Suspense, Great Acting, Intriguing Story

Rating: 10/10 (22 October 2002)

If you are disturbed by dark films then this film isn't for you (apparently the previous reviewer needs Hollywood candy.) But if you like your suspense gripping, cold, with great character development, then this is a film you won't forget for both the story and its all around excellence.
While not as easily palatable as "The Usual Suspects", "Seven" is a film about a psychotic man trying to make a point about the downward spiral of our world. He's Hannibal Lector but with a purpose for killing besides mere glee. The production is astonishing, sound is fantastic (you wouldn't believe it would be in a "cop" film), the acting is first notch, and most of all, it made me really appreciate character development. The film delves into what basically makes two men tick and how they view the same world with completely different perspectives. Is either right?
Great care was take to make sure that the dialogue flowed as well as the pacing of the film, which picks up just as soon as you think there is a lag. Incredibly, the film is nowhere near as gruesome on screen as most other gruesome flicks ("Gladiator" comes to mind) and it is mostly the disturbing thought that there are people like this and perhaps the world isn't a rosy place with a few freaks... or perhaps it is. The film gets better with repeated viewings and I think that this is one film where Morgan Freeman just shines as an actor. Brad Pitt actually is remarkably good as a typical American who seems to have been educated through pop culture and is quick to the hip rather than to the brain as is Somerset, Freeman's character.
If you can enjoy a movie like "Silence of the Lambs" then this flick will take you for a ride. If you are simply disturbed by disturbing things in this world then you might not give this movie a chance. The DVD is remarkable and perhaps the most worthwhile DVD you can get with all the interesting commentary tracks. The previous reviewer probably also thought that "Fight Club" -- another Fincher film -- was just a social commentary applauding violence. Like that film.... there is so much to see and appreciate in this very dark film.... Fantastic, intriguing, and replayable...