dark and grisly thriller that satisfies

Rating: Null/10 (16 February 2002)

Not a "horror" movie as many have referred to it, but a grisly thriller on both physical and psychological levels. If the line between genius and insanity is a thin one, this movie is about what happens when the genius crosses over it in a particularly dark way. The two cops who have to deal with him are nicely contrasting, one battle-weary, the other gung-ho. Both of them are ultimately out of their depth against the genius madman. Brad Pitt does a superb job as the younger guy whose mind is slowing being blown, while Morgan Freeman in my opinion does not stretch much but competently handles the 'voice of experience' role.
If this movie has a defect, it lies in demanding too much from the viewer. It's not light entertainment. Excellent script, beautiful direction.
**** SPOILER ****
Someone mentioned that this movie could inspire copycats. Ever see the testimony of Brandon Wilson in the Matthew Cecchi murder where he suggests "Execute me"? He also has very high intelligence, and with his shaved head and general appearance and manner was eerily similar to Kevin Spacey's John Doe. It would be interesting to know if he has mentioned Se7en.