The Long Dark Marathon of the Soul 2015: Se7en (1995), directed by David Fincher

The Trailer

and

The Appropriate Tune: "Sin", by Nine Inch Nails

     Ok, I’ll come right out and admit it: I haven’t seen Gone Girl. 

     I know, I know, I’m a horrible person, no respect for quality cinema, etc., etc., etc. Apparently it’s a really good movie, according to the folks whose opinions I care about, but I haven’t got around it. I’m incredibly busy for a man with no prospects and no future you see: Reading, writing, playing video games, exercising, lamenting the loss of my childhood, my schedule is absolutely packed. When I do find time to watch a movie, it usually ends up being some weird movie from the past (my preferred genre of cinema) that I can write about, not the current Oscar bait or unremarkable summer blockbuster. I think the most recent film I watched was actually Birdman, quite good by my estimates, but I only ended up watching that because I heard enough about it beforehand. I love movies, I’d love to make movies, but I just don’t have the time or the interest to constantly stay on top of the ever-growing movie pile. I’ll probably watch it at some point, along with Mad Max: Fury Road and about a dozen other movies, but who knows when I’ll get to it?

     I will admit that I am interested in exploring the work of David Fincher however, except for Alien 3, and since our esteemed director’s work seems primarily focused on the thriller genre, it seemed well-suited for our Marathon of the Soul. While there were several films that I could have chosen, Zodiac, Gone Girl, The Social Network for you technophobes out there, I decided to go with a film that I not only had eyes on for a while, but one I felt was creepy and bizarre enough for a proper Halloween treat. Ladies and gentlemen: Se7en.

     In an unnamed city, which is probably New York City or Chicago but is never identified as such, officer William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) meets officer David Mills (Brad Pitt) at a gruesome murder scene. Somerset is the jaded veteran officer, a man worn down to nothing by years of wading through the grime and muck that is this urban hell, who just so happens to be one week away retirement. His replacement, a recent transfer, is literally the polar opposite: young, headstrong, quick to anger and slow when it comes to the more subtle aspects of police investigation. So no real game-changer in that department, it’s an archetype that’s been replicated in countless stories throughout fiction, mystery fiction or not. Rush Hour, 48 Hrs., Lethal Weapon, etc., etc., etc. Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, you get the idea.

     The next day, Somerset and Mills come across an even more gruesome and bizarre murder scene: A man who was apparently forced to eat until his stomach literally burst. Strange, but not necessarily a big deal, until another body turns up, this time with the word ‘greed’ written in blood at the scene. It seems that there is a serial killer loose in the city, one who murders people in ways that visually represent the 7 deadly sins, and does it quite effectively to boot. Diametrically opposed though they may be, it’s up to Somerset and Mills to investigate, and put a stop to these grisly killings once and for all, before the Sin Killer manages to elevate himself to the ranks of the most infamous murderers in history. 5 more sins to go…

     If I were to compare Se7en to another film, and what is film criticism without comparison to other things, the first thing to come to mind was Manhunter. Although some of the camera work and the artistic design of the crimes gives the impression of the Hannibal TV series (recently canceled, resquiat in pace), but for whatever reason my mind immediately went to that film. Aside from the similar nature of the films, there’s a sense of tension that weighs upon the investigation as you’re watching. Even in Se7en’s quieter moments, you find yourself drawn into the case, wondering when Somerset and Mills will finally hit upon the right track. I’ve only seen one of his films, but I have to give Fincher the nod for his ability to pull off a suspenseful atmosphere.

     I also wouldn’t feel too wrong in throwing out a comparison to True Detective as well, particularly season 1 True Detective (because I haven’t been keeping up with season 2). Two detectives, one a nihilistic loner and the other kind of a douchebag without the greatest homelife, tracking down a serial killer Pretty basic, but it’s a matter of tone as much as it is structure. In both stories, and even in Manhunter, an almost supernatural slant to the crimes. There’s nothing actually magical in True Detective, same as in Se7en and Manhunter, but the way the murders are framed coupled with the oppressive atmosphere gives the impression of a quasi-mystical serial killer. It gives the story greater freedom of movement than the average detective story, and really only the weird ones even garner my interest nowadays. Except for Columbo of course. Columbo is always great.

     On the other hand, it definitely seems like Se7en is focused more on artistry than crafting a solid mystery. Somerset and Mills aren’t so much catching a serial killer as they are crafting a shelf from IKEA: Every step/clue is set up for them, and they are lead to each murder in a nice and orderly manner. It makes them a reactive force rather than an active one, and while it’s not uncommon in detective fiction, Se7en missteps when it comes to giving the audience a sense of progression. Especially when it finally gets to revealing the serial killer, which really disembowels the idea of a proper mystery. Maybe you could away with it if you labeled it strictly as a thriller rather a mystery film, or maybe Fincher was making a statement on how everything is shit and all your hard work is meaningless, which falls in line with Somerset’s character. One is a lazy answer, one is the artistic answer, but it still feels like a kick in the balls either way.

     So some definite story issues, but the atmosphere and tone are really good, cast is good aside from being saddled with some hokey dialogue and the music is okay if you love Nine Inch Nails. Overall a decent movie, and considering some of the shit that makes up typical Halloween fare you could easily do a lot worse. Like Alien 3 worse, and no one wants that.