‘Se7en’ Film Opening Analysis

By Morgan Redman

Barthes’ Enigma Code• The enigma code states that the audience are not fully aware of

what is happening until the final scene, or moments, when all the loose ends are tied up.

• Enigma code in the media text ‘Se7en’ are:

• The extreme close-up shots take up the majority of the whole frame which creates tension as an audience do not witness the identity of the person responsible for manipulating the props within the opening. Thus, the audience do not know the context of the beginning which induces fear.

• The props used in the opening could be associated with the role of a police detective rather than a criminal which creates an implicit juxtaposition which establishes the idea of conflict.

Barthes’ Enigma Code Continued…

• The opening is edited in a format that is not chronological in order; this allows an audience to assume the idea of order and disorder, again, within the mind of the murderer.

• The credit sequence is edited in varying ways from jump cuts, fade in, fade out, cross fade and fade to black. This chaotic variety of transitions illicit the idea that the mind of the killer is either very chaotic or contrastingly very precise.

Barthes’ Semantic Code• The semantic code refers to the connotation within the story that

gives additional information more than the basic denotation.

• Semantic Codes in the media text ‘Se7en’ are:

• The camera shots employed in the opening are black and white, sepia or red which all connote and foreshadow the impending danger and death that will be presented in the film. The use of colour also establishes the serious theme and nature of the production.

• The lighting employed is low-key lighting which is used to create the idea of darkness of ones private space, for example, the darkness within the mind of the killer. This therefore, creates a suspicious atmosphere amongst an audience.

Barthes’ Semantic Code Continued…

• The use of the editing techniques such as a flickering light and screen distortion help to introduce the idea that the murderer is coping with conflicting light and dark; what the killer perceives to be righteous others may perceive as evil which links to the idea of the seven deadly sins and the killer playing ‘God’.

• In the opening a lot of stills are used meaning there is not necessarily much movement from footage. This could connote that the killer is focused directly on their task and will not deviate from the path to eradicate the seven deadly sins in the victims.

Semiotics and Connotation• Semiotics is the study of signs: iconic and symbolic. Symbolic

draws on connotation whilst iconic directly represents something.

• Semiotics in the media text ‘Se7en’ are:

• Polaroid pictures • Journals• The word ‘God’ cut out of the newspaper• Razor blade• Needle and thread• Crossed out eyes on a photograph