Thriller opening title sequence analyses.

I shall be analysing the opening title sequence for the thriller "se7en"

The sound used for the opening of se7en is the same music all the way through. It is a remix of the NIN song closer so the sound is non-diagetic. The music is industrial and quite droney and has been manipulated to flow with the editing. I think that the music used is perfect because the actual song by Nine inch nails is very dark and weird, a lot like the film. I think the film definitely influenced the making of the songs music video, for it in its self is a short thriller which contains some really dark and psychological footage, such as that in se7en. The track finishes with the only lyrics in the sound, this signifies the end of the opening and allows the viewer to recognise that the actual film will start now.


The camera work is made up of mostly close ups and extreme close ups, these are of many objects, however these objects are shown over and over in many different perspectives and views. The camera never shows you the persons face, this creates a sense of unease because we cannot relate to the character and also don’t know if they are good or bad. Throughout the opening the camera is shaking quite violently at some points. This maybe to do with the editing but also could give and insight into the characters “shaky” or maybe psychotic emotional state. (in which we will encounter further on in the film. The shaking of the camera also coincides with the jittery text which helps with the style trying to be port rayed.
Most or nearly all of the camera angles are low angle shots which are used to enhance what is seen in the frame so you are made to remember specific things.


  The editing used for the opening sequence of se7en is very fast and upbeat and goes with the sound track used. Lots of the editing movements used in the opening are synced with beats in the music which I think on a whole makes the editing and music work hand in hand to create a very good feel to the sequence. It is made up of lots of cuts and jump cuts which in a way are trying to disorientate the viewer. Some of the techniques which are used throughout the opening are things such as fades, overlapping and motion. The editing of se7en’s opening sequence is very noticeable and since the film being released the style in which the opening is edited has been taken and used in many other films. The over lapping and flashing of the words and names is one of the most specific traits now for a dark thriller, this can be seen in lots of other films.

The editing used; flashes, overlapping of moving text, moving titles all create a sense of distortion and try and play with the mind of the audience. I think the use of editing in this title scene is some of the best in a psychological thriller due to the effect which it can have on the viewer.