Comedians Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger join the hosts to discuss David Fincher's breakthrough hit Se7en. Topics include playground rumors related to the movie, Kevin Spacey's on-screen persona, the Zodiac killer, and a VERY Doughboys description of the film's 'gluttony' murder.
The movie explores the theme of profound loneliness and isolation among the characters in a dark and decaying city.
Pitt's portrayal of Detective Mills captures the essence of an individual trying to prove himself with a unique blend of naivety and determination.
Freeman's portrayal of Detective Somerset brings stability and world-weariness to the chaotic investigation.
The movie follows two detectives as they unravel a series of gruesome murders based on the seven deadly sins, testing their resolve and morality.
The film delves into the twisted mind of the killer, challenging notions of good and evil, and raising thought-provoking questions about morality and justice.
Deep dives
The Lonely Characters and Urban Decay
The movie explores the theme of profound loneliness and isolation among the characters, depicting a dark and decaying city. The married couple, despite being together, is shown in separate spaces. Even the emotional connection between the detectives is minimal. The film presents a timestamp of the late 80s and early 90s urban decay.
Brad Pitt's Performance as a Dumb Guy
Pitt's portrayal of the character Mills, a young and ambitious detective, stands out in the movie. His energy and intensity capture the essence of an individual trying to prove himself as a serious actor. His performance brings a unique blend of naivety and determination to the screen.
The Gravitas of Morgan Freeman's Performance
Freeman's portrayal of the seasoned detective Somerset is a standout in the film. His calm and steady presence provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos of the investigation. Freeman's performance highlights the character's years of experience and world-weariness, making him a key element in carrying the story forward.
Detectives investigate a series of gruesome murders
The movie follows two detectives as they investigate a series of gruesome murders based on the seven deadly sins. The first victim is a gluttony, followed by greed and sloth. The detectives uncover a pattern and realize that there are four more murders to come. They try to decipher the cryptic clues left behind by the killer and navigate the dark and twisted world they are drawn into. Along the way, they encounter unexpected challenges and personal revelations that test their resolve and question their own morality.
The complex mind of the killer and the pursuit of justice
The movie delves into the mind of the killer, who sees himself as an artist carrying out a twisted mission to expose the sins of society. As the detectives race against time to stop him, they are confronted with their own demons and the ethical dilemmas that come with seeking justice in a morally ambiguous world. The tension builds as they piece together the puzzle, leading to a shocking and devastating revelation that challenges their notions of good and evil.
A dark and atmospheric exploration of human nature
Through its noir-inspired visuals and atmospheric tone, the movie explores dark themes of human nature, morality, and the nature of evil. It raises thought-provoking questions about the choices we make, the consequences of our actions, and the lengths some may go to enforce their own sense of justice. With memorable performances and a gripping narrative, the movie serves as a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of the dark corners of the human psyche.
The Brilliance and Impact of David Fincher's 'Seven'
The podcast episode explores the brilliance and impact of David Fincher's film 'Seven'. It discusses how the movie's storytelling techniques, such as leaving certain gruesome scenes to the viewer's imagination, made it more effective and haunting. The episode also highlights the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly Kevin Spacey as the relentless serial killer. It mentions the film's dark and hopeless tone, but also notes the hopeful elements portrayed through Brad Pitt's character. Overall, the podcast delves into the lasting significance and unique qualities of 'Seven' as a psychological thriller.
Comparing 'Seven' to Other Serial Killer Films
In this segment, the podcast analyzes 'Seven' within the context of other serial killer films. It discusses how the movie stands out by portraying its serial killer, played by Kevin Spacey, as a super-villain mastermind. The episode contrasts this with more realistic depictions seen in films like 'Zodiac', where the killers are portrayed as deranged and mundane individuals. It also mentions the impact of 'Seven' on the portrayal of violence in cinema, noting how subsequent films and TV shows pushed boundaries even further. The podcast concludes by acknowledging the enduring fascination and cultural influence of 'Seven' as a benchmark in the genre.
'Seven' opens to strong box office numbers
In September 1995, the highly anticipated film 'Seven' opens with an impressive box office performance, earning $13.9 million in its opening weekend. The film, directed by David Fincher, goes on to become a massive hit, grossing $100 million domestically and $228 million worldwide. The dark and gritty crime thriller captures audiences with its intense storyline and memorable performances by actors Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman.
'Showgirls' and other films struggle at the box office
While 'Seven' succeeds at the box office, other films released around the same time face challenges. The controversial film 'Showgirls,' directed by Paul Verhoeven, opens to disappointing numbers, grossing only $8 million in its opening weekend. The comedic film 'To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar' featuring action stars Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo, drops to third place in its second week, while the inspirational drama 'Dangerous Minds,' starring Michelle Pfeiffer, maintains its position in the top five. Additionally, films like 'Hackers,' 'Braveheart,' and 'Mortal Kombat' continue to have a strong presence at the box office during this time.
Who loves Da Finchman? These guys do! MTV Movie Award-losing duo Mitch and Nick of the Doughboys join us to talk about David Fincher’s breakthrough hit - the nasty noir SE7EN. What can you expect from this episode? Lots of talk about “playground rumors” related to what this movie does and doesn’t actually show, a full taxonomy of Kevin Spacey’s on-screen persona, the true identity of the Zodiac killer, and a VERY Doughboys description of the film’s “gluttony” murder.
