se7en Title Sequence Analysis

The opening sequence for the film Se7en does not show any long shots that establishes the setting, by the way the props and tools are used in the title sequence the audience would believe that the sequence is taking place at someones house.However, it is not shown, therefore building tension.

All of the objects used in the tile sequence are shown close up, resulting in them taking up most of the frame. This creates suspense as the audience do not know who is creating the file or moving these objects about as they cannot see his face.

Most of the shots are fairly dark, this connotes a sense of danger and that the film will be quite serious. The suspicious feel the the opening sequence is credited to the low key lighting indoors.


The opening sequence is a montage format. This means that it is lots of little clips put together. The fact that the clips are in chronological order gives the audience a sense that the person is doing or making something that will be in important later in the film.

The transitions are varied in the opening sequence. Some are straight cuts and some cross fade to black. The fading gives an eery effect and a sincerity of darkness which will be played on throughout the film.

Most of the shots are fairly short, moreover some of the clips are shot in slow-motion to give them a slower pace. This slower pace gives a sombre tone and gives audience more time to focus on the dark acts that are being performed. The soundtrack used is fairly slow as well adding to the slow paced effect.  As the sequence builds up and gets faster towards the end it creates tension for the audience.

The text of the opening sequence appears to be hand written and flickers on screen. This flickering effect was created by scratching a film reel with a needle to give a rugged raw effect on the titles.