i didn't want it to be over. I enjoyed the movie

[@gregoryjoulin5763]

Somerset talks reason. Mills talks emotion. John Doe talks manipulation.

[@norreras343]

The thing is, no one can manipulate anyone without an ounce of truth, tergiversated, but true; in this case? We live in a soZai3tY that normalize sin

[@82dorrin]

Spacey was amazing in this movie.

[@mikespearwood3914]

to be fair...Spacey is amazing in every movie.

[@mitchlucker666aaarh]

Mike Spearwood nah... he makes the best bad guy in the history of cinema. otherwise, not much of a fan. hes the worst good guy in film lol

[@siniaura]

What we now know about Spacey makes his performance even creepier if possible

[@alfiemarin266]

To me i just look at spacey as an actor and nothing else when watching this movie and he is phenomenal

[@siniaura]

@@alfiemarin266 and ​@UC4HCvZxUQ9vKj5oaFz-1J6w I agree. I like actor who has that range that spacey has. My point was that it is great performance, and even greater knowing he is not an angel. No one is. I want him back

[@Mintie365]

Kevin spacey plays the psychopath so unbelievably well that I can only picture him as just that. Not wanting to typecast but man, him and hopkins are just iconic psychopaths to me. Great acting

[@dano511]

IRONY

[@Tony-fq5bn]

He was just playing himself lol, as evidenced by those creepy ass Christmas videos he's been putting out every year

[@williamshaw9047]

@@Tony-fq5bn I admit, my first thought when all that came out was, "He was just a little too good at playing those sociopathic characters."

[@MsHojat]

He's not a psychopath in K-PAX, but still dose really good acting for the type of mostly-calm-sometimes-intense characters.

[@dbt-dt6zx]

Wellll

[@PowerGlove79]

"You're no messiah, you're a movie of the week. A T-shirt, at best". I don't know why, but I have always loved that line.

[@VanillaLimeCoke]

Foreplay Some people will have this movie stuck in there head for a really long time..... .......others just a week. After all......this whole thing was just a movie.

[@ihadtochooseaname8532]

Interesting all the three characters are right in this scene. I think Mills is correct with that line, considering all these ideological killers or lone wolfs that try to influence the world with their act and will achieve nothing eventually. They will be incarcerated for the rest of their lifes or executed. Only to be forgotten soon and the rest of the world will live their lifes like before.

[@jambler15]

The dialogue starting at 3:11 is very underrated. Somerset points out the "glaring contradiction" in John's work, and John's retort really hints at Mills' vulnerability to wrath.

[@norreras343]

Because it's the best defence when the bad guy starts to sound coherent

[@coryboy345]

"Wanting people to listen.... you can't just tap them on the shoulder anymore... you need to hit them with a sledgehammer" That quote hit so hard, especially after John Doe had to literally SCREAM for the detective in his own police station covered in blood, and no one noticed till he did that....

[@40streetblack79]

Good damn point! 😆 lol lol

[@James-mo6us]

the way morgan freeman says higher power is beast

[@borntogazeintonightskies]

The way Morgan Freeman says anything is beast.

[@DarkWolfGames10]

Higha Powa

[@rustcohle8638]

This was two years ago by now, but let it be known I legitimately lol'd at this comment

[@ricardocalmza]

HIGHA POWA

[@shanerose7204]

Honestly, the way he said “higher power” made me giggle a little 😂

[@ButteredToast32]

"I seem to remember us knocking on your door." "Oh. That's right. And I seem to remember breaking your face." *shots fired*

[@Voidwurm1701]

Shots will be fired back in the next scene. :P

[@rectbosun]

Buttered Toast t

[@revealingtruth3329]

Prethoryn Scourge Unfortunately too little too late for John Doe's last two victims

[@MixerMadness]

Revealing Truth is always figured the two victims were Tracy and doe as Pitt completed the last sin wrath and doe was the last victim technically you are right tho the baby died And does count as a victim I just always thought that’s how it was

[@TheIrishsensei634]

Industrial Technique technically tracey was killed not as a sin but as a way to endure the sin vengeance upon mills and of course john does for the envy of mills life with tracey, with her being pregnant and for mills to start a family, that was all of john does sin envy leaving mills the completion of the last sin

[@pappar2669]

I love how every thing that Somerset says to John, tho few, gets to him and makes him think every single time.

[@theunknown.449]

Every delusional person has a moment where they're like "....shit, he might be right"

[@X-Factor-22]

@@akshaynatu1084 Mill’s is a jock, but not a dumb jock because he wouldn’t be working with Somerset if he didn’t have potential. Mill’s issue is that he’s young, but eventually he would have matured into a seasoned detective if that tragic event wouldn’t have happened.

[@mischacarlberg6631]

"Don't worry, you won't miss it. You won't miss a thing." Some damn good foreshadowing there.

[@zoxyy.1x]

i’m confused

[@mischacarlberg6631]

@@zoxyy.1x he's also referring to the fact that he will shoot John Doe without missing

[@5wheels178]

In hindsight there's almost too much foreshadowing. He's practically nudging Pitt in the shoulder and saying 'guess what?'

[@SandersRobin24]

I finally watched this movie in its entirety after 20 years. I can't believe this was actually Kevin Spacey. That's how you know it's great acting when the character is so insane and so creepy that you totally forget this guy is a household name actor.

[@benashworth7653]

he wasn't even credited-they wanted to make it seem like a surprise because of his popularity at that time

[@Kevin_Hazelton]

SandersRobin24

[@Rich_Daniel78]

AMEN to that Robin :-) Kevin will forever RULE!

[@askme2015]

He wound up being as creepy as this in real life....sexual predator

[@jameswilliams-of3mv]

,,kevin will always be a great actor.. perfect casting here

[@Renagade2332]

I love how John Doe is enraging Mills and when Somerset just looks back into the mirror to see John Doe's face and their eyes connect....I just feel like Somerset suspected Doe had some plan for Mills.

[@mohammedabdulwasay5855]

Want he driving?

[@Renagade2332]

@@mohammedabdulwasay5855 there's a moment while Mills and Doe are talking that Somerset looks up into the rear view mirror and makes eye contact with Doe.

[@Renagade2332]

@@bigddlover1 oh for sure. The whole set up was fishy, but none of them could have expected what happened

[@dmcrun3572]

@@mohammedabdulwasay5855 both detectives knew there was more to the story but BP’s character was caught up in the moment while MF’s character was trying to figure out the next move or two

[@dgmobbdeep]

Absolutely. Caught that too. Freeman senses something.

[@zerodood]

"A woman." "Murderers, John, like you said-..." "A WOOMUFF!"

[@sonyarowe1327]

lmao

[@candypants5099]

Chaos ZT hahaha..

[@THEJOKER-ii8wo]

Chaos ZT LOL

[@ScarFail]

Whamen

[@dougvanhalen7576]

one the greatest movies ever made in the past 25 years

[@PraiseThaDon]

Of all time. Top 5 forsure

[@Balfour.]

Best 8 minutes in Kevin Spacey's career

[@keokio7]

+Arghiers usual suspects / american beauty

[@sednafloating7027]

I'd say - worst 8 minutes

[@j.patrickboyce5513]

Best 8 minutes there’ll ever be, it seems.

[@revealingtruth3329]

J. Patrick Boyce Yup cuz he won't be cast in anything anymore.

[@revealingtruth3329]

J. Patrick Boyce Better enjoy his past performances

[@leviathanmg]

"You need to stay on your left up here."

[@sonyarowe1327]

lol

[@chelseadraws4204]

leviathanmg lol I laughed too

[@andrewpoderis8548]

OK that comment got me

[@marlonsimmons3607]

Fukin Great lol

[@screamrad218]

I can see where Chris Evans got that line from for Captain America: Winter Soldier at, lol.

[@bchen0709]

The conversation between Pitt and Spacey is electric, but Freeman really makes this entire scene go. His subtle questions to John about his ideology, and the looks he casts at Mills for letting his emotions get control of him again. "And that's the point. We see a deadly sin on every street corner, in every home, and we tolerate it. We tolerate it because it's cometh, it's trivial."

[@vc1396]

I think it's "because it's common, it's trivial"

[@duffmanofmusic]

"Only in a world this shitty, could you even try to say these were innocent people and keep a straight face"

[@wrath231]

@@akshaynatu1084 And he "had" to do it to make Mills become wrath

[@samatar6852]

@@akshaynatu1084 you were glad? The fuck is wrong with you. Ironically i feel like you're the type of person john doe would kill.

[@RustinChole]

“You’re only alive because I didn’t kill you. I spared you. Remember that detective, every time you look in the mirror at that face of yours, for the rest of your life.....or should I say, for the rest of what life I’ve allowed you to have” deeply worried me in the theater as John Doe didn’t seem to be the bluffing type. But when he said that ONE word “Tracy,” i knew it was over. God what a movie.

[@vitamindealer7915]

Its the most chilling line of all. He DGAF.

[@jloo6822]

I think the most jarring thing about him killing Tracy is that no matter how sick and twisted Doe is in his killings, the detectives could’ve almost felt a comfort factor in his game…everything is so calculated, so meaningful. Not random. He kills citizens that he feels have broken the moral code of the seven deadly sins. He’s not going for them, he’s not going for their families. Then at the very end he goes rogue, massacring Mills’ family. Yes, Tracy was the Envy victim, but she was the first victim that wasn’t guilty of any deadly sins. He made an exception. Just when you think it makes sense, and you have him figured out…you ain’t got nothin figured out.

[@BenjaminSteber]

I have never seen a scene where one guy was in the other guys head so deeply. It wasn't just rent free, he was collecting rent. Every goading line, every contrary point every taunt just pulled him in more and more. Chilling to the core.

[@razorfett147]

Yep. Sommerset spent the entire week trying to temper Mills' passions and recklessness, but to no avail

[@diane8937]

In retrospect, of course.

[@ziigiiziig]

7:21 is such a chilling moment. John is looking at Somerset rather than Mills as he says this, as if he knows that Somerset is capable of higher thinking and understanding John's "work". I may be misinterpreting it, but this film is such a cinematic masterpiece that it can be taken apart and studied in so many different ways.

[@dazzlernator]

I don't think you misinterpreted it. John Doe definitely acknowledged Somerset's more cerebral and methodical thinking and Somerset shared John Doe's views on the abundance of perceived sinful behaviour and society's tolerance of it because it was commonplace. The clear difference between them is Somerset's disagreement in Doe's methods.

[@Esteb86]

@@dazzlernator Somerset makes the comment at the very beginning when he's quitting about the man being stabbed in his eyes, and says he doesn't understand this world anymore. Ermey then says, "That's the way it's always been", and Somerset replies, "Maybe you're right." He sees the world as Doe does, but instead of fighting it anymore, or going off the deep end, he is cutting himself out of that world, and going to live as peacefully as he can, alone.

[@dazzlernator]

@@Esteb86 Yes, agreed though I'd say the man being stabbed in the eyes isn't the sole reason he quit. I'm certain after witnessing so many grotesqueries in his tenure, that was one timely incident to decide to leave the force. The Captain wouldn't be satisfied with Somerset feeling jaded in general and ask him more questions; Somerset needed one convenient and nasty crime that he believed would be satisfactory for the Captain not to ask further.

[@sk8mafia214]

@@Esteb86 But, he never leaves the force. Remember the scene were his boss asks he him “Were are you going to be? “Around….I’ll be around”

[@Esteb86]

@@sk8mafia214 I've always wondered that. Does he mean he's not retiring after all? Ermy said it in the beginning when he said he wouldn't be able to leave the life behind. But I also took it as he may not be on the force anymore, but he'd be around for them if they need him. After all, he did just finish the craziest case he's ever dealt with. What could compare? The ending has always been a question for me.

[@Shadoefax760]

*"John Doe has the upper hand"* One of the best lines in the film if not the best, highlights just how brilliant he really is that Freeman concedes.

[@JP_IN_TX]

I'd have to say the final scene is Gweneths finest acting. Her pitch is awesome, lines are immaculate, and the little box wardrobe is befitting.

[@EddyDurden]

I prefer her head in a box rather than a Ironman suit.

[@Gustavo-nd3cx]

a woman-- A WOMAN!

[@thegirlinquestion]

@n a i dont think he likes....anyone....

[@marcushennings9513]

But most importantly dont interrupt a serial murderer as he's talking.. especially if only to be a smart mouth.

[@TheFlowerofSpades]

LMFAO

[@cs8712]

"What is a woman, John?"

[@LoyalNODZealot]

As sad and twisted as his view of the world is... He was right. "Innocent... Is that suppose to be funny?" I love that line.

[@cordarryl101]

I can't lie. I laughed when he said that

[@Juanpablofanasito850]

Being fat does not make you deserve death

[@Nathan-rn7wl]

We are all guilty of sin

[@erinwilson2169]

This is still without a doubt my favourite scene in cinema. Pure brilliance from everyone involved.

[@stevedombeck2817]

My favourite scene in the movie especially knowing what happens later at the end

[@javascriptkiddie2718]

Sounds like a bible thumping extremist hypocrite to me

[@liciniusscapula7696]

damn he roasted those 6 people

[@joshcorbett4787]

Pyro Mancer 5

[@BrokenSIMGlasses]

He included Mills

[@Devillionaire]

An absolute master class in villain-acting. Spacey was an undeniable genius of the craft, and THAT’s the actual work that will be studied and respected for a long time to come. What he did with this movie - with only a FEW minutes of screentime… It reminds me of Edward Norton’s arrival in Primal Fear. Where everyone who saw that raw talent on display for the first time knew without a shred of doubt that they’d just seen the launch of a new actor about to catapult into the stratosphere of A-list talent.

[@mindofmarlowe]

The most frightening movie villains are the ones that are humanized. Where you can see, even in small part, the logic of their actions. How they may be justified in a small way. It scares us when we feel that. Fantastic movie.

[@nicky29031977]

John Doe to Mills..."for the rest of what life I have allowed you to have". Such a terrifying clue which Mills didn't pick up on!

[@Blaze-vj6ng]

"wanting people to listen, you cant just tap them on the shoulder anymore, you have to hit them with a sledgehammer, then you'll notice you have their strict attention" chills..

[@klown839]

“You’re only alive because I didn’t kill you. I spared you. Remember that, detective”…ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS.

[@moepogenisis6691]

"It doesn't matter who I am, who I am means Absolutely nothing!"

[@aryankaushik93]

it doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan

[@EddBSmith]

Absolutely brilliant writing and acting. Phenomenal. No thriller has even gotten me so shook up like Seven did. Perfect example of how to constantly build tension slowly throughout with an amazing, logical twist at the end. The perfect film for what it is.

[@ndepedentobserver4237]

The religious aspect of that film is really interesting.

[@DamascusHounds]

Did you notice that when Spacey gets to the lines, "we see a deadly sin on every streetcorner in every home..." he glances at the camera a couple of times. Great directing. Very cool.

[@MatthewGalpin89]

DamascusHounds They have street corners in homes now?

[@solodolo2273]

@@MatthewGalpin89 u let that comment go way over your head lmao

[@hochigaming14yearsago90]

@@solodolo2273 nah i think his reply went over yours bud.

[@ktm5194]

usually when i watch a movie, i dont give my absolute full attention to it, but during this scene in particular, i was completely locked and engrossed into the dialogue. just amazing. kevin spacey really should have won an academy award for this.

[@ohen]

He won it for The Usual Suspects that year.

[@twmax6525]

Me showing this movie to someone who hasn’t seen it, especially the ending: “I can’t wait for you to see, I really can’t….it’s really going to be something.”

[@shnoogums1]

“I’m not special. I’ve never been exceptional. This is though. What I’m doing. My work.” I’ve always wanted to say that when someone asks me about myself lol

[@40streetblack79]

Snooogums,its exceptional?

[@shnoogums1]

@@40streetblack79 rightt thanks

[@killdano]

expertly written, shot, directed, acted and edited.

[@samuelgarcia6978]

"...People will barely be able to comprehend...but they won't be able to deny."

[@steve_santiago]

“After that I picked the lawyer and you must have both been secretly thanking me for that one.” 🤣

[@tomhibbert1210]

7:19 - 7:22 that look Doe gives Sommerset. "See how out of touch your partner really is?!"

[@thedarkknight9153]

It's probably my favorite part of the entire movie

[@Henman5]

What I love about this movie is that it's not the classical American good guys vs bad guys chase. All 3 main characters deserve respect and have some flaws at the same time. John Doe - he has a point, the world is a place full of lying, selfish people and there's nothing wrong in trying to change that status quo. But committing a series of brutal murders is not the way to do it, no matter how terrible the victims were (one of them was innocent - Mill's wife). Mills - wants to be a hero, wants to catch all the bad guys, believes in people (ok, he's naive, but that's not a sin), but at the same time is too emotional, constantly swears and yells and acts first, thinks later. And he has a huge ego. Somerset - he's probably the best out of the three, wise, smart and probably caught a lot of criminals during his time. But he's basically saying: "most people find apathy as a solution, I don't like it, but there's nothing I can do about it". Age is not an excuse, you shouldn't stop fighting for what you think is right. And let's not forget he practically killed his unborn child.

[@ditokhetsuriani2144]

+Henman5 Great choice of words. It's a very intriguing movie and I was quite thrilled to watch it for the first time. Definitely in my top 5 all-time films.

[@trenauldo]

Good points you make Henman... I would only add above concerning your quote, "he's naive, but that's not a sin"... There are actually several instances where the bible (if that's the standard we're using for sinfulness) address the evils of naivete, particularly in Proverbs... "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps" 14:15 "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." 27:12 I also think the point John Doe makes is that there are no innocents amongst humans, that we are all fallen in some form or fashion. That's likely why he had no compunction about killing them, seeing each of them as flawed in one way or another.

[@makhulu3718]

Mills wife is not innocent anyway. She decided to kill her baby. That’s why John let her die for her sin. I love the way too. Each women who abortion their baby must killed for their punish.

[@ThothTheAtlanteanK]

@@akshaynatu1084 As he said, once you hit them over the head with a sledgehammer you'll find you have there strict attention.

[@lukeallen9497]

@@akshaynatu1084 Dexter killed evil people out of the love for his father, he didn't had any code, besides deb was the only human being keeping him on the track. John on the other hand, believed in what he was doing and felt justified in his actions.

[@VanillaLimeCoke]

7:39 I think it's at that point Somerset had a slight suspicion that Mills was going to be the wrath victim.

[@True38]

They actually foreshadowed it quite well during one of the first scenes where you can clearly see Mills mad and annoyed when a guy who walks by him bumps into him as he’s talking to Somerset. He also gets mad several times throughout the movie, especially when the paparazzi (John Doe) is taking pictures of him, and he even admits to Somerset that he feeds off of his own emotions.

[@brendancox668]

Love Detective Somerset's observation. Nailed him.

[@alk6709]

Three contrasting amazing actors. Putting them together itself is a winner move.

[@emell7025]

7:21 John looks at Somerset while talking to Mills because he knows that Somerset knows what's he doing, and enjoys it

[@adamfitzgerald911]

"...by a higha POWAAA"

[@georgeofhamilton]

UNLIMITED…POWAAA

[@patrickliterallymebateman9892]

3:12 "it's more comfortable for you to label me insane" so fucking true it's just really comfy to just call someone crazy or a goof and try hurting their feelings

[@Drake00000010]

Both are speaking the truth. John Doe was a lunatic. Putting himself on a pedestal for meaningless and awful shit. There are way more important shit.

[@swaroopboyina4236]

@@akshaynatu1084 man you really are messed up ...why did that fat guy or the pride girl deserve that horrible deaths ... it's easy to judge someone's life when you don't have to go through what they go through

[@ThumbsUpMike]

Jon - 1 Mills - 0

[@sherwinjohntusetregalado57]

+Mike DeSimone Actually, John 2 - Mills 1 xD

[@icemorewaterless]

Congressman Underwood talking about seven deadly sins in a car ride.

[@Onmysheet]

Better than on a subway.

[@thewrathematician1911]

+Onmysheet Or under one.

[@chelseadraws4204]

I love how detective Somerset was silently looking at his compelling speech, like he was argeeing with him.

[@starhunter9085]

**agreeing*

[@orbitalbutt6757]

He didn’t agree at all. But he understood. That’s the fundamental difference between somerset and mills

[@dazzlernator]

​@@orbitalbutt6757 To say "he didn't agree at all" is an oversimplication. Somerset can conceivably agree with John Doe's views that there is sinful behaviour everywhere and its unbiquity had led to its tolerance by society in general. Somerset can agree AND understand on that front. What Somerset disagreed with is John Doe's methods as well as the notion that was "chosen" to do it.

[@nostaligsoundtracker]

Somerset was the real killer of the movie

[@5wheels178]

@@dazzlernator I don't think that Somerset believes that prostitutes deserve to die horrible deaths. It's a very simplistic reading to say that Somerset thinks the same way as Doe. He just seems him as an inevitable symptom of social alienation.

[@CYP0]

Awesome delivery. Kevin Spacey is awesome as always.

[@SilverSnark]

watching this again i have to say that Freeman's acting here is great. Really understated but its there and you can kind of tell that Somerset knows something aint right in the car.

[@dgmobbdeep]

ABSOLUTELY. HE FEELS something is coming. You clearly feel it.

[@lostmotion18]

Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder any more. You have to hit them with a sludge hammer and then you’ll notice you’ve got their strict attention... What an accurate metaphorical statement!

[@jaygee9590]

How many Hollywood films like this where the villain wins so completely?

[@simple-commentator-not-rea7345]

5:25 Let's also not forget, a murderer, so jelous with the life of a completely normal cop, that he dedicated his entire life to punish him and society for the life he never had and through it all, he disguised his little personal quest for revenge as a doing of God

[@100EmotionalDamage]

"It seems that Envy is my sin...Become vengeance David, Become ... Wrath."

[@JonM555]

He didn't forget it. He kept it for later.

[@mentadere]

@James Shut up man, you're so pathetic putting yourself above others by using the word "normies" as if you weren't part of the problem.

[@bluehat3673]

@James r/iamverysmart

[@tysontwenty]

@James yes but as another pointed out, John Doe lacked grace and forgiveness. This was his central flaw but it was enough for his plan and great example to lose most of it's meaning.

[@bchen0709]

It's interesting that Pitt said that about himself; many critics contend this movie is what made him an ACTOR, not just a handsome face. That look of confusion when he hears that Tracy was pregnant.....oh man.

[@Ryan-ot3ux]

Line from line the greatest script of all time!

[@fromdaghettowithlove]

"You can't tap people on the shoulder, you have to hit them with a sledge hammer." Nice lines throughtout this movie, thats whats nice, even between the intese scenes there is so much good dialouge, an awesome movie no doubt, one of the best.

[@rustcohle8638]

Pitt said on the DVD commentary that he really regrets how he handled this scene. After watching this for the first time in a while, I can kinda see why. He's not really on Spacey and Freeman's level here.

[@scottmatheson3346]

The fact that he's not on a level with the other two is the whole point, though. It's necessary to his being manipulated into becoming wrath.

[@xxunilizzyxxxxunilizzyxx5427]

*YEAH BUT CAN U REALLY BLAME HIM, THO...????????* *THIS WAS LIKE, HIS 5TH MOVIE OR SOMETHIN...*

[@xxunilizzyxxxxunilizzyxx5427]

@@scottmatheson3346 If one didn't like his character then I'd say Brad did his job right

[@heathernikki5734]

I think it's perfect

[@patriceaqa288]

Rust Cohle I think this was Pitts' best ever performance. I think he's harshly judging himself because he was always picked for his looks until he moved on from this. I actually think he was excellent here. The delusional arrogant 'hero' cop who simply despises serial killers paedophiles and is about to have his world shattered. I appreciate his acting here

[@thatllputmarzipaninyourpie3117]

The more the years go by--and the more headlines I read every day--the more John Doe makes a lot of sense

[@palestine7296]

Auto-Bahn Kenobi john doe makes perfect sense.

[@patgogan7324]

Auto-Bahn Kenobi people rarely like to see the truth before their very eyes it hurts for too many I guess

[@Clinically-Insane648]

Well he kind of made sense in some cases but killing a pregnant woman just to satisfy a pathetic impulse of envy over a cop who's investigating him and then presenting it as like he was acting against the unjustified sinners was more like a psychopath with seriously biased ways of understandings. Gluttony, laziness and pride aren't crimes that are punishable by death. The movie portray's a man with self satisfying delusions in order to justify his self presumed "good work". He can only imagine himself or his work "good" when he have others to blame for being inferior or in his context "sinners".

[@thegirlinquestion]

ok incels

[@2cutekandy]

It only makes sense to those who see the world in a hopeless way but not those who see room for growth and healing.

[@evankaiafas6219]

This is one of those scenes that you have to watch again after finishing the entire film. So many hidden details that only appear when you already know the ending.

[@dgmobbdeep]

Absolutely. Got to rewatch the whole scene.

[@Hellblazer311]

Does anyone else love the sarcastic way Mills is like "We're not just going to pick up two more dead bodies, are we John?" Because he's so used to being shocked by John's insane shocking acts that it seems too mundane, he's like let's be honest, that's not all that's gonna happen right? Come on. You're gonna do some shocking shit.

[@UrAvergFrTeen]

And he wasn't disappointed

[@andyboerger]

the way the music builds when he says 'realize, Detective, the only reason you're here is because I wanted you to be' is chilling to the bone.

[@mrcooki3monster928]

I love it when he says: 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 I just love that line because it true today!!

[@keokio7]

The psycho actually has a point. We tolerate sin and the extreme nature of his crimes only reflect the extreme nature of sin that we've grown tolerant to. He ended it with giving up his own life and pay for his sin to set the ultimate example. But what separates him from normal people is that he lacks the concept of forgiveness and grace, without it his world would actually make sense.

[@danielappleton5067]

+keokio7 " vengeance is mine, I will repay ". John Doe actually sees himself as an instrument of Old Testament divine retribution, no forgiveness, no chance for redemption, no parole. & killing an innocent whose only " sin " is being the wife of the detective investigating him - well, I think getting killed is justifiable. Karma / " you reap what you sow ".

[@shady8045]

Yeah but you don’t deserve to be brutally murdered for being fat or a sexual deviant man. That’s the point

[@litrpgre-roll7929]

A master class in acting and filmmaking. The best build up to a climax in film history.

[@jboogie841]

Good and evil is based on ones perception of what's right and what's wrong. For example you may view murder wrong but in the eyes of another individual he or she may consider it the norm. So in the end there's no black and white line between good and evil, Its simply the matter of perception in the eyes of the person.

[@cliffwayne7459]

In my opinion, this is the best ending in movies. . Brad Pitts acting was intentionally adolescent.. he was a rookie facing a cold calculated mad man with a plan. He was behind the curve on purpose. The ending was crazy. John Doe knew he would kill him.

[@EverDownward]

I enjoy that the movie only gives you just a very small taste of seeing John Doe meet his on that soapbox of his by his, arguably, intellectual equal in Summerset. You so very much want to see John Doe get his, but the conflict is squarely against a man that represents the society he resents. That's why it's so satisfying, if it's only for the briefest of seconds, to see Doe get served his own schlock - it's a fleeting, ethereal catharsis that lasts for but a moment. Kinda reflects what the movie is trying to pass off, really: that what is truly good is a rare element in a world as jaded as is perceived.

[@WolfataDoor]

One of the best scenes in movie history.

[@jimsty5222]

The ending was so tragic, grim and terrifying but so good. Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Andrew Todd Walker, David Fincher and especially Kevin Spacey made a true masterpiece! The fact that it wasn't even just nominated for the Best Picture Oscar that year blows my mind. One of the biggest Oscar snubs of the last century.

[@larma7]

Thanks for uploading. I think this scene is not only better than the final scene in the film but also has the best dialogue ever in a film...........Brilliant dialogue!

[@poopyman-oo4eh]

Yap.

[@hotfella4659]

2:01 "Cause I wouldnt want to miss it" "Oh dont worry you dont" "You wont miss a thing" oh mann he only knew what hes talkin about, these detectives dont see it coming yet! " Oh you wont" talkin about the bullet what will go into his head later by mills. "You wont miss a thing" Talkin about whats inside the box what he will see later, just genious, genious

[@omarmokhtar7205]

Brilliant writing and directing. The level of tension and suspense that this scene brings would serve to enhance what would be one of the greatest endings ever put on film. David Fincher is a filmmaking genius even for his second feature.

[@chuckselvage3157]

He says he wasn't exceptional but he was.He was super intelligent his argument about society was valid. He made Hannibal Lecter look like a nice guy.

[@sparrowprince3432]

All that collapsed when he raped and murdered an innocent woman, and then decapitated her. He was a vicious monster. And Hannibal Lecter won too, at the end of Silence of the Lambs. Walked off into the sunset, free as a bird. John Doe and Hannibal Lecter are equals.

[@josephsmith5596]

If you ask me (& that’s just of course if you ask) all 3 actors in this movie knocked the ball outta the park with this one

[@frederik2334]

we tolerate it because it is common

[@bellaf7774]

"Sit back you fucking freak!" I love u Brad 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️

[@PalmettoGD]

I was on my feet for the final fifteen minutes of this movie

[@GJones462-2W1]

Spacey's BEST acting, period! Love that whole scene.

[@CHRIS-cx2ej]

Fincher's "Seven" is a masterpiece of cinema! Unforgettable like for example "Shawshank Redemption",or"Terminator 2:Judgment Day"...Without a shadow of a doubt!

[@justinratcliffe947]

I miss the 90s

[@bobs1989]

Innocent.. Is that suppose to be funny ?!

[@shanerose7204]

Well the way he said it was funny 😂

[@lordgoro]

somerset was the smartest one there

[@inferno0020]

When I watched it in 10, it was way too strong but i appreciated the experience. When I watch it again as an adult, I appreciate how Fincher crafted his works and he tried to make everything looks perfect.

[@TheAndersonHendersonProgram]

Same story for me

[@Smeeeth]

"Oh. That's right. And I seem to remember breaking your face." I ADORE Kevin Spacey's dialogue in this movie

[@indrancole3]

Im seeing Kevin Spacey on stage soon, so psyched! He's one of my top favourite actors and this scene is one of so many reasons why.

[@theuniversewithin74]

The buildup to the climax was so masterful that when the delivery van came speeding towards them I was genuinely scared shitless. I knew we was in for something special and boy it didn't dissapoint.

[@GingerLoyd2901]

I dont know why but when he starts getting excited and starts wiggling it makes me laugh so hard.

[@jerramaurice7836]

At first the original casting as the detectives were Al Pacino as Morgan Freeman’s character and Denzel Washington as Mills that would’ve been so awesome too!!!!!!!!!

[@solemgameinsights]

What's really sick is the world that requires people to use those substances to be able to cope with reality.

[@careylamarca788]

Any young actors out there...study this scene. It may be the greatest acting you’ll ever be exposed to.

[@screamrad218]

I absolutely agree. This is a masterclass in acting.

[@meowjmeowington9076]

Every time Morgan Freeman speaks I’m like thank God. Let the grownups talk

[@antonioingegni1149]

"Wanting people to listen, you cant just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer. Then youll notice you have thier strict attention." John Doe