A dark, unforgettable thriller

Rating: 10/10 (18 February 2002)

Se7en stars Morgan Freeman as the world-weary detective preparing for retirement and Brad Pitt as his young replacement in this moody crime thriller that leaves you gripped from beginning to end.
The two detectives are trying to track down a calculating, sadistic killer, known as John Doe, who is patterning his murders after the seven deadly sins: Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy and Wrath.
***SPOILERS*** These murders really push the barriers of violence in mainstream cinema, with one overweight man forced to eat until he quite literally burst, one prostitute being shagged to death by a giant, spiked dildo and one horrifically mutilated victim found to be still alive. However, most of the worst violence is suggested rather than blatantly displayed, and none of the murders actually occur onscreen, preventing the movie from becoming a run-of-the-mill slasher movie. ***END SPOILERS***
Morgan Freeman gives his best performance ( save that as Redd in The Shawshank Redemption) as Somerset, the detective who's seen it all. The audience is really able to empathise with him as he solemnly goes from crime scene to crime scene. He also has some of the films most chilling lines, speaking of some of the horrors in society.
Brad Pitt is great as well as the brash young rookie Mills. He is more the action man of the two, but is every bit as well developed a character as Somerset. Pitt performs his best at the film's tense finale. Gwyneth Paltrow provides a balance to Brad Pitt's character as his wife, being more calm and friendly, and fitting comfortably into her supporting role.
***SPOILERS*** My favourite character, however, is John Doe, played chillingly well by the uncredited Kevin Spacey. As he preaches his twisted message to the detectives in the car journey towards the climax, you can't help but feel that he's got a point. In John Doe, Kevin Spacey has created the most chilling killer since Hannibal Lecter. ***END SPOILERS***
David Fincher showed the world that he was a fantastic director with this movie, and he furthered the point with "Fight Club", meaning that he is (almost) forgiven for Alien 3. With the sombre mood, he manages to make the unnamed city every bit as threatening as John Doe.
In conclusion, Se7en is a movie that you have to see, although not if you're squeamish. Trust me, it will blow you away - 10/10.