Se7en - Opening Sequence Analysis

My detailed breakdown of the opening sequence of Se7en (1995) - Click HERE to view sequence.

The thriller Se7en was written by Andrew Walker and directed by David Fincher in 1995. Kyle Cooper designed this particular opening sequence. His previous works includes Iron Man and Spider-Man.

The opening sequence works as a prologue for the film in that it introduces the character of the killer (played by Kevin Spacey) and sets the atmosphere for the rest of the film. In just over 2 minutes, Kyle Copper and David Fincher start to hint at and present Se7en to be a disturbing and horrific experience for the viewer.

Se7en is a psychological thriller with horror and neo-noir (a genre of film that combines elements of traditional film noir with modern themes and visuals) elements that serves to make the film an unique and memorable experience for the audience.

In the opening sequence we see a collection 

of about 70 extreme close-ups that has similar characteristics to a montage. This functions to simultaneously hook the audience in with small detail whilst distancing the audience by not showing any wider shots that would then give a clear view of the main character.

The editing is fast paced and consists of several dissolve transitions, which are used to create a sense of disjointedness. Cooper creates a stylish texture effect, which gives the entire sequence a washed out look. Also, Cooper over layers different shots to show the main character doing a number of different activities.

The music is gritty and really reflects upon the overall disturbing tone of the film. The music used is Nine Inch Nails, which is an American industrial rock project, which is associated with dark and gruesome imagery.

The sequence is filled with hints about the characteristics of the main character. For example, the word 'God' is being cut out of a dollar bill. The character believes he is God in the film, which is hinted through the cutting out.

Overall the opening sequence of Se7en was ground breaking; the New York Times deemed it as "one of the most important design innovations of the 1990s".

Forms and Conventions of Title Sequences

A title sequence is the method by which a film credits production and cast members utilising visuals and sound.

The opening credits of motion pictures list the most important members of the production and they are either superimposed on a blank screen or over the action. There may or may not be accompanying music. 

The aim of an opening sequence may be establish character, setting, genre, mood or atmosphere.

A typical title sequence will have the following names on display:

• Name of production companies
• Director
• Producer
• Executive Producers
• Top billing actors
• The Title of the Film

The History Of Title Sequences

A Title Sequence is the method whereby a film and or television programme present their title, key production and cast members, using visuals and sound.

Opening credits usually follows this, which is generally nothing more than a series of superimposed text. 

At the time when cinematography was invented, simple title cards were used to start and end silent films. This was used to identify both the film and the production company involved, and act as a signal that the film has started or finished. 

Analysis

Titles In Silent Film

Words and lettering played an enormous role in films and the silent era. Film titles first started appearing in the earliest silent films, along with letter cards, which provided the context of the film.

This is the main title from D.W. Griffith's "Intolerance" (1916), where the director's name is featured in five ways.

Film titles and letter cards had to provide essential information to the viewer.

The Birth of the Title Sequence

People such as Saul Bass arrived on the scene in the 1950's, at a time when the studios were starting to struggle in their fight with the growing popularity of television. At the time, independent filmmakers made headway by doing things differently, giving a breath of fresh air to title sequences. This is the era in which the discipline of film title sequence design was born. 

This clip shows the opening title sequence of James Bond "Dr. No" (1962). Maurice Binder is the creator of the famous gun-barrel sequence, which became iconic for the James Bond franchise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3saLfYCO_G8

 

Other famous title designs were from "To Kill A Mocking Bird" (1962) and "Almost Famous" (2000).

The Digital Area, And Modern Trends In Film Title Design

In the mid-1990s, a new generation of design-education was born. With the introduction of new technology it allowed title design to be more creative and as a result countless design ideas were created.

The revolutionary title sequence for "Se7en" (1995) was named by New York Times Magazine as  "one of the most important design innovation of the 1990's"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRKGxpHDtGg

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Jake 16:3 - Evaluation and Feedback

Evaluation

What have you learnt by doing this exercise?

I learnt that when my filming for short times across many days I have to make sure that both of my characters is are wearing the same clothes and I shouldn't let them keep changing as this makes the film disjointed. I also learnt to get lots of different shots so that then when editing I have a wider variety to choose from. I also learnt, while filming, that I had to always make sure that my actors, when filming the same scene again and again, should always walk or be on the same side so when it comes to the final product it doesn't confuse the audience. 


What skills have you developed?

I learnt that using iMovie was too basic and when it came to editing and uploading onto Youtube the quality wasn't up to scratch. To overcome this problem I downloaded Final Cut Express 4 which is more professional and when uploading onto Youtube gives much greater quality.


What feedback have you received?

I asked my target audience for the preliminary, which was male teenagers what they thought of Jake 16:3. I was very pleased with the feedback I received but there is clearly room for improvement when it comes to the opening sequence.

"Expansive variety of shots were intriguing"
- Arthur Bean - 17 

"Religious connotation in soundtrack helped the sequence greatly"
- Max Fox - 17

"The continuity was a bit off but an interesting preliminary"
 - Charlie Whitfield - 16

"The last two shots really captured the emotion of Jake  very well. Well done!"
 - Sulaiman Khan - 17

"I liked the opening sequence but I think that the storyline was quite confusing"
- Jack Wallace -17


How would you improve your preliminary task?

To improve my preliminary task I would like to increase the overall quality of my piece. This ranges from storyline to number of complex shots.  I believe that I am ready to take the step technological step up to Final Cut Pro for my opening sequence and this should greatly assist me in my quest to build upon what I have learnt in my preliminary task.

Jake 16:3 - Editing

I edited from home using Final Cut Express 4. The software allowed me more freedom to edit the footage the way I wanted to than other editing programs like iMovie.

For my final piece, I'll probably produce a draft edit from home using Final Cut Express, and then a final edit on Final Cut X, the newer (supposedly) more sophisticated version of the Final Express Program.

With the religious motives behind the task I decided to have the soundtrack as one of the most popular Christmas carols 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'. The idea was to have the carol fade from the title into the first shot of the task. This served to create a mysterious and mystical vibe early into the task.  

Jake 16:3 - Final Piece

I have finished the post-production of my preliminary task 'Jake 16:3'. The video has been uploaded to YouTube in order to gain maximum feedback. Enjoy!

Jake 16:3 - Character List/Choice of Soundtrack

Character List: 





Jake Denton - Faithful follower of Christianity who's life revolves around church life and his role in a family containing a wife and three children. He has become an important figure in his local Church as the main Patriarch and is well respected by his peers.










Harry Hough - A new member of the local Christian Church who has quickly fit in with Jake taking the newbie under his wing. With this new found popularity he has found himself in the running to dethrone Jake as the main Patriarch in the Church. However, a cloud has been hanging over his head ever since committing an awful sin which will haunt him for the rest of his life. 

Choice of Soundtrack:

O Little Town of Bethlehem is a popular Christmas carol. The text was written by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893), a priest, Rector of the Church in Philadelphia. He was inspired by visiting the Palestinian city of Bethlehem in 1865. Three years later, he wrote the poem for his church and his organist, Lewis Redner, added the music. 

The hymn has gone on to be a massive success in most Churches and is recognised globally so I chose it to appeal to the widest audience possibly. 

Jake 16:3 - Storyboard

Jake 16:3 - Script

MEDIA STUDIES PRELIMINARY TASK: SCRIPT

INT. CHURCH ALTER – DAY

BROTHER JAKE kneeling down in front of church altar whilst loudly praying. Light beams down onto the altar and surrounds Jake.

BROTHER HARRY knocking on a door and proceeds to enter the church building. BROTHER HARRY then advances towards BROTHER JAKE and places hand on his shoulder firmly.

BROTHER HARRY

Brother Jake, who art thou mocking?

 BROTHER JAKE

Brother Harry, eat what is good

BROTHER HARRY

Brother Jake, I have committed a sin

BROTHER JAKE

What is your sin?

BROTHER HARRY

Murder!

BROTHER JAKE collapses to the floor emphatically and breathes his last few breaths of air before passing away.

Jake 16:3 - Location

Location

St Mary's Church, Barnes, is the parish church of Barnes. It is a grade II* listed building. It was built of coursed flint sometime between 1100-1150. It was enlarged and re-consecrated in 1215 after the signing of Magna Carta.

Close up view of location:

Wide view of London with location of preliminary task:

The inside of the church with views of the aisle and seats












The front of the church viewed from the road outside