Tasha's Research Task on Seven

Tasha's Research Task



Analysis of Seven

In this essay I will be analysing the opening sequence from the film 'Seven' based on the clip provided on Moodle.

At the start of the opening sequence, spectators are presented with a shallow depth of field shot that is focused on a book being flicked through. However, the background and person opening the book are all out of focus. This draws the attention of the spectator towards the book, possibly suggesting that this prop is of some significance in the film.

As the opening sequence continues spectators are shown a series of extreme close up's of objects such as machinery being used. The use of the extreme close up distorts the spectators perception of what is taking place; also known as restricted narration. By not showing viewers the full framing of the action taking place this causes enigma to occur. Such as the uncertainty of what the machines are and why they are being used.

As the sequence progresses, the opening credits appear informing viewers of the actors who are in the film, the style of the text is structured in the appearance of someone's handwriting causing it to connote a personal meaning to one of the characters; again creating enigma. After appearing on the screen for less than a second the text starts to flash and move around the screen slightly, resembling some sort of technical glitch. This is emphasised through non-diegetic noises mimicking the sounds of electrocution or sparks. However, these sounds are actually embedded in the background music making spectator's realise that the structuring of the music is purposely done to mimic the noise of electrocution at the same time the text is flickering and therefore enhances visual elements. This is what's known as parallel sound, as the sound fits in with whparallel sound is also used alongside the extreme close up's of the machinery as on screen diegetic sound effects are used to emphasise the noise the machines make. These sounds could also be enhanced by the use of foley sound effects.
at's happening on screen. This use of

After the flickering text disappears for a while, another extreme close up is used to capture one of the characters hands and them slicing a thin layer of their skin off with a blade/slicer that their holding. The fact that you can only see the characters hands through this restricted narration, conceals their identity and therefore raises enigma.

As the opening sequence continues, the name of the film appears on screen. Now, since the opening has started spectators have been bombarded with numerous flickering texts appearing on the screen. However, they are informed that this text that has appeared on the screen is important and significant from the rest as it's form of movement and composition have been structured differently from the other texts. For instance, the name of the film appears on the screen, it flickers like the rest of the text but then it is edited to very rapidly enlarge itself onto the entire screen and then disappear. This happens within literally a blink of an eye which connotes a sense of panic and chaos foreshadowing that the film will be like this.

As the opening sequence carries on, spectators are presented with a series of jump cuts; making it feel frantic and fast paced but also with a montage of chaotic images overlapping one another; again making the sequence connote a sense of madness and lack
of control.

Overall, I feel that all of these various elements are conventions of what makes a good and effective thriller opening. For example, the use of iconography used in terms of low key lighting clearly means that this is used to connote the genre of thriller. The construction of character is produced through techniques such as restricted narration; where you can only see the characters hands suggesting that the character is secretive and private. Whereas the story and narrative structure is represented through the chaotic style of editing. For example, the continuous jump cuts and sharp movements of the on screen text suggest that the story is very serious and fast paced.

When considering if this thriller opening would appeal to my target audience (males and females age 17-25) I would say that it does in some ways but not in others. For instance, I feel that this opening sequence generates a more male based vibe to it, as what has been shown so far appears to be objects/props like machines and dark colours that would normally appeal to males. So in that aspect I would say no it doesn't appeal to my whole target audience.