Title sequence analysis

Taylor Lyttleton

Directed in 1995, David Fincher’s Se7en is a film that defies easy categorization.

Mise en scene - SettingThe title sequence for Se7en creates narrative through the use of

close ups of objects, an alternative way to long shots of a place.

Through the use of close ups of props such as books, photographs

and chemicals give the impression of a personal environment

creating a dark and eerie atmosphere, suggesting the genre of the

film of a Drama/thriller.

PropsClose ups of props like the blade, hint towards a character’s

attribute or story line. Other props such as pens, books,

photographs also suggest to the genre and setting of the film as

they could be part of an investigation or detective work.

Suspense is created here as the audience are unable to see the

characters but can only see scenes of what he/she is doing.

Lighting and colour

The lighting in this title sequence is fairly dark and uses light to allow the audience to identify objects (giving them emphasis) creating a gloomy atmosphere. The use of the colour red whilst an image of a person is shown, suggests that person is in danger as red holds connotations of this, or danger in general (again relating to the genre)

Editing

The title sequence begins with a slow pace of pages whilst there is no real music but gradually speeds up with the music when the individual scenes cut into one another through the use of blackness (transitions) which also highlight the cast. The use of slow motion in post production is used when the character is writing, representing writing over a period of time.

Camerawork

The camerawork consistently involves close ups and uses this shot to demonstrate depthof field, this is to only reveal the things the cinematographer wants us to see, keeping the‘things’ in the background out of focus to keep that sense of mystery. Depth of field is also used to highlight the key objects which could hold significance in the rest of the film. There is no camera movement in the sequence as the props or characters hands use movement, so the camera just needs to show this to the audience without too much disruption (cameramovement) so the use of birds eye view, medium close ups and close ups are used.

Titles

The font used for the titles looks almost hand written ‘Arnold Kopelson’ giving a personal feel to it which is unambiguous as it exaggerates the context of the title sequence. The font ‘an production’ is quite ‘gritty’, reflecting the genre of the film. It overlaps several times creating a distorted image for the audience. The use of white font contrasts with the low key lighting.