"Se7en" opening sequence: Analysis of sound and how it links to the images.


The opening sequence from the psychological thriller "Se7ven" instantly draws and engages the audience in on the story of the film as it shows a series of clips and pictures of extreme close ups from the film what we gather is a murder. This is one convention of the horror genre as it leaves the audience questioning and intriguing but also keeping the actors identity a secret. Also another convention of the horror genre is the setting of being trapped. This is shown in the opening as it is also a mysterious unknown location which could be a  warehouse or basement with no source or natural light creates the eery atmosphere furthermore and gives the impression of the antagonist trying to conceal this identity which maybe to him perfroming illegal actions or not wanting to be found.

The transitions in the sequence are fast pace to only tease the audience on what is to come, again to engage but also somewhat creating a sense of disjointedness and having an disorientated effect which maybe relates to the film its self but also the shaky credits which resemble an unsteady old film.  I discovered also that the uneasy flow of the opening also links with the non-diegetic sounds and noises which could be associated with factories and machinery. The sounds also relates to the actions on the screen as it starts of quite slow, then when the hands seem to be creating a plan, the music picks up pace which begins to build the audiences tension. The unsettling sound effects including screeching which could relate to equipment being used but also maybe a person screaming in pain. Constant sharp overlapping sounds which include typewriters, tape recorders rewinding, electric currents and a the beat mimicking a heart beat all fit into the dark, psychological, perplexing theme of horror.

Other ideas which feature in the opening scene include the flashes of images which include old books and photographs also text and finger prints which also relate to mysteries and the gives the audience a insight to the "Se7en". The titles twitch and flicker also fitting into the montage which helps the fluency of the sequence. The filter on the whole sequence also resembles and adds to the feeling of the film being old creates a textured effect which gives the whole sequence a washed-out, sepia like tone. The general colour used throughout connotes a lack of feeling; flashes of red appear instantly connoting violence, danger and death, further create a sense of foreboding for the stories dark subject matter.

In conclusion the director has managed to evoke a sense of enigma which succeeds in enticing the audience. Also the main themes of the film are hinted yet very little of the plot is given away.