Seven

Rating:
Summary: Okay, but don't believe the hype.
Review: A formulaic plot that rises above through good dialog, great actors and great direction.

Pitt and Freeman have a great on-camera rapport, and how can anyone not like Gwyneth Paltrow, who is on screen just long enough for us to like her, but not long enough to get annoying.

Kevin Spacey is great, but given the way he played the killer, I would have liked more character development. We don't learn enough about him, and what we learn is pretty formulaic.

David Fincher is a great director, and I believe after seeing Alien3 and Fight Club that "Seven" would probably be very different if he had had total control over it. The mechanics of the film are great, but there is a hollow place in the center that keeps it from being brilliant.

A definite first-tier rental prospect, but unless you are a Fincher fan, don't bother buying it.

Rating:
Summary: This Masterpiece is More Than Just a "Thriller"
Review: There is a hidden message in Se7en. Screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker sarcastically labeled Se7en as his "loveletter to New York City."

Sadly mistaken for simply "just-another-horror-flick," Se7en has been done a grave dishonor by the majority of the viewing public who neither have the empathy nor the intuition to understand the deep message it carries. Comparing this poetic and cautionary masterpiece to "The Silence of the Lambs" is a terrible misconception. The Silence of the Lambs was an excellent film about the innerworkings of investigative profiling and the psychopathic personality (although only partly represented and definitely not generalizable to the psychopathic population of today) through Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Se7en on the surface may seem similar - a film consisting of a plot about two cops "hunting" down a "mad" (another misconception) psychopathic serial killer.

However, under the skin, these two films are entirely different in contextual substance.

In The Silence of the Lambs, the plot is as deep as it goes. The relationships and interactions between the characters are the core of the story. Sentiments are decided based on the events that occur in result of another's actions. That is as deep as it goes.

Rather than being "plot-based" entertainment, the themes in Se7en are theological, philosophical, moral, and cultural. The entire film is based around the dialogue between Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (very well-portrayed by Brad Pitt), and the philosophy and motivation behind John Doe (Kevin Spacey in his best performance). Within the film is the continuing philosophical dialogue between Mills and Somerset, two contrasting characters that happen to be working on the same side. Mills' nature is impulsive, passionate, yet plagued with inexperience and naivete, while Somerset is weathered, subdued, with polished character, lore, logic and practicality, with a touch of lost hope. Neither men are able to get much anywhere with the investigation (at least without a little bribery - another testament to why this movie is NOT about investigative profiling or techniques), as Somerset replied to Mills when Mills asked him what 'they were really doing if they weren't investigating,' "just picking up the pieces."

It is the weakness of Mills that leads him to be devoured by the wrath of John Doe in the end, a man, neither psychotic or equivalent to the Devil (yet seemingly so), but calculate, methodical, and patient. On the same token, it is Somerset's experience and venerability that keeps him from being targeted by Doe.

"If we caught John Doe and he were the devil, if he were actually satan, that might live up to our expectations. But, this is not the devil. It's just a man," admonishes Somerset.

One of the most haunting ironies I find in Walker's script well portrayed by Fincher's cast is the uncanny similarities between John Doe, the antagonist and Somerset, the protagonist. If you watch that one scene in the car, you will realize that Somerset agrees with Doe, yet although realizing that their consensus does not justify Doe's irrational, yet seemingly rational killings. With Doe's philosophy explaining his intolerance for the prevalence and trivialization of the deadly sins, Somerset's continuous argument that we are becoming too apathetic of a society, only motivated by such things such as our temptations and self-indulgence, there is admittedly a strong parallex that exists between the two characters. Yet, they stand opposed to one another, because while Somerset, although discouraged, managed to keep his faith in mankind, Doe did not, and could not tolerate the injustice any longer.

With the current decline in the immaterial and spiritual life, and the ascending obsessional mindset of psychological egoism, existentialism, atheism, and hedonism, there is no message needed more than the one represented in this fine film by Fincher. We as a people must return back to faith, lest we become tyrants and slaves to our sins that will devour us in the end.

"You see a deadly sin on almost every street corner, and in every home, literally. And we tolerate it. Because it's common, it seems trivial, and we tolerate it, all day long, morning, noon and night. Not anymore. I'm setting the example, and it's going to be puzzled over and studied and followed, from now on." - John Doe, Se7en.

Rating:
Summary: DOUBLE DVD - Excellent Package of a Great Film
Review: SE7EN - Can anything more be said about what a great film this is???? Well, now, YES because New Line's new Double DVD is a fantastic package and a MUST for any fan of the film. The film has once again been remastered from the original film elements and it has never looked better -- even better than the old Criterion laserdisc. Colors, shadowings, sound, contrast have all been adjusted for optimum effect (one of the extras on disc 2 shows the before-and-after on several scenes). Just check out the green lamps in that library scene - WOW! The film is on Disc 1 and there are 4 separate commentary tracks...the most interesting one in my opinion is Track 2 which discusses the genesis of the project from script, to selling it to a studio and the fight to retain the original ending. Fincher is always interesting, but hearing Andrew Kevin Walker discuss his inspiration for writing the script and the struggles to get it made is even more fascinating. The voice behind one of the most original screenplays in years is pure genius. "Extras"-filled Disc 2 features deleted scenes (including the original opening)...most of which are just slightly extended scenes from the film (you see more of "Pride", etc.). There is also an alternate cut of the ending with different shots that was test-screened to an audience plus a storyboard of a different ending that was never shot. All of these come with or without commentary. An analysis of the opening credit sequence offers different angles and commentaries on 3 variants of the sequence. There are still galleries with commentaries by the photographers. Yes, "Sloth" victim's decay is included in the photos (unfortunately, not as clearly as it was presented on the Criterion LD) as well as John Doe's notebooks and lair. There is only one theatrical trailer (where are all the tv spots, etc. that were on the LD?????) and a short EPK. There are also some DVD-rom features on both discs (script-to-scene, etc.) to round it all out.

Only downside is that a lot of the extras on the Criterion LD are NOT INCLUDED HERE in any form. Although Criterion holds the rights to their original commentary track (Featuring Fincher, Pitt, Freeman, Rob Bottin , Walker, etc) and some other extras, surely NEW LINE owns the rights to the tv spots and other such promo materials. Where, for instance, is the great gallery of original artwork and poster concepts that so playfully used the number 7 or the sins as the backdrop???? New Line created these so why aren't they included here? The Criterion disc also had out-takes and many other things not included here, so don't ever toss that disc out! It's sure to be valuable some day. And with this DVD, which also includes items NOT on the Criterion LD, they combine to make the ultimate "SE7EN" collection.

Rating:
Summary: Se7en (for me) did not live up to it's hype...
Review: This movie along with The Silence of the Lambs keep being held up as shining examples of what other crime dramas should aspire to be.Well,I agree with The Silence of the Lambs part,but as for Se7en... My first viewing I hated it(pretty much.I thought Morgan Freeman was awesome if that counts for anything).I kept comparing it to TSOTL instead of allowing myself to be wrapped up in the story.Also was upset that the background music(provided by the great Howard Shore,who also did the score for Silence)could not be heard very well,and was used way too sparsely IMO.But that's not the worst of it. BRAD PITT is absolutley HORRIBLE!When his face was caving in at the end,and he was all "Oh GOD!"-hell,I was thinking the same thing.The man's good looking I guess,but he's not much of an actor.At least he doesn't show it here. Thankfully,Morgan Freeman was the other lead;he delivered a very entertaining preformance,that far outshadowed his co-star's.He made the most of what he had to work with.The thing could well have been a tv movie. Pretty boring as a matter of fact,but I'm jadded so don't take my word for it.The fat man with his face in his bowl did nothing for me. On my second viewing:I decided Se7en was alright except for Brad the Pitts.So it ain't bad,but it ain't TSOTL either.It's disturbing if you haven't,in Thomas Harris words,been "calloused to the lewd and vulgar".If you have,lucky you if it still manages to "slap your submissive concsious hard enough to get your attention"...

(sidenote:I thought the whole 'seven theme' was ingenious:seven days left to retirement,seven deadly sins.Kevin Spacey was great as John Doe.Watching him do his icy,cold hearted SOB thing,I wondered if this was the same guy who was Lester Burnham,the middle aged everyman rebelling against his frigid wife,and nasty,tart tongued daughter in 1999's American Beauty.What a range is all I can say!)

Rating:
Summary: pointlessly unpleasant
Review: Fincher's a good director, and the film is visually impressive. It very successfully shocks and upsets the audience. Problem is, it is totally meaningless, totally devoid of substance. After the perfectly predictable but nonetheless disturbing finish, you realize that you have allowed yourself to get worked up about nothing at all.

The film has plenty of stuff in it that could earn it 3 stars instead of 2, but the net effect of watching the film is negative. (I have nothing against upsetting films, but if they have no real reason to upset you, I'd rather steer clear. I was better off before I rented this thing than I am now.)

Rating:
Summary: SEVEN is a memorable MASTERWORK about a maniac
Review: SEVEN

A film that is felt more than seen, SEVEN ushered in a strange new approach to the maniac-tracked-by-cops genre. It initiated supreme suspense and only hinted at gory scenes, making the shocks all the more intense.

Brad Pitt is wonderful a as cocky and slightly dim cop paired with Morgan Freeman, a seasoned veteran. Both leads carry their roles with great verve, their abilities as actors truly underscore a film that could have unraveled without their pitch-perfect performances.

The New Line Platinum Edition of the DVD should be grand if it is an eighth as good as director Fincher's FIGHT CLUB DVD, a true trendsetter of the DVD format. I for one cannot wait.

A marvelous film like this truly deserves the platinum treatment, and I am glad to see that New Line Films understands this and will finally make available a DVD version worth crowing about. Kudos to the films's creators, the film company, and the actors for a movie that should stand the test of time and leaves most cat and mouse thrillers behind eating its dust.

Rating:
Summary: It's About Time...!!
Review: Finally, one of best movies ever to be filmed has gotten the justice it deserved from the beginning. Unfortunately, the previous DVD release had barely any extras that a film of this caliber warrants. NOW, dvd-philes can feast on the amazing features available on the updated DVD.

A giant step up from the double-sided, feature-hungry weakling the original DVD disappointed fans with, this is a sure winner! With outstanding performances from Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gweneth Paltrow, and the powerful prescence of Kevin Spacey, and the intriguing storyline...plus the flood of new and exiting special features and commentaries, this is a must-have for any DVD collector.

Rating:
Summary: Two sided
Review: Knowing now where David Fincher's mind comes from after linking this movie with his amateur attempt within the "Alien" family, the interesting but one-view (only watchable once without knowing the entire storyline) "The Game", and his disturbing "Fight Club" release last year, "Seven" currently has to be his one and only really provocative movie... "Seven" keeps one glued to the seat and makes one re-review certain portions of the movie to re-interpret storyline and director focal points...

In the end, Fincher appears to be a good director for one-view type movies. If he is able to make a step-up to the level of Sophmore director/writer M.Night such as his "The 6th Sense" which one can view over and over, similar to Lyne's "Fatal Attraction", to find hidden parts, he will succeed as a great director. If not, he will recreate the same movie over and over, and "Seven" will creat all future shadows for his movies to fall under.

Disc would be better as a dual-layer, one-sided release, so that it can be viewed without changing sides...

Rating:
Summary: Great beginning, middle, but fails in the end.
Review: Seven presents many questions, but offers few answers. That in of itself is not bad. Too many films present simple questions with even simpler answers, force feeding the plot to the audience, telegraphing every turn of the story, basically treating the viewer as if he were a child. Seven presents the viewer with a disturbing premise: a serial killer that uses the seven deadly sins (sloth, pride, wrath, gluttony, greed, lust, and envy) to plot a deadly killing rampage in a grimy, urban city. The idea in of itself is not new, such as Vincent Price's Dr. Phibes (sp) using the ten plagues as inspiration for his murders. But the environment and the execution of the murders is so disheartening, so oppressive, that it leaves the viewer exhausted and horrified, even if the level of actual on-screen violence is about par for movies of the sort.

The protagonists are two police detectives, played by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. Mr. Freeman plays the storied role of the cop who is one week from retirement, the man who has seen it all and is just waiting to get away from the race when tragedy strikes, and he must go on the hunt one last time. Mr. Pitt plays the maverick up-and-coming cop, the young man full of energy and hunger, the cop who has yet to be beaten down and ground out by the city that he serves. Mr. Freeman, as usual, projects an air of intelligence and wisdom, a man who has seen the seven sins up close many times over. Mr. Pitt also delivers a good performance, and the audience feel his emotions and his doubts.

Their adversary is played by Kevin Spacey (this is not a give-away: this movie is not a whodunit). He is intense as the killer, a perfect choice for the role. Mr. Spacey is an actor that can play deadly, intelligent people like few other actors in Hollywood. We can believe his character has undergone all kinds of trials to prepare the killings. When he faces his pursuers, there is definite doubt as to which side will prevail.

Nevertheless, the movie left me dissatisfied. For one, the plot unravels as it moves along. It seems that the writers had spent all their energy on the first 5 murders, and then ran out of steam. It quickly becomes clear to the spectator and the cops that these murders have been meticulously planned and researched for at least a year, and probably more. However, the later murders are almost haphazard in choice, seeming that the killer, who carefully plotted his victims got tired towards the end.

This incongruity takes away from the experience of watching the movie. Further, the atmosphere of the movie is so dark, reinforced by shooting the movie in a colder light, towards grays and blues, showing a lot of rain, the rumble of trains, and darkness of tight city corridors and alleys, that it leaves the viewer reaching for the surface to break away from this sea of darkness. Maybe the moviemakers did too good a job of crafting the mood. The ending in particular is too dissonant, again, because of the way the murders simply loose their carefully planned nature. This is a shame, because this movie has a great cast, excellent atmosphere (if too dark), and a good premise.

Rating:
Summary: One Word---Disturbing !
Review: This was the film, which I thought, really stretched Kevin Spacey's multi-faceted acting muscle (other than The Usual Suspects or American Beauty)! His psychopathic-homicidal role was chilling.Though, his identity is not revealed until later in the film, his whole execution of character was terrifying (as they say it's always the little quiet silent,harmless types you have to worry about). Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt were in top form. While the film is often compared to Silence of the Lambs, the ending is a real shocker and an emotional roller coaster ride for Pitt's character (this also flexed his acting abilities as well). The murders are hideous and grotesque to say the least. The one disturbing and vivid scene hard to forget is the discovery of the victim who is kept intravenously alive (barely)! The glutton victim scene almost made me lose my cookies as well.The special effects department is highly commended for a superb job,also...Certain scenes are not meant for viewers with weak stomachs !