Possibly the most immediately obvious feature of Kyle Cooper's critically acclaimed Se7ev opening title sequence is his use of music. The soundtrack for this sequence is instantaneously unsettling. It is in the minor key and is slow, it creates a sense amongst the audience that something bad is always about to happen. Sound effects have also been added for effect. There are metallic clicks that could possibly be the turning of a safe lock, the first reference of a crime being committed. There is also various different high pitched screeches which resemble that of a human in pain further enhancing the morbid feel of the sequence. Part way through the sequence the beat of the music notably picks up that brings the sequence to a climactic end.
Cooper uses camera to engross the audience in his sequence and the actions that are asking place. Throughout the entirety of his sequence Cooper uses very acute angles that are mostly ECU's.This therefore, makes the work of the ambiguous man seem even more intricate and personal. It also in some cases makes what he is dealing with not immediately obvious. This ambiguity only increases the enigma of the scene and forces the audience to question who he is and why he is doing this. Cooper also in no way adheres to the 180 degree rule. This in some cases may disorientate an audience member as the camera angles switches from one side of the man to the other. However, this is completely intentional as this sequence is supposed to be ultimately unnerving.
Cooper's use of editing and mise en scene in this opening title are undoubtedly what makes it a masterpiece. The mise en scene is constantly filled with objects and actions that have strong connotations to crime such as the tearing of skin to remove fingerprints. However, nothing more than the mans hands ever enter the frame meaning that his identity remains unknown, therefore encouraging the audience to show interest in what is to come in the film. Cooper purposely uses dim lighting that has sinister connotations. He also experiments with shadow and its movement across the frame in order to withdraw details. Throughout the duration of the sequence we also see the credits arise. The font of the credits is messy and reckless which could be a representation of the featured character. It also resembles the mans handwriting from the paper he is writing on reinforcing the link between them.
The topic of the credits then brings us to Cooper's editing decisions. The text somewhat flickers after first making an appearing in the frame. This allows it to move position and even change size. The text is never on the screen for too long before disappearing. This makes the audience feel as though they have seen something they shouldn't have, which relates to crime and witnesses. This short duration of screen time is also reflected with the general cutting of the sequence. No shot is held for more than 3-4 seconds. This adds pace and intensity to the sequence and once again may disorientate the viewer and only allow them a glimpse of the horrific details. Cooper also inserts drawings or writing that fill the frame. These only arise for a second and the correlation between them and what is happening is unclear. However, they appear to have been scribbled frantically and naturally arise suspicion in an audience that is now keen not to miss anything.
The fact that this sequence was so well received is no surprise. You would struggle to find a better example of a piece of filmmaking that combines the four elements in such a precise way so that they complement one another without the audience even being aware. As well as this, the sequence outlines the major themes of the film without giving anything away and establishes a mood for the film to build upon later.
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