Se7en:

Se7en's opening credits are in a montage format which means there is a lot of different clips that have been put together to create a singular clip. The opening credits are non-chronological with the clips jumping to extreme close ups of different types of detective work (finger-printing, filing etc). The fact the opening is non-chronological sets the tone/mood of a choas but also reflects of the hectic lifestyle of the detective we follow. The opening credits also establish the genre and theme of the film and it is very apparent that this film is a thriller as tension is built through the low light shots and eery music. The plot of the film is not established in the opening credits and is leaves the enigma of what criminal activity is being investigated.

The props used are clearly associated with investigations and detective work. These include books, photos, flies, pens and paper.

The colour palette used is reasonably dark, this and the low key lighting gives connotations of danger and death. Most of the colours are black and white, however when the photos are shown being developed you see the red light that is used develop them. This dark red connotes danger, but also shows that they are just being developed.

The transitions of the opening sequence vary. Some are straight cuts and some cross fade or fade to black. The Fading give the effect of the clips being linked together and creates an eery feel, and the fade to black reflects the sincerity and darkness of the overall film. 

This shot reveals the character of Somerset in a few moments. The shot shows his main possessions laid out in perfect order in an overhead shot. The badge tells us he is a detective of some description which a typical of Neo-noir. The pocket knife connote the conventions of violence and danger in film noir as well as telling the audience that the characters life involves violence. The old look of the knife suggests the character may have a violent background. The flowery paper is a powerful enigma and leaves the audience wondering the reasoning behind its place in the shot. The feminine flower contradicts the other brutal objects in is sat with. This shows that there is a sensitive side the character but as the flower seems worn down it suggests this sensitive side is being deteriorated as a result of the cruel aspects of his life.

 The ambient lighting in this photo is typical of film noir, this with the diegetic sound in this scene of sirens and shouting creates a disturbing and uneasy atmosphere. The dark shadows in this shot also adds to idea of immorality. This shot emphasises the loneliness of this character in the city through like being in the darkness and being trapped by the two light sources either side of him. The character not being in the centre of the frame also emphasises his loneliness. The fact he is in a double bed and he has a double bed suggests he has lost a lover and the two lights represent two people which also strengthens this theme

                                                                                   

 

This metronome is used to counteract the chaotic sounds of the urban city. The beat the metronome creates gives a sense of calm and shows the character is trying to distract himself from the chaos of the city, the city noises represent his crazy lifestyle and the metronome represent him trying to calm and control his hectic life.  It also connotes dull themes and could be a reflection of the characters bland home life.