Complex `Seven' takes the viewer on a disturbing trip
The grizzled veteran Lt. William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his new partner, Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt, no longer a pretty face), work against a serial murderer that they dub "John Doe" (Kevin Spacey). John Doe has decided to use the thematic murders to preach to a world he feels has become indifferent to and incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong; the murders are a symbolic punishment of non-innocents.
Despite the vaguely predictable story line, the movie is undoubtedly worth seeing. The cinematography is creative and well-done, and the makeup is to die for. The soundtrack is chillingly appropriate. Fincher gets all the great sound he can out of the THX sound system, so definitely see this movie in a theater.
Though the early murders might have been more emotionally rendering if the writers had done more to humanize the victims to the audience, the distance maintained between the two groups illustrates John Doe's point. Because the victims are indeed victims, we almost reflexively feel sorry for them and overlook their crimes against society: the seven deadly sins.
John Doe's well-created character loses some of its credibility when he describes his belief that the entire world will attend to his message, but it is just one flaw in an already insane character.
"Disturbing" is the best way to describe the movie. Of course Seven is disturbing: Its intent is to make the viewer examine his own life. For the full effect, see the movie; don't read the Cliffs Notes like Pitt's character does.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the October 13, 1995 issue.
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