Se7en Title Sequence

The SE7EN title sequence includes several features in form of lightning and editing, camera angles and sound which makes it stand out as a brilliant thriller opening sequence. In terms of lighting, a lot of the sequence is filmed in low key lightning to create a mysterious atmosphere in order to peak interest in the character we are seeing. A lot of the shots also appear to be lack and white suggesting that what he is doing may be unethical or may contrast society's norms. Even the title cards appear as white words on a large black background, connoting that there is a lot "in the dark" about the person we are observing and what we know about him. The title cards are also seen glitching and blurring and a lot of the shots show scattered writing which brings the idea of schizophrenia to mind and maybe that this person is not mentally sound.

The camera angles used in the title sequence are usually close ups or extreme close ups, which may have been used to symbolise that we are getting a look at who he really is. Additionally the constant use of close ups brings to mind not only what is in the frame, but what has been cut out. This idea could suggest that there is something the director does not want us to know or see, and therefore adds to the mystery of the film because if there is more to hide, there is more to discover. These camera angles also purposely result in the face of the character being hidden, increasing the intrigue of the audience. This is because it implies that he may be guilty. The shots of the person developing photos and using X-ray gives the idea that he is searching or planning something. This also raises the level of mystery in the film. The fact that he also goes to the extreme of removing his own fingerprints, leading the viewer to believe he is hiding something.

The music in the title sequence also plays a very big role in the title sequence of SE7EN. The high pitched sounds constantly used throughout the sequence creates fear and worry to the audience by making them feel uncomfortable. Diegetic sounds of screaming are also heard in the title sequence once again suggesting fear and the idea that this person we are seeing is dangerous. It is also noticeable that music from the beginning of the sequence goes from a slow tempo to an increasingly faster one in order to ramp up the tension of the viewers and create suspense.

Below is a video of the title sequence it all its glory, see if you can come up with any other points to talk about and maybe even comment below!