How is sound, mise en scene and editing used in the title sequence of Se7en? (Edited)

The Title sequence of se7en (directed by David Fincher) uses synchronous editing and a disconnected soundtrack to convey a sense of instability and the twisted, obsessive mind of an individual. In particular the imagery, editing and mise en scene used portrays this psychological repression, with rapid cuts between seemingly random images and objects, as well as the use of ellipsis to confuse and disconnect the audience. Also in general the frantic nature of the sequence, with sudden cuts and flashes of light along with the appearance and disappearance of scratchings on the film creates an incredibly intense and dark tone and emphasises the surreal and psychological elements in the opening sequence.

Figure 1

Throughout the title sequence, overlayed images are frequently used to create connotations for the audience. One aspect of this that can be explored is the movement of this second image in cases where the two images are the same such as in figure 1, where the original image is still in the frame, however the second overlayed image is slightly skewed to the left of the first and pops in and out of the frame back into the first. This creates a feeling of confusion for the audience and could be a metaphor for the insecurity or unstable nature of this particular character. Developing this technique even further just after the first instance is seen(figure 2), two separate images are overlayed, the first being the previous shot and the second being seemingly random scratchings of writing. This gives the audience an insight to the character very effectively, as it puts us inside of his mind and allows us to experience his emotional and psychological tendencies, quickly changing and building on the audiences opinions of the character and events during the opening sequence.

Figure 2

In terms of mise en scene used in the opening, there is a very clear sense of something dark and mysterious, possibly even obssessive or psychotic constructed with skin shaving with a razor(?), creepy polaroid pictures of crime scenes and the compilation of some sort of evidence, we are very quickly aware that something sinister is occurring here. Furthermore the use of colour, and in particular neutrality and bleakness, with very dark and de-saturated colours used, emphasises this sinister activity and sub-consciously gives the audience an idea of the tone and atmosphere surrounding this character and the location we see him in through the use of connotations.

The main connections we can make between the opening sequence and its soundtrack are their spontaneity and unpredictable nature. Synchronous editing is used in an interesting way as although the basic beat and rhythm of the soundtrack are parallel with the cuts between shots, the highly electronic and computerised noises of the soundtrack are used in the way that just as the soundtrack is seemingly random and unpredictable, the fast paced editing and various techniques discussed earlier are used to the same effect in order to set the tone of the opening. The soundtrack uses very little traditional instrumental or natural sound, effectively unsettling and possibly disturbing the audience in much the same way as the imagery and themes used. In this way the soundtrack is incredibly successful as it simply develops further and emphasises the thoughts and emotions that are intended to be felt by the audience during this opening sequence.

Furthermore the use of juxtaposition through imagery and fast paced editing, the non-linear approach taken within the montage and the seemingly random sequence of images showing no pattern create a confusing yet comprehensive vision for the audience, through representing the character through their choice of editing and sound, as if the character himself had edited this sequence, the same choices would be made. Juxtaposition runs throughout the sequence, through light and dark, metaphorically as the idea of good vs evil and also through the imagery and shapes seen in the frame, this only adds to the disorientation of the audience as we are presented with two opposing concepts, blurring the lines between characters or even reality in the case of the scratchings made on the film.