Se7en Deconstruction

Mise en scene

  Se7en (1995) is a psychological horror film following the investigations into the crimes of a psychopath who murders people according to which of the seven deadly sins they have committed (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride).

  The two detectives manage to find the flat in which the murderer has been living.

  The murderer's living space gives the audience a clear view into his mind.

• Low key lighting is used throughout the sequence.
• The dim lighting suggests to the audience that the killer has not been living comfortably:
• This makes it clear that he is not in a healthy state of mind: a sane human being would not be content with such a living space.
• The low key lighting also adds to the depth of each room, as the audience cannot see past the shadows and the actual size of the room is not clear.  Therefore the audience cannot see to what extent the obsessive collection extends, but it appears to be large.

• Many close up shots are used to show different objects and areas of the room.
• Each close up tells the audience something about the killer.
• The view into some drawers shows objects that people would normally throw away: this indicated obsession.
• The many locks on the door have the same effect of showing obsession.
• The cabinets full of 'trophies' from each of his murders represent his psychopathic, insane nature.
• Another drawer is full of empty pill bottles which is a clear sign of mental illness.
• Also in the drawer, a bible can be seen.  Other religious references include a glowing cross above his bed.  These tell the audience what the killers motivations were.

• A close up shot of a notebook that one of the detectives found shows pages and pages of writing.
• This is another feature that shows the audience how obsessive the killer is, and further highlights his insanity.
• It also shows how much planning and dedication has been put towards the murders.