Review of Se7en (1995) by Daniel M — 03 Jul 2015

This is simply incredible. Two top notch actors, a great, unexpected villain who steals the film, along with an original plot and some properly disturbing moments, make this a genuine classic. I won't give away the secret identity of the killer, although I'm sure most of you will know it, either through having seen the film or reading apoilers. Still, to say this man is great is an understatement. It is one of the best portrayals of a serial killer I've ever seen. The leads, Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, are both excellent. Freeman as an uncliched cop near retirement, is magnificent. He has grace and subtlety, and this may be one of his best roles. Pitt, as a younger, less patient detective, is very good. I'm not a huge Pitt fan, but I can't knock him here.

Now the plot, in which a killer is killing in the style of the seven deadly sins, gives way to some horrific moments. The first murder, a man fed to death, is a truly disgusting visual image. The sloth, a man thought to be dead, will be etched in your memory (I'm not easily disturbed but I found it pretty awful). And the ending, which I won;t give away, will both make you disgusted and upset. Brad Pitt is at his very best.

This isn't for the weak hearted. It is horrific and disturbing. But it's amazing. Perfect cinema, and one of David Fincher's all time best.