Se7en opening scene analysis

 

Seven Opening Scene analysis

Right from the start we hear the background ambience of the urban setting, traffic and sirens as well as distant voices. The sirens inform the audience that straight away there is action happening that involves crime vs authority. The dialogue represents the lack of empaty and sympathy from one of the characters, we know this as Somerset (who I believe to be the protagonist) states- "did the kid see it?" to which Mill's responds "Who gives a fuck?", this straight away sets the tone for the film. The sound of the rain during the first conversation between Somerset and Mills sets up a pathetic fallacy; signalling the trauma that the murder is creating. 

In the first scene backlighting is prominent, as both characters are backlit at the crime scene, which is foreboding and tightens the sense of mystery. Low key lighting is also used when the characters are indoors, such as in Somerset's room, and at the crime scene.This makes the film seem foreboding. Chiaroscuro lighting is also used, the contrast in the lighting represents the contrast of good and evil and could also have connotations of life and death or positive and negative. David Fincher's signature green tint is shown throughout, and gives the thriller his own personal/signature touch.

Mise-en-scene is seen in the first scene from Somerset's overwhelming use of white. He uses white shirts for costume and the setting of the white room with a white prop fridge. In contrast there are a lot of dark shadows surrounding the white: the black curtain and the back lit ornaments. This immediately shows Somerset to be a pure character surrounded by the darkness of murder and negativity. The Close up of the protagonist perfecting his tie wearing a crisp shirt in  the neat setting off his tidy bedroom contrast the with Mills, who's costume is dishevelled with a crumpled shirt.  These subtle differences inform the audience of of the characters differences and contrasting personalities from the beginning. The overhead close up shot of his personal items give an overview of his characters profile: the holstered gun suggests a dislike to the violence that surrounds him and the white handkerchief is his good perhaps pure nature. The close ups of the props are effective as they allow the audience to develop a more personal relatable relationship with the character. They also inform us that he takes pride in his appearance and has order to his life.