Seven
New Line Home Video
1995

review by Terry Wickham

A man named John Doe (Kevin Spacey) is frustrated with society and turns to committing the seven deadly sins; Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy and Wrath.

Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) has seven days until retirement when a new transfer, Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) is assigned with him to take on the Gluttony case. These two cops are almost polar opposites. Somerset is methodical, thorough and careful where as Mills is haphazard, incomplete and careless. When they first meet you wouldn't think they couldn't possibly work together, but over the course of this 127-minute film, they learn to like each other and you'll feel the same. This is the best role I've seen Brad Pitt play so far. He's really good as an arrogant, cocky, fly by the seat of his pants character. He isn't bad or a nasty character, he's just loud and in your face. Morgan Freeman is one of our best actors. He has so much composure, patience and thought behind his actions. I love how he takes his time, which of course is part of the Somerset character. We can actually see him going through the thought process like his skin is invisible and it's a marvel to watch. Freeman as Somerset fills in the emotional gaps that are left open by Mills' brash tactics, but Mills gives the film energy and emotional spunk. Throw in Kevin Spacey's powerhouse portrayal of the complete psycho John Doe and you've got a juggernaut of acting.

Looking back and seriously thinking about what David Fincher accomplished, I don't think we will see him top this film soon. His large ego has been well documented, after the success of Seven, I'm sure it's given him more control of the pictures he makes. I think that his ego will act as a rope around his cinematic neck. I don't believe in making movies by committee or the corporate chain, but someone (producer, writer, actors) needs to keep his ego in check. Since that probably won't happen until he has a string of failures or matures, it won't happen anytime soon. The Game and Fight Club are proof of this. But Fincher does an amazing job of filmmaking on Seven. He shows incredible restraint and pinpoint camera placement. He doesn't force an awkward style on the picture, but rather picks certain spots to let his outstanding visual eye shine. This is something Michael Bay could learn from. I thought Fincher's composition, like the shot with John Doe holding the pistol to Detective Mills' head in the alleyway and the way he captured each deadly sin was impressive. Frequent David Cronenberg composer Howard Shore does a dynamite job scoring Seven. His score gives the film propulsion, leading the audience to the emotional ending.

Darius Khondji's cinematography is breathtaking. The richness of black exudes out of this DVD. As Fincher says in the audio commentary, 'There's three times as much resolution as on the Criterion Laser Disc.' He goes on to say it's better looking than the release prints shown in the theaters in 1995.

Rob Bottin is the ultimate special make-up effects artist in my opinion. Stan Winston ranks right up there with him, but Bottin's skill level seems just a bit above everyone else. The bodies featured in each deadly sin are powerful and totally realistic. Looking at anyone of the victims could turn your stomach inside out. The artistic skill employed to give the dummies life is special. The sculpture, color and make-up application is not easy to detect. The definitive compliment one could give to a special make-up effects artist.

This new 2-DVD set is part of the New Line Platinum Series. It comes bearing all kinds of supplemental gifts; anamorphic Widescreen version of the film transferred from original negative (an industry first), Dolby EX 5.1, DTS ES Discreet 6.1 and Stereo Surround Sound. There are four audio commentaries (I believe another DVD industry first) focusing on the stars, the story, the picture and the sound. You also get deleted scenes, alternate endings, exploration of the opening title sequence from multiple angles which includes two commentary tracks, multiple animated galleries featuring production design, stills, crime scene photos used in the film, 'John Doe's' notebooks, photos and more. Also included are trailers and electronic press kit. If you have DVD-Rom capability, you can go to 'John Doe' website, several of is 'fan sites' and exploration of the seven deadly sins.

Besides the film, which looks and sounds remarkable, I found the commentary tracks to be entertaining and informative. Director David Fincher comes across a bit limited with his four-letter word vocabulary and Brad Pitt takes a similar crude approach. Morgan Freeman on the other hand is just like his screen persona, classy, intelligent and observant.

This is one of the best selections representing the DVD format.

Official Website:
http://www.newline.com

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