Se7en (1995)

Ebony and ivory with serial killers.

The most disturbing thing about Se7en, with all it's excessively sick and twisted themes and images, is that it doesn't feel that far from reality. The things that take place in the film aren't unfathomable in the actual world and that's a terrifying thought. With an all-star cast, a phenomenal script and a top-notch director behind it, Se7en is, easily, one of the best thrillers of the 90's and certainly worth noting as one of the best movies ever in the genre.

Se7en is the story of two, comically mismatched, detectives on the hunt for bible-thumping serial killer in city where it rains everyday, but is surrounded by a desert. Dective Mills, Brad Pitt as the country mouse, and Dectective Somerset, Morgan Freeman as the street-wise city mouse, must put aside their differences and work together to crack the case and bring the mysterious John Doe, originality for the win, to justice. The efforts are hampered by Doe's cautiousness, the constant nagging of Mill's wife, and their deep, heterosexual, man-love for one another. Directed by David Fincher, the movie knocked the socks off critics and movie buffs. It did respectably well at the Box Office and has become a fan favorite mostly because of the charisma of all three of the film's leading men.

There are so many positive things to say about Se7en that it's hard to find a place to begin. Pinpointing who deserves credit for the film is very difficult, but, like so many times before, the director is the leading candidate. David Fincher, who has become known for his gritty realism and dark style, demonstrates a real knack for tension, pacing and creativity with Se7en and it's no surprise that the movie launched him to major success. There is never a dull moment in Se7en and, even though it has some really great plot twists, it doesn't rely on them in the way some movies do. The plot of Se7en is perfectly constructed and it's supported by an all-star cast giving top notch performances. There are few actors in Hollywood that consistently impress in the way that Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey do. Their performances are bolstered by an impressive script here, mostly because it blends in humor at just the right moments, but they breath life into it like few other actors could. A lot of good things have been said about their work here, so I won't bore you with anymore praise.

With so many good things being said about Se7en, you would think the movie would suffer from being overrated. This isn't the case. From top to bottom, Se7en is a fantastically made movie. It's a movie that appeals to the masses and to the cinema buffs and will endure because of it's popularity in almost every circle. A lot of movies have tried to copy Se7en, but all of them have failed for one reason or another. It's sick, twisted, scary and a lot of fun.

10/10