Seven Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Two detectives investigate a series or murders in which the killer is trying to make a statement using the seven deadly sins.

Review: This could quite possibly be the greatest crime thriller there is, and it is one of my personal favorites. There is a lot going on here far beyond the typical cat and mouse games that serial killers play in these kinds of movies. On the surface, the story is just about two detectives trying to catch a crazed killer using the seven deadly sins to represent each of his victims. In the subtext, we have a great social analysis of the way society has become and how people are in modern times. Through John Doe (perhaps Kevin Spacey's most haunting role), the killer, we experience much of the social commentary as he feels he can no longer interact normally with humanity anymore. Although he is obviously insane, some of the things he says and believes definitely make sense and make the audience question their own sense of morality. For example: all of John's victims were the living embodiment of the sin he used to kill them which leads to the point that you wonder whether maybe some of these people deserved to die (or maybe it's just me!). Also through John's diaries we learn some of his inner thoughts about how people are mostly bad or corrupted inside and it the illusion of society that keeps people at bay. Through his killings, and the course of the movie, you could argue his beliefs were vindicated. The film takes an interesting and unique approach to John Doe as we eventually learn next to nothing about why he's killing and who he really is. This sense of intrigue enhances the overall feel and tone of the movie making it that much more memorable. As for the other main cast members, Brad Pitt is really good as Mills, but I could easily imagine other actors playing the role. Morgan Freeman is perfect as Somerset with his usual "wise old man" routine, but there is more depth to it as he doubts himself and comes to questions his own beliefs in wake of the killings. I felt the dynamics of the two detectives playing off each other's personality is another reason why things seemed to work so well and the story had a realistic flow. Rounding out the cast is Gwyneth Paltrow as Mills' wife which she also does a good job, but, like Pitt, is nothing stand out. I did feel bad for her by the end though (of course). The other thing that makes this film so powerful is the incredibly dark and worn-looking scenery. You feel this sense of dread when seeing the grimy and gritty visuals accompanied by the disturbing and grotesque murder sites. Plus, it would seem as if the city is receiving perpetual rain or something! I do feel some of the murders could have pushed the limit a little more, but I suppose it was movies like "Seven" that set the groundwork for films like the "Saw" franchise. The ongoing mystery itself is highly engaging and you are on the edge of your seat as the detectives attempt to track down the killer. The action is great and the climax is fantastic leading up to a legendary ending that I often quote. I definitely recommend everyone seeing this film especially if you are a fan of any of the main actors as this is some of, if not, their best work. The mood, mystery, and intrigue are so great and this is one of those movies you don't just watch and forget; you remember this one forever!

Notable Moment: When Mills, Somerset, and John Doe are in the desert and a mysterious package arrives. "What's in the box?!"

Final Rating: 9.5/10