“John Doe has the upper hand!” is so chilling because the audience has no idea. A lesser filmmaker would’ve had a scene where Gwyneth Paltrow answers her apartment door earlier in the movie or something like that and we would’ve been waiting for something. The choice to simply not show her again is so brilliant.
Leland Orsen, The actor who played the victim of the Lust crime, deserved an oscar and He only had like 2 minutes of screentime. He really looked traumatized as fuck.
Oddly, he played a detective alongside Christopher Lambert in a Se7en style knockoff called Resurrection, directed by Russel Mulcahey, a film that shows none of the restraint of Se7en. And bonus 'didja know', director David Cronenberg makes a cameo
Too bad we will never get surprise cast appearances in films since photos get leaked more than ever. I can’t imagine the crowd reaction was when they heard Kevin Spacey screaming, “DETECTIVE!!!”
This film has a special place in my heart , I had to leave my home because of my abusive father, and my grandpa took me in . We were talking about films and he mentioned this one , when I told him i hadn't watched it he was so surprised . We watched that same night on netflix . He was so happy to see my reactions . It has a special place inside me . Will share this video with my grandpa.❤
*Spoilers for Se7en* I love that we never see her head in the end. In a film filled with shocking imagery, this is a rare form of restraint that keeps the audience emotionally focused on David's turmoil.
It very much reminds me of the ending of Blood Meridian. After an entire novel filled with horrific violence, we never really know what the Judge does to the Kid.
I never noticed the guy outside the leather shop! Amazing! I saw this movie multiple times in 1995, and plenty more times afterward. Never noticed. Seeing this film for the first time on opening day was one of the best cinema experiences of my life. I recommended it to EVERYBODY, even my mom. That first viewing had me cowering in my seat, shaking with fear and giggling with delight. In my adult life, I have never been so effectively psychologically transported by a movie. It's truly one of a kind.
I related to both of these characters so much. As an ex law enforcement officer who worked in the '80s and '90s, It hits home about their conversation on wanting to rush in and save everyone. When I was young and first started on that's exactly exactly how I was. I wanted to be the hero I wanted to be the one that people looked up to and said thank you for rescuing me but that never happened because no matter how many times you help somebody it's just a traumatic, mentally exhausting experience for everyone involved. After all my years working in law enforcement I wanted to get out so bad because I saw the shit of society everyday and it made me so paranoid I was always looking over my shoulder when I was out with my family or grocery shopping. Eventually I did get out of that line of work I don't regret it but I also don't regret my time in it either
I saw this last night in a reasonably sized theater in Toronto. The clarity of the ending scene from the remaster was especially noticeable. The closeups of Pitt, Freeman and Spacey were incredible. I was also lucky enough to see a 35mm print about a year ago in Toronto and I didn't especially notice all of the digital fiddling with the remaster. I knew a couple of the shots to look out for. One scene that always stood out to me as someone who grew up in the 90s, pre-internet was Mills getting Coles Notes editions for Dante etc. So much character development in one tiny scene. And Mills holding the coffee cups has always made me chuckle.
I would like to add recognition to the supporting cast of Se7en: the late actors R. Lee Ermey, Michael Massee, Reg E. Cathey and Richard Roundtree. Also John C. McGinley, Richard Schiff, Leland Orser, Mark Boone Junior, Hawthorne James and others that helped to elevate this movie.
Which makes me think The Batman would've been more interesting if they had allowed it to be rated R. The dark content was there but I guess those happy meals can't be paid by themselves
I had never seen se7en and I have somehow avoided all spoilers for this movie going into it. Saw it in IMAX at the beginning of the month and my fiance and I were both absolutely floored. Was so glad I picked up the steelbook as a blind buy, as it as now one of my all time favorites. Absolutely masterful work
This is the kind of review I love the most, with details even myself, a person who has watched Se7en like 4 o 5 times, hadn't noticed before! Thank you so much, and please keep bringing us more stuff like this ^-^
I love the fact that Se7en could just as easily be set in a futuristic sci-fi universe, as it has an almost Cyberpunk ascetic. It just needs a bit of neon lights and a few flying cars.
Most intense, interesting thriller of all time. Every time I go for a rewatch I'm drawn into this setting. The weather in this movie is one of my favorite underlying themes that really keeps me in the film.
"Seven"(1995) is a crime mystery thriller movie masterpiece! This is one of the 3 best movies of all time for this Kind! The ending scene of the movie was unpredictable and very shocking!
Although I was too young to watch this when it was first released in 95’, it quickly became my favorite film of all time. Being able to see it in a packed theater last month just elevated the experience. There was a lot of young people watching which just tells you how important this film is in pop movie culture. It felt like I was back in the 90’s seeing it for the first time. I also noticed sounds and dialog that I didn’t notice before on the blu-ray/ streaming versions. Great experience!
So glad you reviewed this. When I first started watching you about 7 years ago, one of the first movies I searched for on your channel was Se7en, to see if you reviewed it. The review was exactly how I hoped it would be lol. Thank you.
The 1st and 2nd act of Seven tells us this world is horrible. The 3rd act tells us, through the actions of Brad Pitt’s character, that you are part of this horrible world.
One of the first things i did after seeing the re release in imax was go back and watch your old Se7en review. Love seeing you revisit this masterpiece again!
When you spoke about character building and the chemistry between the 2 detectives, I immediately thought of True Detective season 1, and how many parallels could be drawn to the success of that season with how well Se7en works as a film. Those human moments with the characters not only fleshes out the guys we spend the most time with, but also helps to contextualize the setting.
Wow, this is probably the best insight into Seven that I’ve seen. Great job Chris. I was fortunate to have seen Seven in theaters when it was released. I have seen it several times since and I’m always marveled.
I remember the first time I saw Seven; I had to buy it on a special from Amazon when they started selling DVDs. In my country, these types of R-rated movies were very rare in movie theaters due to their cost and their limited audience. What a movie! I saw it with my group of friends; no one could stop watching it until it was over, and we regularly watched it while we were having dinner. Luckily, we had already had dinner watching The Thing half an hour before. One of my favorite movies, I was so focused I knew it was the wife coming in that delivery truck; I just didn't know how much of her there was until I saw the box, and when I saw it I knew immediately it was her head; for a couple seconds I thought maybe I wasn't going to shoot him, but I just wouldn't be Mills if I didn't, and his reason to do it, WoW, I wanted him to shoot, my friends wanted him to shoot, and my friend's parents wanted him to shoot. Dame what a movie!!
This is truly one of the greats. I'm always struck by the character work in this film every time I watch it. And I do love how we don't know the name of the city this film is set in, making it feel like a fable. One of my all time favourite films, and among my top three from Fincher, with Zodiac and Fight Club above it.
David Fincher said "I'd rather die of colon cancer than make another movie" after Alien 3, then he comes back to direct Se7en. What a comeback. Thank you so much Chris for uploading this. It was the first movie I rewatched prolifically as a teen.
It was such a genius move on Fincher to omit Kevin Spacey’s name in the opening credits because it adds mystery as to who could possibly be playing the role of John Doe. We only find out it’s him in the big reveal as we near the film’s conclusion.
I also loved this film. Saw it a few times when it came out and was blown away at Fincher’s visual language. As a devotee of Ridley Scott, I felt the future was in safe hands. I ended up moving to Oregon and took a job at the Swoosh. My first week there and the graphic designers were invited to a special speaker who came to campus. It was Kyle Cooper, who created the credit sequence for Se7en. He spoke at length of the style and inspiration given by Fincher and how seamless it was and integral to the film it became. It was just extra insight and context and I have been inspired and forever grateful for Cooper and his time.
Best closing line in the history of Noir films: "Ernest Hemingway once wrote: 'the world is a fine place and worht fighting for'. I agree with the second part"
Stuckmann I had for a brief moment met Morgan Freeman at the airport in Grenada West Indies and one glimpse of him, his personality shone through as he smiled. A simple smile impacted my life. I have deep respect for him. 5 Star Movie Reviews. I enjoyed your review, but it is just over the 10 minutes line.
I saw Se7en in IMAX and bought the new 4K a few weeks ago. I knew nothing about the film aside from the “what’s in the box” quote but I had zero context. Coming out of this movie, I can say that it has not left my mind and has truly left an impact. This is such a perfect film. Thank you for sharing this, Chris.
The moment the grocery bag is abandoned, dropped to the floor . . . Just perfect pacing, framing, character proximity within the hallway. Never feels like "movie chase scene" or we need to become an "action movie" now. Fulfills the genre tropes but never breaks the credible character drama and motivation.
When you talked about the characters views on the world and people and how the solving of the murder isn't really the point of the movie I immediately thought of True Detective (season 1). You can really feel the inspiration from se7en when watching that show. Both great pieces of art!
Awesome review Chris. I watched it at a screening a few weeks ago, holy moly what a insane experience! Especially since I'm a bit too young to have seen it back in the day. I've watched it several times and everytime it feels like I discover something new in the small moments, the background and characters.
I think you hit it on the head.The little nuances of the characters make them real, more human. Which makes the ending more tragic. I saw it in the theater in '95, and I walked away exhausted, kind of spent. Which I think makes it a good movie. The characters are not human beings, they are humans trying to be.
One nice little character moment that I've always loved is when the subway shakes the dinner table, Somerset grabs his wine glass to stop it from spilling 🍷
• It’s a Wonderful Life • The Shawshank Redemption • Se7en • Drive • The Hateful Eight • Robocop • The Count of Monte Cristo • Terminator 2 Judgement Day • Aliens • Beauty and The Beast
my favorite funny moment in the movie that i wish you talked about: Mills handing Somerset a pint glass--not a wine glass--FILLED with the red wine he opted for. Somerset, so engrossed in the evidence they're studying after their dinner, failed to notice this when taking it. but when the subway once again begins to shake the home a few moments later, he quickly picks up the glass to keep it from spilling over, doing a double take with a look of dumbstruck awe on his face as he realizes what Mills had done. it was this tiny, subtle thing cooking quietly in the background that i think went over most people's heads, including mine, as it took me years & several watches to finally catch that! i was floored by how meaningful it was for both their character studies & for how the actors understood their roles. Whether Mills acted from a place of benign ignorance or macho practicality, it was just funny. Pitt executed the scene without making it obvious, which is probably why i missed it for so long. & Freeman's little reaction to his scene partner's character's choice seemed so genuine that i wondered for a long time if it was a thing the two improvised or if it was part of the script & direction. it rocks me every time i watch it now.
I love introducing new people to this film. Rare to find someone who hasn't watched it these days, but seeing a fresh-eyed reaction to the ending is a small joy in life. It's a pretty perfect movie.
The bar scene is INSANE! I saw it in the theater in ‘94 and I saw it in IMAX three weeks ago and this scene just worked better than ever before. Partly due to remastering and partly due to times changing and my aging, but maybe this movie was just 30 years ahead of its time. Incredible movie, one of the best ever.
There’s nothing wrong with the rain at 11:23. Sometimes it’s just like that, with a clear demarcation line between rain and no rain. I’ve seen it quite a few times.
I was hoping you got to see this in theater and you would make a video. I was so happy I was able to experience one of my favorite films in theater. It was an amazing experience.
Special mention for the title sequence by Kyle Cooper (music Trent Reznor) which was WAY ahead of its time. Saw the film when it first came out and was totally riveted by even just opening credits, a style which since has been copied countless times.
great review Chris. You are spot on about the character work in this movie and it's definitely the main reason why this film has stuck in the culture as there are lots of films with twist endings that get forgotten about
Interesting that this review did not touch on Kevin Spacey's performance. Nothing like building up a super killer in the audience's imagination, and then exceeding expectations once we finally meet him. The ending works because of this fact. All the actors are at the top of their game. The combination of the three is off that chart amazing.
I watched this movie in undergrad with my roommates and even a decade later all I remember is how graphic all the crime scenes were. It has always made it hard for me to want to watch it again, but this review makes me want to watch it again because your videos have made me more aware of the details in movies.
You introduced me to this film nearly 10 years ago when I was 15, changed my life for sure. Became a film fan since then and shortly after I realized that what I wanted to do with my life is tell stories.
They need to do this more and more for older movies that I either was not around for or too young to see in theaters at the time. Seeing Seven on the big screen was a real treat.
What stood out most to me during this new transfer was actually the sound design. The little details that are hidden in the mix that add to the presentation.
One of the most surprising roles in a movie ever is Kevin Spacey in this movie but also Bill Murray in Zombieland was another one. And also Johnny deep in 21 jump street or Mike Tyson in the first Hangover
I love how Stuckmann doesn’t acknowledge that Kevin Spacey is in the movie or explains his scenes as John Doe despite discussing spoilers. The revelation of the movie is so special that you want anyone to experience this for the first time and see for themselves who “John Doe” is and what’s “in the box”. This is a rare feat for a film that is one of the greatest of all time. I saw this in IMAX as well recently and I highly recommend it.
This is sad to admit but I’m almost 29 and just watched it for the first time last weekend and loved it so much I then bought it on blu ray immediately after haha great video Chris!
I'm aging myself here but I saw this one on opening weekend way back in 1995 and loved it. I still think it's Fincher's best film. The 4K blu-ray looks and sounds amazing, although I wish they had upgraded the audio to Dolby Atmos.
I love that Fincher really considers this his first movie…cause after finally watching Alien 3 a few months ago, I wouldn’t consider that my first movie either 💀
Hey Chris, great review ! Just a sugestion, "Heat" is also celebrating 30th anniversary this year, maybe you can review it also ! Beeing the best action movie of all time and all 🙂
@6:39 I love how Chris went over that they had to shaved their chest hair to show relatability. It reminds me of watching the Punisher with Thomas Jane, and how much that movie itself was so good. The Punisher showed so many relatable scenes that otherwise would of been cut in today's movies. There was a scene in the Punisher where Castle (Jane), ran up to a flipped Jeep that his wife and kid was in. He ran up to it, and wildly look around to see where they could of gone, because, he literally didn't know. The scene was maybe 2-3 second - it was so fast, but it perfectly describe the scene - chaotic. Like, damn, we really do not get these kinds of movies that pays attention to small details like this anymore. instead, we now get movies like, The BeeKeeper, Red, or w.e. all those other junk-food like hollywood movies are now.
I saw this in theaters when I was 6 years old. (Mom meant well) changed my life. Saw Pulp Fiction on VHS a week later. Changed it again. There was a lot of stuff that felt special or epic as a kid that lose their ring over time. Se7en has stuck with me since that day and is one of the great peices of cinema I've seen.
I remember the early 2000’s when the Fight Club DVD came out and it had a commentary version of the movie where you were just listening to Brad and Edward talk about the scenes as you watched the movie with the audio fading in and out. Imo it’s the best DVD special feature and I never saw it anywhere else and it would have been phenomenal for Se7en. I pray the concept comes back.
@chrisstuckmann - fun fact: There were two original drafts of Se7en written by Andrew Kevin Walker. One had a happy ending, and the other is the ending we all know and love. Obviously, the studio at the time did not want the dark ending. However, Walker's agent accidentally sent the wrong draft to Fincher - the one with the unhappy ending. When Fincher read that he loved it and refused to do the movie if he had to change the ending to make it happy. The studio would not budge, so Fincher got Pitt involved, and seeing as Pitt was the hottest up and coming actor at the time, they eventually gave in and allowed Fincher to make the movie with the head in the box ending.
Recently watched this for the first time on VHS as it was gifted to me over Christmas by a family member, a cool edition to my collection. Thought it was an amazing film, was surprised the person who gifted me it was into black and white films, and when I brought that up I was met w puzzled looks. Turns out It wasn't supposed to be in black and white at all (and wasn't entirely so, muted blues would peek through, red objects would be red and lamps would glow orange- a stylistic choice I had assumed) but the tape itself had just degraded that much over the years 😅 I think it looked really cool that way however, so I'm grateful I had such a serendipitous experience with it!
I saw this in the theater when it originally came out and it is also one of my all time favorite movies. I agree with everything you said about it. I'm curious, though, why you didn't mention Kevin Spacey at all in this review?
I think this is the introduction to what I refer to as "Fincher world", it's grimy, oppressive, rain is a big feature and light has a big impact because it contrasts with a generally dark aesthetic. Fincher World is pretty much Gotham City.
One of my all time favorites as well. Crazy that HEAT and this released in the same year. I knew even back then that the man with the camera was the villain, but I had never noticed the umbrella man outside of the freak shop before. What a movie. 👍
Surprisingly little violence is actually on screen. Plenty is implied/left to the imagination, but not shown. And yet the violence hits harder than if we'd seen it (which, of course, we would if it were made these days).
“John Doe has the upper hand!” is so chilling because the audience has no idea.
A lesser filmmaker would’ve had a scene where Gwyneth Paltrow answers her apartment door earlier in the movie or something like that and we would’ve been waiting for something. The choice to simply not show her again is so brilliant.
We see her in a flash and that makes the whole sequence even more chilling.
Leland Orsen, The actor who played the victim of the Lust crime, deserved an oscar and He only had like 2 minutes of screentime.
He really looked traumatized as fuck.
Oddly, he played a detective alongside Christopher Lambert in a Se7en style knockoff called Resurrection, directed by Russel Mulcahey, a film that shows none of the restraint of Se7en. And bonus 'didja know', director David Cronenberg makes a cameo
apparently he didn't sleep for a long time and drank lots of coffee to look and feel completely out of his mind
He did a movie called very bad things, it's great! Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
He's also in Alien 4
@@heroicjourney2508such an underrated black comedy. No way it would be made today 😂
Se7ven is set in a Gotham before Batman appears.
The movie really is even richer when watching it from that perspective
goddamn not everything is a comic book movie
xD
@@sergeymeshkov
lol.
@@sergeymeshkovRelax, I’m sick of the MCU as well, but there’s no need to be mean about it.
Ernest Hemingway once wrote: "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for."
I agree with the second part.
That’s From seven ?
@@WheretheportlandorarealadiesatYes. The last line of the movie spoken by Somerset.
@Wheretheportlandorarealadiesat yes, it's Somerset's closing line before end credits roll.
@@clyderadcliffe1536 oh
@@clyderadcliffe1536 I think subconsciously I remember it
For me Se7en is perfection. Rarely does a movie get so many things right within just a few minutes, let alone 2 hours. Fincher did genius work here.
The only other movie that is so perfectly executed to me is Sicario.
Too bad we will never get surprise cast appearances in films since photos get leaked more than ever. I can’t imagine the crowd reaction was when they heard Kevin Spacey screaming, “DETECTIVE!!!”
Ya the empire strikes back would have been ruined
Spacey appearing in two of the best films ever in the same year, the other being The Usual Suspects
@@irishspagetti6565L. A. Confidential, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The Usual Suspects, those are my go-to performances by him.
Spacey's reputation is ruined
Was his name not on the poster?
One of my favorite scenes is Sommerset talking to Paltrow. When she tells him she’s pregnant.
It’s actually very poignant.
That scene was an acting masterclass
This film has a special place in my heart , I had to leave my home because of my abusive father, and my grandpa took me in . We were talking about films and he mentioned this one , when I told him i hadn't watched it he was so surprised . We watched that same night on netflix . He was so happy to see my reactions . It has a special place inside me . Will share this video with my grandpa.❤
*Spoilers for Se7en*
I love that we never see her head in the end. In a film filled with shocking imagery, this is a rare form of restraint that keeps the audience emotionally focused on David's turmoil.
The scene is so impactful that on my first watch I didn’t even realize we never see it. I imagined I did.
@@shapeofsoupsame here lol, I could've sworn they showed it
@@BatAmerica sadly that turned out to not be true, just some made up thing by some random tiktok influencer :[
@@DakotaVD Thanks for the information. I'll probably delete that.
It very much reminds me of the ending of Blood Meridian. After an entire novel filled with horrific violence, we never really know what the Judge does to the Kid.
Saw it in imax this past month and it just elevated the experience so much
I am so jealous
Woah
I'm actually jealous.
It was incredible, the opening credits gave me goosebumps
Still my favorite Fincher film. The opening credits with the remix of Closer by NIN just sets the tone perfectly
mine to
Everything is perfection in this film.
30th?! Damn. I'm old.
ironically enough I was seven when this film came out
@@irishspagetti6565I was eight lol
I was 18
I felt that too 😂 I was 6 when this came out.
I was only 5 but stilll... xD
Se7en is one of those films I wish I could rewatch without never having seen it before
Even after 30 years it just has this very well written very well calculated fascinating quality to the world this film portrays
Wish granted! You can rewatch it without never having seen it before, RIGHT NOW!
I never noticed the guy outside the leather shop! Amazing! I saw this movie multiple times in 1995, and plenty more times afterward. Never noticed.
Seeing this film for the first time on opening day was one of the best cinema experiences of my life. I recommended it to EVERYBODY, even my mom. That first viewing had me cowering in my seat, shaking with fear and giggling with delight. In my adult life, I have never been so effectively psychologically transported by a movie. It's truly one of a kind.
Calm down
@BudFuddlacker it was 30 years ago, I think I've calmed down sufficiently.
I related to both of these characters so much. As an ex law enforcement officer who worked in the '80s and '90s, It hits home about their conversation on wanting to rush in and save everyone. When I was young and first started on that's exactly exactly how I was. I wanted to be the hero I wanted to be the one that people looked up to and said thank you for rescuing me but that never happened because no matter how many times you help somebody it's just a traumatic, mentally exhausting experience for everyone involved. After all my years working in law enforcement I wanted to get out so bad because I saw the shit of society everyday and it made me so paranoid I was always looking over my shoulder when I was out with my family or grocery shopping. Eventually I did get out of that line of work I don't regret it but I also don't regret my time in it either
I saw this last night in a reasonably sized theater in Toronto. The clarity of the ending scene from the remaster was especially noticeable. The closeups of Pitt, Freeman and Spacey were incredible. I was also lucky enough to see a 35mm print about a year ago in Toronto and I didn't especially notice all of the digital fiddling with the remaster. I knew a couple of the shots to look out for. One scene that always stood out to me as someone who grew up in the 90s, pre-internet was Mills getting Coles Notes editions for Dante etc. So much character development in one tiny scene. And Mills holding the coffee cups has always made me chuckle.
I would like to add recognition to the supporting cast of Se7en: the late actors R. Lee Ermey, Michael Massee, Reg E. Cathey and Richard Roundtree. Also John C. McGinley, Richard Schiff, Leland Orser, Mark Boone Junior, Hawthorne James and others that helped to elevate this movie.
👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾
What part did Richard Roundtree play?
Didn't care for EI8HT as much, personally.
This comment wins the week 😂
Don't forget about the prequel, 6IX.
How about Nin9 ?
lol you got 50 likes for that?
@@abderraoufmekkatiMan 5IVE was fire
The reason why I love The Batman (2022) so much is because it takes inspiration from this film. Absolute masterpiece.
Which makes me think The Batman would've been more interesting if they had allowed it to be rated R. The dark content was there but I guess those happy meals can't be paid by themselves
Also this movie has some of the best opening credits ever!
I had never seen se7en and I have somehow avoided all spoilers for this movie going into it. Saw it in IMAX at the beginning of the month and my fiance and I were both absolutely floored. Was so glad I picked up the steelbook as a blind buy, as it as now one of my all time favorites. Absolutely masterful work
Jealous envy is my sin after reading your comment. Sincerely excited & happy for you, but hoping I won't be executed in the desert for it.
This is the kind of review I love the most, with details even myself, a person who has watched Se7en like 4 o 5 times, hadn't noticed before! Thank you so much, and please keep bringing us more stuff like this ^-^
I love the fact that Se7en could just as easily be set in a futuristic sci-fi universe, as it has an almost Cyberpunk ascetic. It just needs a bit of neon lights and a few flying cars.
The movie wouldn't work in a world where everyone has a cell phone or a similar mean of communication.
I agree, it has a timelessness to it. It could work as a gritty 40's noir just as well as a sci-fi futuristic film.
Most intense, interesting thriller of all time. Every time I go for a rewatch I'm drawn into this setting. The weather in this movie is one of my favorite underlying themes that really keeps me in the film.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?! 📦
How original of you.
@@BrandonWestfall calm down
@ Do you have anymore ignorant comments?
@@BrandonWestfall you wanna go?
😂 Summerset's Hemingway comment so succinctly underlined here.
Timeless classic. The one the started it all. From VHS to 4K. Amazing work from all involved.
"Seven"(1995) is a crime mystery thriller movie masterpiece! This is one of the 3 best movies of all time for this Kind! The ending scene of the movie was unpredictable and very shocking!
Although I was too young to watch this when it was first released in 95’, it quickly became my favorite film of all time. Being able to see it in a packed theater last month just elevated the experience. There was a lot of young people watching which just tells you how important this film is in pop movie culture. It felt like I was back in the 90’s seeing it for the first time. I also noticed sounds and dialog that I didn’t notice before on the blu-ray/ streaming versions. Great experience!
So glad you reviewed this. When I first started watching you about 7 years ago, one of the first movies I searched for on your channel was Se7en, to see if you reviewed it. The review was exactly how I hoped it would be lol. Thank you.
The 1st and 2nd act of Seven tells us this world is horrible. The 3rd act tells us, through the actions of Brad Pitt’s character, that you are part of this horrible world.
One of the first things i did after seeing the re release in imax was go back and watch your old Se7en review. Love seeing you revisit this masterpiece again!
I cant beleive you didn't talk about Spacey. He's a force in this movie!
ART ARTIST
When you spoke about character building and the chemistry between the 2 detectives, I immediately thought of True Detective season 1, and how many parallels could be drawn to the success of that season with how well Se7en works as a film. Those human moments with the characters not only fleshes out the guys we spend the most time with, but also helps to contextualize the setting.
Yep!
Wow, this is probably the best insight into Seven that I’ve seen. Great job Chris. I was fortunate to have seen Seven in theaters when it was released. I have seen it several times since and I’m always marveled.
I remember the first time I saw Seven; I had to buy it on a special from Amazon when they started selling DVDs. In my country, these types of R-rated movies were very rare in movie theaters due to their cost and their limited audience. What a movie! I saw it with my group of friends; no one could stop watching it until it was over, and we regularly watched it while we were having dinner. Luckily, we had already had dinner watching The Thing half an hour before. One of my favorite movies, I was so focused I knew it was the wife coming in that delivery truck; I just didn't know how much of her there was until I saw the box, and when I saw it I knew immediately it was her head; for a couple seconds I thought maybe I wasn't going to shoot him, but I just wouldn't be Mills if I didn't, and his reason to do it, WoW, I wanted him to shoot, my friends wanted him to shoot, and my friend's parents wanted him to shoot. Dame what a movie!!
This is truly one of the greats. I'm always struck by the character work in this film every time I watch it. And I do love how we don't know the name of the city this film is set in, making it feel like a fable.
One of my all time favourite films, and among my top three from Fincher, with Zodiac and Fight Club above it.
My favourite David Fincher film!
I'm so glad you mentioned character appreciation! "The Car Scene" 😮 and that's all I'm gonna say about that
Se7en is David's best movie. He still hasn't beat it.
just saw this in iMAX last week. Perfect theater experience for a perfect film.
This movie is perfect. It's crazy how perfect it is.
Imdb didnt give perfect score
Now we want a top 10 Stuckmann movies !
No way you've been on UA-cam for 30 years
He hasn't. He's saying seven was made 30 yrs ago. UA-cam hasn't even been out for 30 years. Maybe 20.
David Fincher said "I'd rather die of colon cancer than make another movie" after Alien 3, then he comes back to direct Se7en. What a comeback. Thank you so much Chris for uploading this. It was the first movie I rewatched prolifically as a teen.
It was such a genius move on Fincher to omit Kevin Spacey’s name in the opening credits because it adds mystery as to who could possibly be playing the role of John Doe. We only find out it’s him in the big reveal as we near the film’s conclusion.
That was actually at spacey's request
@ Wow, I didn’t know that! Thanks for the info ☺️
I also loved this film. Saw it a few times when it came out and was blown away at Fincher’s visual language. As a devotee of Ridley Scott, I felt the future was in safe hands. I ended up moving to Oregon and took a job at the Swoosh. My first week there and the graphic designers were invited to a special speaker who came to campus. It was Kyle Cooper, who created the credit sequence for Se7en. He spoke at length of the style and inspiration given by Fincher and how seamless it was and integral to the film it became. It was just extra insight and context and I have been inspired and forever grateful for Cooper and his time.
Best closing line in the history of Noir films:
"Ernest Hemingway once wrote: 'the world is a fine place and worht fighting for'. I agree with the second part"
Stuckmann I had for a brief moment met Morgan Freeman at the airport in Grenada West Indies and one glimpse of him, his personality shone through as he smiled. A simple smile impacted my life. I have deep respect for him. 5 Star Movie Reviews. I enjoyed your review, but it is just over the 10 minutes line.
I saw Se7en in IMAX and bought the new 4K a few weeks ago. I knew nothing about the film aside from the “what’s in the box” quote but I had zero context. Coming out of this movie, I can say that it has not left my mind and has truly left an impact. This is such a perfect film. Thank you for sharing this, Chris.
The chase scene always stood out for me to have a tremendous lot of energy, I love love love that sequence.
The moment the grocery bag is abandoned, dropped to the floor . . . Just perfect pacing, framing, character proximity within the hallway. Never feels like "movie chase scene" or we need to become an "action movie" now. Fulfills the genre tropes but never breaks the credible character drama and motivation.
Kevin Spacey did Se7en and The Usual suspect in 1995. What a terrific actor.
OMG the guy with the limp outside the shop! I so have to watch this movie again, I never noticed that.
When you talked about the characters views on the world and people and how the solving of the murder isn't really the point of the movie I immediately thought of True Detective (season 1). You can really feel the inspiration from se7en when watching that show. Both great pieces of art!
Good observation. I liked TD1 even more than "7", but they might indeed have climbed on its shoulders for that purpose.
One thing i like the most is that they don't show the actual killer until the end i miss that type of storytelling is lacking now
One of my favorite...the intro credit set the tone for the whole movie...and makes intro credit important for movie since.
Awesome review Chris. I watched it at a screening a few weeks ago, holy moly what a insane experience! Especially since I'm a bit too young to have seen it back in the day. I've watched it several times and everytime it feels like I discover something new in the small moments, the background and characters.
I think you hit it on the head.The little nuances of the characters make them real, more human. Which makes the ending more tragic. I saw it in the theater in '95, and I walked away exhausted, kind of spent. Which I think makes it a good movie. The characters are not human beings, they are humans trying to be.
One nice little character moment that I've always loved is when the subway shakes the dinner table, Somerset grabs his wine glass to stop it from spilling 🍷
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• The Shawshank Redemption
• Se7en
• Drive
• The Hateful Eight
• Robocop
• The Count of Monte Cristo
• Terminator 2 Judgement Day
• Aliens
• Beauty and The Beast
Good timing, I went to the IMAX screening yesterday. What an experience it is to watch one of your all time favorites on the big screen!
my favorite funny moment in the movie that i wish you talked about: Mills handing Somerset a pint glass--not a wine glass--FILLED with the red wine he opted for. Somerset, so engrossed in the evidence they're studying after their dinner, failed to notice this when taking it. but when the subway once again begins to shake the home a few moments later, he quickly picks up the glass to keep it from spilling over, doing a double take with a look of dumbstruck awe on his face as he realizes what Mills had done. it was this tiny, subtle thing cooking quietly in the background that i think went over most people's heads, including mine, as it took me years & several watches to finally catch that! i was floored by how meaningful it was for both their character studies & for how the actors understood their roles. Whether Mills acted from a place of benign ignorance or macho practicality, it was just funny. Pitt executed the scene without making it obvious, which is probably why i missed it for so long. & Freeman's little reaction to his scene partner's character's choice seemed so genuine that i wondered for a long time if it was a thing the two improvised or if it was part of the script & direction.
it rocks me every time i watch it now.
I love introducing new people to this film. Rare to find someone who hasn't watched it these days, but seeing a fresh-eyed reaction to the ending is a small joy in life. It's a pretty perfect movie.
One thing I love just as much as watching Se7en? Listening/watching other passionate people like Chris talk about how phenomenal this film is. 🤘
The bar scene is INSANE! I saw it in the theater in ‘94 and I saw it in IMAX three weeks ago and this scene just worked better than ever before. Partly due to remastering and partly due to times changing and my aging, but maybe this movie was just 30 years ahead of its time. Incredible movie, one of the best ever.
There’s nothing wrong with the rain at 11:23. Sometimes it’s just like that, with a clear demarcation line between rain and no rain. I’ve seen it quite a few times.
The most significant revelation was that the characters never specify which city they're in. I love that.
Without this movie we would never have gotten saw
Saw is good, but it spawned a decade of mindless t*rt*re p**n.
10:30 I've seen Sesevenen a 7 million times and it's one of my favourites and I never saw that.
Chris, we need an updated video on your Blu-Ray collection!
I was hoping you got to see this in theater and you would make a video.
I was so happy I was able to experience one of my favorite films in theater. It was an amazing experience.
Special mention for the title sequence by Kyle Cooper (music Trent Reznor) which was WAY ahead of its time.
Saw the film when it first came out and was totally riveted by even just opening credits, a style which since has been copied countless times.
great review Chris. You are spot on about the character work in this movie and it's definitely the main reason why this film has stuck in the culture as there are lots of films with twist endings that get forgotten about
Funny how I was watching clips of this last night and you’re talking about it yet again Chris lol. Blessings to you🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Interesting that this review did not touch on Kevin Spacey's performance. Nothing like building up a super killer in the audience's imagination, and then exceeding expectations once we finally meet him. The ending works because of this fact. All the actors are at the top of their game. The combination of the three is off that chart amazing.
I watched this movie in undergrad with my roommates and even a decade later all I remember is how graphic all the crime scenes were. It has always made it hard for me to want to watch it again, but this review makes me want to watch it again because your videos have made me more aware of the details in movies.
You introduced me to this film nearly 10 years ago when I was 15, changed my life for sure. Became a film fan since then and shortly after I realized that what I wanted to do with my life is tell stories.
The studio wanted him to CHANGE the ending???!!! JEEEEZ - could you imagine?? I wonder what the studio mandated ending would've been ...
I mean I get it. Its just them refusing to take risks thinking it would tank the movie.
Glad they were proven wrong.
A dog head
Brad Pitts acting when he earned what was in the box was magnificent. Best performance in his career.
They need to do this more and more for older movies that I either was not around for or too young to see in theaters at the time. Seeing Seven on the big screen was a real treat.
bro I really like the way you talk and how you explain your point of view .
Long time non American subscriber here.
What stood out most to me during this new transfer was actually the sound design. The little details that are hidden in the mix that add to the presentation.
One of the most surprising roles in a movie ever is Kevin Spacey in this movie but also Bill Murray in Zombieland was another one. And also Johnny deep in 21 jump street or Mike Tyson in the first Hangover
Shoutout to Se7en, one of the five greatest films of all-time, and the best ending I've ever seen in a movie in my lifetime. GOATED.
I love how Stuckmann doesn’t acknowledge that Kevin Spacey is in the movie or explains his scenes as John Doe despite discussing spoilers. The revelation of the movie is so special that you want anyone to experience this for the first time and see for themselves who “John Doe” is and what’s “in the box”. This is a rare feat for a film that is one of the greatest of all time. I saw this in IMAX as well recently and I highly recommend it.
One of my favourite Fincher movies. Awesome review as ever man ❤
wow , this is your best review in a long time....good job!
This is sad to admit but I’m almost 29 and just watched it for the first time last weekend and loved it so much I then bought it on blu ray immediately after haha great video Chris!
I'm aging myself here but I saw this one on opening weekend way back in 1995 and loved it. I still think it's Fincher's best film. The 4K blu-ray looks and sounds amazing, although I wish they had upgraded the audio to Dolby Atmos.
I love that Fincher really considers this his first movie…cause after finally watching Alien 3 a few months ago, I wouldn’t consider that my first movie either 💀
Hey Chris, great review !
Just a sugestion, "Heat" is also celebrating 30th anniversary this year, maybe you can review it also ! Beeing the best action movie of all time and all 🙂
@6:39 I love how Chris went over that they had to shaved their chest hair to show relatability. It reminds me of watching the Punisher with Thomas Jane, and how much that movie itself was so good. The Punisher showed so many relatable scenes that otherwise would of been cut in today's movies.
There was a scene in the Punisher where Castle (Jane), ran up to a flipped Jeep that his wife and kid was in. He ran up to it, and wildly look around to see where they could of gone, because, he literally didn't know. The scene was maybe 2-3 second - it was so fast, but it perfectly describe the scene - chaotic.
Like, damn, we really do not get these kinds of movies that pays attention to small details like this anymore. instead, we now get movies like, The BeeKeeper, Red, or w.e. all those other junk-food like hollywood movies are now.
I saw this in theaters when I was 6 years old. (Mom meant well) changed my life. Saw Pulp Fiction on VHS a week later. Changed it again. There was a lot of stuff that felt special or epic as a kid that lose their ring over time. Se7en has stuck with me since that day and is one of the great peices of cinema I've seen.
I remember the early 2000’s when the Fight Club DVD came out and it had a commentary version of the movie where you were just listening to Brad and Edward talk about the scenes as you watched the movie with the audio fading in and out. Imo it’s the best DVD special feature and I never saw it anywhere else and it would have been phenomenal for Se7en. I pray the concept comes back.
I think the importance / potency of character writing in storytelling of any kind, especially film isn’t addressed enough.
@chrisstuckmann - fun fact: There were two original drafts of Se7en written by Andrew Kevin Walker. One had a happy ending, and the other is the ending we all know and love. Obviously, the studio at the time did not want the dark ending.
However, Walker's agent accidentally sent the wrong draft to Fincher - the one with the unhappy ending. When Fincher read that he loved it and refused to do the movie if he had to change the ending to make it happy.
The studio would not budge, so Fincher got Pitt involved, and seeing as Pitt was the hottest up and coming actor at the time, they eventually gave in and allowed Fincher to make the movie with the head in the box ending.
Recently watched this for the first time on VHS as it was gifted to me over Christmas by a family member, a cool edition to my collection. Thought it was an amazing film, was surprised the person who gifted me it was into black and white films, and when I brought that up I was met w puzzled looks.
Turns out It wasn't supposed to be in black and white at all (and wasn't entirely so, muted blues would peek through, red objects would be red and lamps would glow orange- a stylistic choice I had assumed) but the tape itself had just degraded that much over the years 😅
I think it looked really cool that way however, so I'm grateful I had such a serendipitous experience with it!
I saw this in the theater when it originally came out and it is also one of my all time favorite movies. I agree with everything you said about it. I'm curious, though, why you didn't mention Kevin Spacey at all in this review?
I think this is the introduction to what I refer to as "Fincher world", it's grimy, oppressive, rain is a big feature and light has a big impact because it contrasts with a generally dark aesthetic. Fincher World is pretty much Gotham City.
One of my all time favorites as well. Crazy that HEAT and this released in the same year. I knew even back then that the man with the camera was the villain, but I had never noticed the umbrella man outside of the freak shop before. What a movie. 👍
Surprisingly little violence is actually on screen. Plenty is implied/left to the imagination, but not shown. And yet the violence hits harder than if we'd seen it (which, of course, we would if it were made these days).