How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?
Throughout the opening sequence of the film, "Se7en," a total of 40 titles appear. This titles portray the actors names, such as Brad Pitt, the major film studio, New Line Cinemas, and the director, Arnold Kopels.
What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence seem to a person planning out a crime or murder. The images that are prioritized feature effects such as scratched up frames and glitchy graphics. Towards the end of the opening sequence however, the film introduce the setting of a large city. This heavily contrasts the idea of planning out a murder.
What connotations do the images carry?
The images that appear in the opening sequence of the movie, have a very dark and sinister connotation. The opening sequence provided insight into what seems to be the planning out of a murder or a crime. Later on however, when the city is introduced it shows how this planner (likely the antagonist) fits in with everyday life. These suspenseful scenes, combined with the creepy sound track all contribute to the films dark and sinister connotation.
How is genre reinforced through the symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
Thriller is a genre of fiction, having numerous, often overlapping sub genres. Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety. Conventions of thriller include suspenseful scenes, dynamic points of view, loud sound effects, and sharp edits (such as jumpcuts). Se7en follows these conventions and codes precisely. To begin with, Se7en makes use of suspenseful scenes that heighten the audiences emotions. Although, not action packed the antagonists intentions and planning of a crime or murder is introduced. In addition, contrasting points of view are introduced between the planning of the crime or murder and the peaceful/normal city. Furthermore, the opening sequence makes use of an eerie soundtrack creating suspense. Finally, the opening sequence uses editing techniques such as jump cuts and cut backs. Overall, the films use of thriller genre conventions heightens the audiences emotions, successfully completing the objective of the genre.
How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
The opening sequence is able to establish an enigma, through the introduction of key plot events that will lead to the climax of the story. For instance, throughout the opening sequence, images that are prioritized depict the planning of a crime or murder. Additionally the images suggest the actual sophistication and intelligence of the planner as great depth is being put into the research/planning. The building of suspense allows the audience to become excited, and creates desire to see how the planner will commit his crime as he blends in everyday life. However, since the climax of the film is not introduced this leaves the audience confused, establishing an enigma.
What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The casting of stars such as Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman ensure the film will reach its targeted audience. Some viewers are huge fans of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, and they are respected in the industry. As such, some audiences and viewers wish to see the film when it is released. In addition, this film's target audience is likely fans of thriller/horror movies. Strategies that are employed to have these viewers return include suspenseful scenes in the trailer and opening scene, an eerie soundtrack, and creepy prioritized images. These factors combine together to excite the audience and make them crave to continue watching the movie to see what happens in the movie.
How has technology been used effectively?
Technology has been used effectively through the jump editing, development of suspenseful sound, as well as, camera angles/movements that imply certain meanings to the audience. To begin with, the opening sequence of the film has very quick and jumpy editing that would have taken a long period of time to complete. Research indicates that this opening sequence took 1-2 months to produce. The techniques such as jump cuts and cut backs all contribute to the films dark and sinister connotation. As another example, the development of the suspenseful sound was a very effective use of technology. It heightens the audiences emotions contributes to their desire to continue watching. Finally the close ups of the planning heighten the suspense of the opening sequence. Overall, the movie makes great use of technology which contributes to the films success in the box office.
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