20 Things You Didn’t Know About Se7en

“What I've done is going to be puzzled over and studied and followed… forever.”
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[@HellHammerThrash]

words cannot properly describe how awesome this masterpiece film was for me.....

[@shavedparmesanprosciuttoan4317]

Me too fam. Me too.

[@damascusb9835]

Get you into law?

[@danieldevito6380]

Agreed 👍👍👍👍

[@abebuckingham8198]

It's meticulous, like Freeman's character. Just watch how he enters the crime scene at the start of the film. He doesn't open the door and break the tape, he takes a knife out and carefully cuts it then opens he door. It's the meticulous details like that which engrossed me.

[@adamwebb9545]

You need many many years of therapy

[@stevengreen7447]

What makes this film so great and realistic, is that John Doe’s Logic/Philosophy is correct. “You cannot tap someone on the shoulder anymore to get there attention, you have to use a Sledgehammer, and then you’ll find you have there attention”. Also, which is applicable to Se7en as a film itself, which is a faultless absolute masterpiece of a movie, again from John Doe “What I’ve done, is gonna be puzzled over, marvelled over, forever” I couldn’t have put it better myself. Masterpiece of a film, on every single level!

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

I watched it at the time and in my opinion quite ground breaking. It also allowed Brad Pitt to be considered as a real actor rather than screen candy. It's without doubt in my top 5 best ever movies.

[@savage_the_wild]

Now I sorta want to hear Stallone yelling "what's in the box"

[@kalebnolan8343]

Yo Mack wuts in de box eh?

[@Vindicator12Music]

ey yo, what'sin tha fuckin booox

[@zmk9058]

Adrian!!!!

[@elove9893]

Ew

[@totalbliss1]

Lol.

[@fernandoolmedo2558]

I remember the first time I saw this movie I was 12 and living with my grandma at the time because I broke my leg and my parents lived in a fourth floor so I couldn't climb up the stairs. I remember telling my mom to send me some movies to check out, I specifically said "some good things" She sent me a couple of my favorites at the time and Se7en. She said: "I know you'll love this". I delayed watching that movie for some time because I wasn't interested, thought it was just another cop flick. 15 years later it's my favorite movie. A true masterpiece.

[@davidstone-haigh4880]

You saw it aged 12????

[@fernandoolmedo2558]

David Stone-haigh Yes indeed

[@mustafa.aurelius]

idk why but these late '90s films are so brilliant for me, i think ive got obsessions with '90s films. And se7en is one of them

[@Wyeuca]

It's because there are some incredible movies in there. And Se7en is indeed one of them.

[@dhtoran1]

Because they hired writers to actually author the script. Most movies nowadays have a poor and simple script

[@jackcassidy9963]

It's David Fincher it has nothing to do with movies today

[@DJGamingSmash]

Yeah, David Fincher than had another in Fight Club to be among the numerous amazing films in 1999.

[@dhtoran1]

Jack Napier Fincher is the best

[@stuartshaw7640]

Perfect film, perfect performances and no sequel. Boom!

[@jackcassidy9963]

I mean it's a David Fincher movie

[@dsmyify]

Boom! You looking for this?

[@cesarherrera1926]

Perfect

[@darrellmetcalfe3615]

Shhhh they might hear you 😂

[@siddharthagupta7512]

TV series/mini-series, coming is 3, 2, 1 ...

[@KEVMAN7987]

Everytime I see a box get delivered in a crime show or movie I always am disappointed if it doesn't contain Gwyneth Paltrow's head.

[@monkeywash4374]

She ruined the movie recently. After her appearances on late night tv shows hyping up the jade egg, I always know the answer to "What's in the box?!?!"

[@randywhite3947]

Kevin Gomolchak lol

[@wtfisditvoorbullshit]

Every time I see Palthrow's head I think of a box

[@Herobox-ju4zd]

I miss the 90's, so many great movies.

[@clairecaines4051]

The 90’s were really the best decade for movies. I’ve always said that too!

[@randywhite3947]

Claire Caines it’s between the 90,60s,and 70s for the best decade for film

[@charliepokaski9550]

2010s were amazing too

[@Nakna_ankaN]

You never see the severed head, there is however a single frame of Gwyneth Paltrow spliced in when Mills has his breakdown. It just hit me that the same thing happens in another movie directed by David Fincher that also stars Brad Pitt, that time it's not a picture of Gwyneth Paltrow though.

[@ReneeQ2443]

Nelson Mendes That's what I remember, the movie messed with my head. I truly remember seeing the head!!! Maybe Mandela effect?

[@juliajohansson7058]

Seven, A movie I’ve seen (m) it over 20 times, absolutely brilliant. Even if Kevin Spacey is in it you can’t deny he’s an amazing actor playing his character.

[@zeeah4088]

Same here Julia

[@juliajohansson7058]

Nope Nope someone without the knowledge of 8 languages and keyboard function. But hell if it was funny, can’t have much of a life going for ya...glad I amused you with with a unknown error 🥴.

[@juliajohansson7058]

Zee Ah good luck to you.

[@artandcard]

@@juliajohansson7058 Since we do not know each other yet, I may as well preface that I am genuinely curious without judgment of any kind intended. Also, I don't recognize sarcasm well. What is the context for mentioning "knowledge of 8 languages"? In what I read as an implied comparison, who is it that knows 8 languages? Fluency in 8 would be a huge accomplishment, and even dialogue with others at a broken or basic level would impress me. Also, Julia, I wonder about the "(m)" in your main comment about the film's brilliance. Reply when you can. Thank you in advance.

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

the first time I saw this film... I had no idea what I was getting into, and it horrified me and I swore at the time that I'd never re-watch it. Since then though, its become one of the films I appreciate the most... its just so well written and so well acted. Easily in my top-10 best films ever, and I've probably re-watched it close to a dozen times

[@419Films]

The "head in the box" thing reminds me of a comment Clive Barker made at the 1995 San Diego Comic Con. "A good director shows you things. A great director shows you things that aren't there."

[@westernforce8498]

How could you not have that ending. Greatest ending ever

[@Caltops78]

Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." I agree with the second part.

[@Kguy548]

The ending shook me up... even if we were never shown what was in the box.

[@savage_the_wild]

But you are aware what was in the box right?

[@siddharthraykar9476]

Mack Ballard He means that even though the actual gory details weren’t shown, it was still very disturbing.

[@savage_the_wild]

@@siddharthraykar9476 right, I get that. I was just asking if he did know what was going on though. I've come across a few ppl online that didnt know lol

[@TheHippocrocapig]

I always thought it would've be more horrific if their unborn baby was in the box rather than her head.

[@lilotaku3801]

Can anyone imagine Stallone saying “ayo what’s in the box” 😂

[@squirrelgray945]

And now we know why Spacey was so good at being creepy.

[@martinvalentin7961]

Why, Squirrel?

[@squirrelgray945]

Martin Valentin google his name and scroll down

[@Michael0409]

Squirrel I guess these 2 live under a rock or in a cave and dont have tv.

[@natashanarushev3450]

Spacey. One of my fave actors. Swimming with the sharks awsone

[@martinvalentin7961]

@@Michael0409 Charges was dropped.

[@Jburneyjr]

One of my top 5 favorite movies. It would definitely be different with Denzel and AL in the lead roles. I did notice that Kevin wasn't in listed on the movie which makes this plot twist more genius.

[@joelanthonyalvarado6947]

One of my favorite movies of all time

[@MyManJFKTV]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Masterpiece.

[@KAZ132]

One of the greatest films ever made.... Unforgettable.

[@preahko]

I was dubious after so many years of hearing all manner of trivia about this film...but you did indeed tell me several I didn't already know. So you earned your upvote.

[@joyfowler2896]

The entire film was a Nine Inch Nails video.

[@jacobangeles5539]

An edited version of Closer (Precursor) by NIN was playing during the Opening Credits of the Film. And the Band Members of NIN, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, would then collaborate with the Director of Se7en, David Fincher, years later

[@bonniebaldridge1248]

This is an amazing and brilliant film. This is a great upload, thank you!

[@mischarowe]

I only watched the movie once but it's the kind that haunts you forever. Perfect.

[@richardmccallum1542]

Thank God for whatculture its kept me sane during the lockdown, thanks guys!!

[@yaminthein7833]

Also David Fincher used Nine Inch Nails' "Closer" precursor remix for the amazing opening credits. Then they (David Fincher and NIN's mastermind Trent Reznor) will go on to make three movie together in the future.

[@jacobangeles5539]

I loved the collaboration of David Fincher, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross. Their first collab was working NIN's music video of Only.

[@MelissaRae1975]

Great coverage thanks

[@davidoverton1496]

This was such a great film. Definitely a classic

[@skreemqueen756]

This is still one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Love it!!!!!

[@mekkiepoo]

Director: "We didnt have anything in the box. It was just a box." Fans: "SAW IT MYSELF! THERES A HEAD IN THE BOX" Director: "No literally.. we filmed an empty box." Fans: "LIAR!!"

[@6thwilbury2331]

Not sure what's a bigger losing battle: playing one-on-one against Lebron, or arguing with David Fincher about a detail in one of his films.

[@johnmoser2689]

I heard they cloned Gwyneth and cut her head off for real and put it in the box

[@kyfarm]

Mandela effect

[@robertwhite1075]

@@kyfarm EXACTLY!

[@kimberlysss3753]

This is my all time favorite movie. Only movie I went to see in theaters multiple times. Brilliant!

[@randywhite3947]

This Movie was a head of its time.

[@joeybagadonuts5774]

Damn. As a Canadian, I was across the border in Buffalo, with my G.F at the time, shopping and we went to dinner and a movie. It was this movie and it was so amazing. Still a great watch today. Oh the 90's pushed out some great movies.

[@Stasiaflonase]

This is an example of how to do horror the right way.

[@wmrphotography7349]

One of the only films I watched at least 5 times at the theater. There’s nothing like watching this on the big screen.

[@donragnar8430]

David Fincher credits Michael Mann’s Manhunter as inspiration for Se7en. I remember reading about this back in the day.

[@Jose-ht2lw]

Wow! Those 2nd choice characters were a perfect match for their roles.

[@Rockhound6165]

Fun Fact: Michael Myers is not a serial killer. He's a spree killer as is Jason Vorhees. Freddie Kruger is a serial killer if we're mentioning slasher film killers.

[@BillWood2791]

Another interesting fact..... When Brad Pitt slipped and fell through the rear windshield of the cab The stunt driver in the cab was no other than Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees)

[@chanelhenderson8460]

This movie is flawless

[@NOWtheband]

It's interesting (to me, anyway) that Stipe was considered but it went to Spacey as I can see a great similarity between the two,

[@richardmccallum1542]

So glad they kept the original screenplay what an amazing movie....

[@andrewhills9746]

As this film has never said where it is set theres a fan theory that its set in gotham how cool would that be

[@DropBearJroc]

It would literally make no difference at all.

[@missmoanypants]

Batman where da fu*k you at?!

[@High-LordHarza]

I mean that'd check out, considering how dark and constantly rainy it is xD

[@mitchellphillips4691]

I love this theory

[@TJ52359]

@@missmoanypants in the bottom of the well learning to fear Bats... The version of the Theory I saw placed Se7en during the 'First Attack' on Gotham that Ra's cited and the Wayne's helped to fight (and which produced Joe Chill who would eventually kill them)

[@maartenprehn3960]

Lol, just watched this film an hour ago :D

[@wingflanagan]

I actually knew 4-5 of things already. Great video nonetheless! Se7en is a great and worthy film. if it's not part of the national archive, it should be.

[@qrufus]

"The Other Lust victim didn't get quite as much to do". Were they expecting her to dance around like Michigan J. Frog? "The Greed victim negotiated himself a raise". Sounds like someone really got into their role.

[@artandcard]

@qrufus, Two fun things for you: 1. "Hello, my baby, hello, my honey, hello, my rag time gal." The reference to what I applaud as a cartoon classic tickled me. What was your reaction to the "Alien" spoof of M.J. Frog in Space Balls? 2. Since you exist here in Comments for a film whose creators respect audience intellect, and since you share a name with actor Rufus Sewell, I recommend the Director's Cut (and only the Director's Cut) of "Dark City". For whatever all that is worth to you, thank you for reading my reply.

[@hulkslayer626]

For some reason, the first time I saw this movie I thought it was the unborn baby in the box. And this just blew my mind... never realized that Mills is the only one we see commit murder. Damn I love this movie!

[@katarinakrnjevic8183]

That film was different than any other thriller in the victims are murders was murdered on so much violent way.

[@lfcwilli]

Only film I watched at the cinema and everyone walked out at the end buzzing and in shock

[@blink182topfan]

Good stuff

[@ingridaguero6460]

Man the victim actors were spot on. The Lust victim wanted to be naked in front of her crush, the Greed victim got more money for no reason, the obese guy was… obese. That casting director was spot on

[@zanethomas6865]

It's funny that there is the mention of it being a Batman movie because after we saw it, a friend and I said it seemed more like the darker Batman comics that were popular in the late 1980s and 1990s.

[@davefrancis4529]

Pretty sure the details around Denzel are fragments. My recollection is that at one time he was set to star in it and demanded an almost entire re-write that changed the entire tone and significant events. I think Kevin or David Fincher say on the commentary the script went through around 7 incarnations before coming right back to original script. You also left out one of the most interesting details, this project was shelved for some years and it wasn’t until the success of “Silence of the Lambs” that it was given new hope of being made. Thereby crediting the dramatic increase of serial killer movies in the 90’s and beyond was more due to Silence than Se7en, but no doubt is as much a classic in cinematic history.

[@mx5hong]

I almost walked out the theater after the "sloth" scene. Couldn't take it anymore. LOL.

[@artandcard]

I jumped, Max, when I first saw the 'sloth" scene. I still look away so I don't jump again. Did you jump, too?

[@VlogwithKing]

The head totally shows up! For a frame when we see Brad Pitt coming to terms with what's in the box

[@SOPADELICIOSA]

He-he, seeing something you didn't. I remember my second viewing of Reservoir Dogs where I went: Hey, where did the robbery go? Wasn't it there the last time? Yup... great writing (and acting).

[@ghostmonkey0432]

Spacey's monologue at the end made my friend cry and question humankind and everything around. I definitely still feel bad about showing the movie

[@deathdeathington]

21) Kevin Spacey wasn't acting.

[@alschroeder1724]

WhatCulture videos seem to have become “ad central”. 5 ads in 14 minutes....but at least I have the Old Spice jingle drilled in my head.

[@edaniels240]

Ironic that Denzel turned it down where years later he would be in Fallen

[@edaniels240]

"WHAT'S IN THE BOX!?! WHAT THE F*CK IS IN THE F*CKIN BOX!?!" The line will always be forever iconic

[@StraightouttaBristol]

Kevin Spacey is an excellent actor. Sad his career is over.

[@GemmaJadeYT]

I remember not knowing Kevin Spacey’s name but always talking with my mom about “the villain in SE7EN being so creepy and such an awesome actor.

[@jewel9684]

My favorite.along with very few others.

[@detectivesquirrel2621]

William Somerset Maugham, pronounced 'Mourn', not 'Mowam'.

[@solokom]

I've heard it's pronounced Mamwamakikimamown.

[@davidstone-haigh4880]

I thought he said Maug ham..........

[@biggiebaby3541]

Hey look! It's "that" guy....

[@andy_manns]

"the head in the box" misnomer is because just before Mills shoots Doe (while he is pointing the gun at him) there is a brief flash frame of his wife smiling. For some reason some people misremember this as the flash showing her head in the box. I've personally had this with two different people-one even thinking they changed it for the dvd :/

[@kimrice394]

Lelands’ performance is Epic!

[@karenmooney764]

Rarely is a movie perfect- this is one of those times

[@joesim12]

Hey it’s Kaiser Soze!!!

[@johnspencer7838]

Film was amazing

[@anakin.2956]

Gotta be thee best ending of any movie, ever!!

[@frankt285]

That and, Falling Down..

[@kalebnolan8343]

As if I couldn’t love this movie any more than I already did, damn

[@Thekidisalright]

The greatest crime thriller of all time.

[@90hatter90]

I’m lost on #1. You said you can’t see Gwenyth’s head in the box? You can see the split second clip of it and if you pause it just right and go frame by frame then you can stop it just right to see her head in a box.

[@billysinge8977]

I never truly appreciated the movie: it didn’t seem to me to be as great as I’d expected, although because of how everyone’s received it here, I think I’ll watch it again.

[@iamtheduke87]

As he opens the box there is a single image of her head it's really bright but not injured

[@nipatay89]

My favourite film

[@gboni66]

Years ago, i remember coming across a draft of the “church ending” script on the internet. I remember specifically Mills and Doe dying in the end, can anyone else confirm finding something similar? Interestingly enough the same website i found said script on, had a version of Kill Bill part 1 that suggests Bill was the long haired hitman in the anime sequence.

[@quitcallinmebill1699]

The head was in deleted scenes or behind the scenes footage on directors cut DVD. They did have Paltrow's fake head in a prop box. They explaine the reasoning for not showing it in commentary

[@DJGamingSmash]

Don't they show Gwyeneth Paltrow's head for a single frame right before Brad Pitt fires? They used the same head again for Contagion during the scalping scene. I've paused the movie at the exact moment that the film show's it, David Fincher's just screwing with us, I could show you a screenshot if you'd like?

[@mikelclark9723]

I love this movie ❤️

[@davidstone-haigh4880]

Saw this in the daytime at our (then) local cinema. Freaked me and my wife out. Like; wtf have we just seen?

[@lyleslaton3086]

Still one hell of a movie.

[@jpmtlhead39]

Se7en is one of the most Terrifying movies ever made. And also one of the Greatest in cinema history.

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

I fell asleep halfway through in the theater. I woke up at the end and I didn't know what the big deal was about that box.

[@adipsous]

I already knew almost all those twenty things about SE7EN.

[@milesanthonygarrison5578]

Someone didn’t make a mistake and send the original to Fincher. They knew what they were doing

[@keyshawnb8533]

Kevin Costner and nick cage were also considered for the mills role at one point.

[@Miriada87]

How I wish I could watch it for the first time again...:)

[@metaldude21]

The irony of the actor that played the victim of Greed asking for more money is just priceless. XD

[@Bassquake76]

This is one of those films thats just perfect!

[@rogerfurlong1535]

What's in the BOX!?!?!

[@zanethomas6865]

Reportedly, Andrew Kevin Waller submitted the script and a production studio script reader commented, "This guy needs help." Walker thought it meant help writing scripts, but it actually meant mental help. 😅

[@sethchapman1425]

I have watched this movie once. Enjoyed it, agree that it is that good. Maybe to good. Good enough to make me not want to experience it again.

[@davidstone-haigh4880]

Yup, never, NEVER seen it since then when it came out......

[@gimbobjenkins405]

Can you really call it good if it is something you never want to experience again?

[@sethchapman1425]

@@gimbobjenkins405 yes I think you can.

[@gimbobjenkins405]

I don't see it that way but since something like this is up to the individual perspective I can accept you see it that way even if I don't understand why.

[@sethchapman1425]

@@gimbobjenkins405 It is that the movie did such a great job with feelings and atmosphere. That I enjoyed it and recognize that it is a great movie. Yet it did it so well that it Disturbed me enough to not want to see it again. Does that help a bit?

[@darrellrone1543]

Can anyone tell me what city there in this is my favorite film scene it thousands of times can't be in new York don't have desert

[@MCoconut97]

It's a fictional city

[@darrellrone1543]

Thanks for the positive response

[@MCoconut97]

@@darrellrone1543 np, I looked that up as well sometime ago because I was also interested in that, have a nice day

[@darrellrone1543]

@@MCoconut97 same to you and safe my friend

[@MCoconut97]

@@darrellrone1543 thanks you too man

[@jooliagoolia9959]

I did see the glimpse of Gweneths head before the Mandela Effect of removal... I remember it specifically. A bit of her hair was visible and a small chunk of it blew in the breeze a bit for just a second...

[@AlexDRohmat]

I love sesevenen

[@Mikhailstube]

14:12 Number 21: that’s not Kevin Spacey. That’s a stand in

[@builttoblast]

Superb movie! Clever, gory, psychological, and dark. One of the three leading men's best films, as well as Fincher's... As for the ending, I always wondered if instead of her head, it was actually the fetus of Tracy's unborn baby in the box. Granted, a head makes more sense but John Doe's sin was envy. Maybe he was jealous of the idea of someone else having a family. Of course, how he could've even known about it in the first place is another story...

[@kathleenfitzgerald8758]

John Doe says that after he tried to “play husband” to Tracy, he wanted to take a souvenir. “Her pretty head.” Doe’s exact words. Also, he knows about the fetus because Tracy told him as she begged for her life. “She begged for her life, and for the life of the baby inside her.”