Se7en

Undoubtedly one of the strongest ever representatives of the thriller genre, which makes an extremely unnerving, unsettling, and utterly evocative impression thanks to its impeccable psychological atmosphere and virtuoso direction. Morgan Freeman's superb performance as a brilliant investigator just before retirement and Brad Pitt's performance as an enthusiastic rookie afterwards "merely" enhance the unique experience, which I rank among the best films of the 90s hands down. David Fincher's first mega-cut into world cinema, which also firmly and clearly defined Fincher's unique style with its uncanny ability to create a depressing, perfectly immersive atmosphere. (01/25/2014)

A slowly flowing depression with a flood of rain, darkness, and uncertainty. A brilliant madman in the background, a silent and slightly shy police veteran, a young hard worker by his side, and his saddened wife. A fatal final half-hour and a finale that seems simple in the first second but gains strength and resonates in the viewer long after the movie ends. I highly recommend a second viewing, where several hints towards the punchline can be found. Jigsaw and other plagiarists can go laugh at themselves. (03/19/2006)

The best film in its (sub)genre. David Fincher's camera antics and his ability to depict a depressive atmosphere are exactly what the theme of an elusive brutal killer needs, and it is difficult to find any holes in the screenplay or technical errors. The only thing that bothered me was the occasional fake rain, which was visibly artificial in many places (i.e. raining within a five-meter radius). The acting is flawless. The pair of detectives was portrayed exemplarily, the experience of age versus the fierceness of youth. The only action scene is very gripping, and the coldly depicted city, along with the dark camera filters, beautifully enhance the gloomy atmosphere full of brutal murders, junkies, and decaying corpses. The twist is undeniably brilliant, and even though Kevin Spacey only appears for a few minutes, it is precisely him who delivers the best performance. (11/08/2006)

Indeed, a perfect essay on the themes of "modern civilization and its morbid brutality". Fincher convinced so much through this film that he is one of the creators with a distinctive style and, above all, a talent to make a dramatic film with an idea. The parallel with Dante and classical European literature is largely simplistic, but the message of Seven to the viewer is all the more overwhelming. It is hard to resist characters that draw you into the action so much thanks to the excellent acting portrayal that the end of the film is also the viewer's revelation and a painful catharsis. Morgan Freeman's role in particular is one of the best ever created in the thriller genre. And I have a feeling that Seven has reached the limit of the genre. We live in a time that gives the concept of sin a whole new dimension. Seven is the perfect illustration of this... (02/28/2004)

Fincher is depressive again, in the way he only knows how. The murders are disgusting, especially the first one with the fat man is not very nice to see. The cops don't seem to know what a light switch is, so they keep shining their flashlights to make the most of the gloomy twilight. The perpetual rain doesn't help the mood, either, Scott knew that in Blade Runner. Depression alternates with depression and the interesting, gloomy screenplay plays into Fincher's hands, he is a master depression, we all know that. Add to this an irresistibly loathsome villain played by Spacey and a truly unusual ending for Hollywood and we get a clear five-star rating. (05/11/2003)