NOT SINCE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS...

Rating: Null/10 (12 July 2002)

I first saw parts of "Seven" a few years ago, edited, on Fox. I dismissed it as a film with only the intent to shock, and as a film with no meaning other than an unintentional celebration of violence and gore. I did walk away from the film with my stomach turned inside out, and with certain scenes from the film (fans can guess which ones) playing over and over in my head, but I felt that the film didn't have the core or the heart or the meaning to make it a masterpiece. After recently watching it again, I have changed my mind completely. Although I still feel it isn't a masterpiece, in the same ranks as "The Silence of the Lambs" or "Psycho," I do feel it can very well be compared to these greats. I think "Seven" is just as good a film than "Cape Fear," another famous thriller, both the original and the remake, and better than almost all thriller films I have ever seen. I will admit that not since "The Silence of the Lambs" have I been so fascinated by a thriller--I loved everything about "Seven" from the grizzly and brutal corpse make-up to Kevin Spacey's short but brilliant act as John Doe, a serial murderer. I thought that the sets were fabulous, possibly the best I've ever seen. I thought the acting was good enough to completely change my opinions on Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, both of whom I previously felt to be non-talents. Both the climax of the movie as well as the ending moments were so well done I had chills running down my spine, unable to move my fixed eyes--even though I knew the ending from previously seeing parts of the film, I was still completely caught up in the story--I was still anxious, fearful, sad, curious, and on the edge of my seat the entire time. This film brings you into the true-life world of a serial killer and his victims. It doesn't even stop to consider simplicity or suggestive filmmaking--it shows you every little sick detail. This in-your-face method really almost makes you feel disgusted, but you can't take your eyes away. I loved how Fincher wonderfully showed the parallels between not only Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman's character's, but between their job and how they each deal with it. I can't say enough about this movie without spoiling it or making this review unreadable due to how unorganized it is, but I do recommend this very intelligent thriller--if you have the stomach for it.