Se7en introduced us to a more updated type of “buddy cop” film. There were no hints of racism or any class issues. The film was begun by showing the contrast of the level of experience that Mills and Somerset had. Somerset was the black veteran cop who had definitely been affected by the daily grind, which his line of work pushed upon him. Detective Somerset appeared wise, calm, and had little patience for his young new partner, Mills. Brad Pitt played Detective Mills, a young cop that had worked his way through the “bull shit” so he could finally reach his wanted status of homicide detective.
Lethal weapon immediately came to my mind when I thought of both Somerset and Mills. The connection I made was the fact that no matter who both of these cops were, they lived for the job. However, Morgan Freeman acted as if leaving the force was the best thing for him, when in reality he was very much alone and the job was all he had. Brad Pitt on the other hand, was young and his passion for the job was clear with his much planned transfer to the homicide squad. Although these characters are not as intense as Martin Riggs they are all connected to each other in the sense that they live for the job.
I also linked “In the Heat of the Night” to Se7en specifically to the scene in which the chief of police told Virgil that he was obligated to the job not just for the sake of solving the crime but because he had something to prove. Somerset’s Captain said, “I don’t think that you can deny that.” The chief is referring to the case that Somerset says he does not want to partake in. Twenty five years later and the manner in which certain roles are played out remain the same.
Movies of the present day use music and editing effects to they’re advantage. The opening credits features a disturbing montage of dark imagery coupled with the use of the musical talents of NIN (nine inch nails) sets the mood for audience. The cinematography throughout almost the entire movie was full of darkness. There was a major lack of light until the last scene in which Mills discovers the horrific news. This aspect added much to the mystery of this horror flick.
5 Comments:
Was your choice of the word "horror" intentional?
If so, that throws the film into a different perspective. It does, in some respects, offer a horror mentality.
Or do you call it a horror flick for a different reason?
I like your comparison to In the Heat of the Night, I definitely didn’t make that connection. It’s true that a lot of cops in films feel they have to prove something, such as that they are capable of solving a crime despite of their race or age. The music during the opening credits definitely prompted the audience for the type of film. The lighting is noticeable as well, it was driving me crazy though. I also like how you discuss the updated film versus the older ones we have seen. There are many improvements since the sixties!
I really like the way that you tie this movie to the other films that we've looked at so far in this film. While I had tied Se7en to King's concept of cops and their devotion to the job I hadn't recognized these specific links to the other films. Thanks for calling it to my attention.
I also noticed the darkness of the movie. There were certain points I had to squint to see what was happening on screen. Even when Tracy, Mills, and Somerset were in Mills' apartment there was little electric lighting---most of it was candles. Also, it was constantly raining outside. For the majority of the film, every time they were outside, it was pouring down rain until, as Jessica observed, the very end of the film when it was bright and shining. It was a huge contrast and I'm curious as to what the filmmakers were trying to say with that.
I think you have a good point when you linked Se7en to Lethal Weapon. Both the these guys lived for their jobs even if they tried to deny it like Somerset did. Martin Riggs had nothing else to live for expect for his work. Somerset ended up realizing that is all he had as well since he was never married with a family. Mills had a wife that he loved very much but she was taken away from him because of his intense and dangerous job. Both of the detectives learned how much their profession could run their lives.
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