What's in the Box?, Reelive

Mills
Mills

What's in the box?

John Doe
John Doe

You're going to be just fine, Mills.

Mills
Mills

What's in the box?!?

John Doe
John Doe

You know, I don't think you believe me. You're in denial.

Mills
Mills

Tell me!

John Doe
John Doe

What's in the box?! This is a simple question.

Mills
Mills

You're going to die in a ditch.

John Doe
John Doe

You should have been there... to see her face.

Mills
Mills

Tell me! What's in the f***ing box?

John Doe
John Doe

It's still in your heart, Mills.

Mills
Mills

GIVE IT TO ME!

John Doe
John Doe

She was beautiful.

Mills
Mills

What's in the box?!?

John Doe
John Doe

What's in the box is why you make her face!

The Sin of Apathy, Reelive

Mills
Mills

Everybody is a bad guy, they just haven't been caught yet.

Somerset
Somerset

You really think that?

Mills
Mills

It's the truth. Everyone has a darkness. We have to face it.

Somerset
Somerset

And what do you believe? That catching a killer makes the world a better place?

Mills
Mills

Somebody has to care.

Somerset
Somerset

When they stop caring, that's when society falls.

On the Edge of The Abyss, Reelive

Somerset
Somerset

You know, I used to have a lot of faith.

Mills
Mills

In what?

Somerset
Somerset

In people, in this city.

Mills
Mills

You feel that way now?

Somerset
Somerset

I'm very close to giving up.

Mills
Mills

We can't give up.

Somerset
Somerset

Where do you think that gets us?

The Seven Deadly Sins, Reelive

Mills
Mills

What do we know about the killer?

Somerset
Somerset

He's methodical. Deliberate.

Mills
Mills

You think he's trying to teach us something?

Somerset
Somerset

I think he's holding a mirror up to society.

Mills
Mills

What do you mean?

Somerset
Somerset

You should look in that mirror, David. How many sins have you committed?

Mills
Mills

We all sin, but it doesn't mean we deserve this.

Somerset
Somerset

Perhaps he feels that we do.

The Choice of Life, Reelive

Mills
Mills

You can't tell me we don't have a choice.

Somerset
Somerset

Some things are out of our hands.

Mills
Mills

No! We decide how we react.

Somerset
Somerset

Do we? Or do we just stumble through life?

The Cynicism of Somerset, Reelive

Mills
Mills

Why do you care? You've been around long enough to know how this works.

Somerset
Somerset

Because someone has to.

Mills
Mills

You've convinced yourself that it doesn't mean anything.

Somerset
Somerset

It doesn't.

Mills
Mills

Then why do we keep doing it?

Somerset
Somerset

Maybe to remain human?

The Final Revelation, Reelive

Mills
Mills

Tell me what you want!

John Doe
John Doe

I want you to feel exactly how I feel.

Mills
Mills

What, you want me to kill you?

John Doe
John Doe

Kill me? No, Mills. I'm asking you to feel what it's like to lose everything.

Mills
Mills

I already do.

John Doe
John Doe

You thought you did.

The Weight of Sin, Reelive

Mills
Mills

It's like we're wading through the worst of humanity.

Somerset
Somerset

Humanity can't seem to help itself.

Mills
Mills

You mean to tell me that this is how we live?

Somerset
Somerset

It's the choice we make.

The Question of Justice, Reelive

Somerset
Somerset

What would you do if you had the chance?

Mills
Mills

I'd make him pay.

Somerset
Somerset

And then?

Mills
Mills

I want him to know what he did.

Somerset
Somerset

Would that really change anything?

Mills
Mills

Maybe it would.

Feeling Grounded, Reelive

Mills
Mills

Do you ever feel like we're wasting our time?

Somerset
Somerset

I do. All the time.

Mills
Mills

And yet, you keep going.

Somerset
Somerset

Force of habit, David. One foot in front of the other.

Desperation of Justice, Reelive

Mills
Mills

What if the system is flawed? What if it's designed to break?

Somerset
Somerset

Then we adapt, and we fight.

Mills
Mills

But for what? Justice?

Somerset
Somerset

Justice is subjective. It's a human concept.

An Exchange of Wisdom, Reelive

Somerset
Somerset

There's a darkness out there, Mills.

Mills
Mills

I know that. But we have to fight it.

Somerset
Somerset

Sometimes the darkness fights back.

Mills
Mills

Then we push harder.

Questioning Existence, Reelive

Somerset
Somerset

What if everything you believed was a lie?

Mills
Mills

Then I would find a new truth.

Somerset
Somerset

And what if that truth was even darker?

Mills
Mills

Then I'd face it.

The Pain of Reality, Reelive

Mills
Mills

I can't keep ignoring the pain.

Somerset
Somerset

Pain is part of life, David.

Mills
Mills

But it feels never-ending.

Somerset
Somerset

Embrace it. Learn from it.

The Inevitable Climax, Reelive

Mills
Mills

The cities never change, do they?

Somerset
Somerset

No, they just grow darker.

Mills
Mills

And we just walk the same paths.

Somerset
Somerset

Eyes wide, but blind all the same.

Symbols of Hope, Reelive

Mills
Mills

There must be something worth saving.

Somerset
Somerset

Maybe hope is just a fleeting illusion.

Mills
Mills

Then let's keep the flame alive.

Somerset
Somerset

It's exhausting, isn't it?

The Loss of Innocence, Reelive

Mills
Mills

It feels like we've lost everything.

Somerset
Somerset

We were never innocent to begin with.

Mills
Mills

But we can't forget who we are.

Somerset
Somerset

What if forgetting is the only way to survive?

The Weight of the World, Reelive

Mills
Mills

What if we can't save anyone?

Somerset
Somerset

Then that's our burden to carry.

Mills
Mills

Is that how it has to be?

Somerset
Somerset

Sometimes we're just trying to lighten the load.

Detective David Mills

What's in the box?

Detective David Mills

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

I want you to know, I'm not a bad guy.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

There's nothing in this box that you've ever seen before.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

You're not going to be able to save everyone, Mills.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

People will say they're doing it for their own good, but they're really doing it for their own satisfaction.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive
Morpheus (not in Se7en but used in the context of the movie's themes)

There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.

Morpheus (not in Se7en but used in the context of the movie's themes)

Se7en, Reelive
Detective David Mills

It's like you were trying to prove a point.

Detective David Mills

Se7en, Reelive
Detective David Mills

I'm just trying to get through this life without losing my mind.

Detective David Mills

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

You know, if you had a problem with your partner, you could have come to me.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

The world is a cruel and dangerous place.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

In the end, it's all just a game.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

I'd like to see you go through the motions of being a good cop.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

You can't imagine the horror that lies ahead.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
Detective David Mills

This is a hundred times worse than anything you could imagine.

Detective David Mills

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

You'll see that the world is a far worse place than you think.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

What's in the box is all that you can't control.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

I'm not a monster. I'm just a man who's had his fill.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

Your God is a lie.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
John Doe

It's a sin to be a man.

John Doe

Se7en, Reelive
Detective David Mills

This is just the beginning.

Detective David Mills

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

In my opinion, the crime wasn't as gruesome as the way you lived your life.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive
Detective William Somerset

We all come to our end one way or another.

Detective William Somerset

Se7en, Reelive

Closer

Closer by Nine Inch Nails, Used during the opening credits and key scenes throughout the film

The Mark Has Been Made

The Mark Has Been Made by Nine Inch Nails, Played during intense moments in the film

Memories

Memories by The Dust Brothers, Featured in various scenes, enhancing the film's dark atmosphere


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The Discovery of the First Victim

Detectives Mills and Somerset arrive at a crime scene to find the first victim, gluttony, displayed grotesquely. The camera pans to reveal the horrifying sight, impacting both detectives profoundly. Their reactions set the tone for the darkness of their investigation. This harrowing moment plunges them into a series of murders that represent the seven deadly sins, raising the stakes of their pursuit.

Context: This moment introduces the audience to the chilling nature of the killer's motives and showcases the stark contrast between Mills' youthful optimism and Somerset's weary realism.

The Sloth Murder

Upon discovering the body of the sloth victim, Somerset is overwhelmed by the gruesomeness of the crime, illustrating the killer's twisted sense of punishment. The stark visuals of a wasted life haunt the detectives and the audience, capturing the horror of whats to come.

Context: The victims state serves to highlight the killers methodical nature and the slow deterioration of the victim over time, reflecting the lethargy of sloth as a sin.

The First Encounter with John Doe

The tense moment where the detectives meet John Doe unexpectedly at the police station is electric. Doe's calm demeanor and chilling confidence contrast sharply with the chaos surrounding him. He taunts Mills, leaving him enraged and desperate.

Context: This encounter marks a turning point, showcasing Doe's psychological games and setting the stage for a disturbing cat-and-mouse chase.

The Revelation of the Wife's Fate

When Mills discovers that John Doe kidnapped his wife, its a crushing blow. The weight of the emotional turmoil is palpable. Mills panic and fear are mirrored through the intense visuals and swift edits, pulling viewers into his despair.

Context: This moment personalizes the stakes for Mills, connecting his motivations to the larger themes of love, loss, and the cost of obsession in the face of evil.

The Head in the Box

In perhaps the most famous moment, Mills opens the box to find his wife's head inside. The reaction is visceralMills breaks down, his fury and despair explode in the quiet room. Its a brutal culmination of the film's tension, visually shocking and emotionally devastating.

Context: This reveal not only serves as a climax for Mills' narrative arc but encapsulates the overall horror and impact of the sins that have unfolded throughout the film.

Somersets Monologue on Evil

Somerset reflects on the nature of evil in a haunting monologue. His deep contemplation is backed by a somber score as he articulates the disillusionment that festers within him regarding humanity.

Context: This moment deepens the film's exploration of morality, providing insight into Somerset's character and his struggle with the weight of the worlds darkness.

Mills Breakdown

After the devastating discovery, Mills screams in frustration and heartbreak. His emotional breakdown captures the audience, showcasing the overwhelming grief and rage of a man who has lost everything.

Context: This scene serves as a harsh reminder of personal loss and the tragic consequences of the killer's manipulations.

The Chase Through the Rain

A tension-filled atmosphere as Mills chases after John Doe through the rain-soaked streets. The gritty visuals and pounding soundtrack amplify the urgency of the moment, culminating in a feeling of desperation that envelops the viewer.

Context: This chase symbolizes Mills' frantic attempt to regain control in a chaotic world, reinforcing the storys themes of pursuit and failure.

The Final Offer

In the final moments, Mills points a gun at John Doe after being pushed to the brink. The dialogue exchanged is loaded with emotional weight, as Mills wrestles with justice versus revenge.

Context: This confrontation reflects the climactic clash between the ideals of justice and the corrosive nature of vengeance, encapsulating the film's moral complexity.

The Symbol of the Seven

Throughout the film, the symbols of the seven deadly sins are visually represented. Each one is paired with elaborate death scenes reflecting the victims' sins, creating a haunting narrative thread that binds the story together.

Context: These symbols serve as a reminder of humanity's flaws, providing depth to the story's exploration of morality and sin.

Somersets Farewell

In his final moments, Somerset prepares to leave the city. The weight of his experiences is captured in a poignant scene where he reflects on the universe's indifference, embodying the despair of having seen too much.

Context: This farewell signifies Somerset's resignation, highlighting his disillusionment and the enduring battle between hope and despair.

The Rain-soaked Ending

The film concludes with a haunting shot of rain falling as Somerset walks away from the crime scene, symbolizing cleansing yet also sadness. This visual of fleeting hope amid dark outcomes leaves a lasting impression.

Context: The ending resonates with themes of existential dread and the cyclical nature of life, encapsulating the film's atmosphere.

The Filthy Environment

The film regularly shows a dirty and decaying city, mirroring the moral decay of the characters. The claustrophobic shots create a disturbing atmosphere that amplifies the tension and foreboding feeling throughout.

Context: Setting plays a crucial role, reflecting the internal struggles of the detectives and the pervasive evil they confront.

Investigating Does Apartment

As they search John Does apartment, the detectives uncover a horrifying collection of materials related to the murders. The meticulous nature of Doe's preparations reveals his delusions of grandeur.

Context: This moment serves as a chilling look into the mind of the killer, emphasizing the lengths he goes to justify his actions.

The Connection to the Sins

Throughout their investigations, Mills and Somerset begin to connect the nature of each murder to its corresponding sin, building tension as they race against time to prevent more deaths.

Context: Each connection deepens the mystery, showcasing the detectives' gradual unraveling of the case and revealing the mastermind's cunning.

Mills Pride

Mills' final confrontation with pride is a culmination of his character arc. His hot-headedness leads to tragic consequences, showcasing his struggle against his own inner flaws.

Context: This moment illustrates the personal battles each character faces, making the ultimate outcome even more impactful.

The Dilemma of Justice

The philosophical debates between Mills and Somerset regarding justice, morality, and duty highlight the film's exploration of these themes, adding depth to their characters.

Context: These discussions serve as emotional anchors throughout the film, illustrating the complexity of human nature and the choices we make.

Does Confession

John Doe reveals the reasoning behind his twisted plan. His calm explanation of why he committed each murder is chilling, drawing viewers into the warped psyche of the antagonist.

Context: This confession is vital as it unmasks Doe's motivations and solidifies him as a character, making the audience grapple with the horror of his ideology.

The Impact of Guilt

As Somerset interviews witnesses of the killings, their remorse and guilt are palpable, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of John Doe's actions on innocent lives.

Context: This scene emphasizes the moral ambiguity of the world portrayed in the film, as even the witnesses are left shaken by the events.

Does Encounter with the Police

When John Doe surrenders to the police, his confident demeanor juxtaposed with the anxious tension of the officers is striking. Its a moment of unexpected chaos that reframes the power dynamics of the story.

Context: This unexpected twist showcases Doe's psychological control, leaving viewers intrigued and unnerved.

The Revelation in the Library

The detectives discover crucial information in a library, piecing together the overarching picture of John Doe's plan. The visuals of clippings and books evoke an eerie sense of dread.

Context: This pivotal moment serves as a turning point that leads them closer to understanding Doe's motivations, building suspense.

The Importance of Each Sin

The moments before each murder highlight the significance of the corresponding sin depicted, capturing the audience's attention and reinforcing the killer's moral justification.

Context: This layered storytelling enhances the narrative, immersing the viewer deeper into the thematic elements of the film.

The Strain on Their Partnership

As tensions rise between Mills and Somerset, their arguments reflect the strain of their partnership, showcasing the battle between idealism and cynicism.

Context: These moments provide insight into the characters' philosophies, deepening the emotional stakes of the investigation.


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Casting Change for the Role of Mills

Initially, Brad Pitt was not the first choice for the role of Detective David Mills. The filmmakers considered several actors before casting Pitt, who was a rising star at the time.

Why it matters: Pitt's subsequent performance and embodiment of Mills brought a unique blend of charm and desperation to the character, which ultimately influenced the emotional depth of the film and shaped audience connections with the story.

The Use of Color and Lighting

Director David Fincher used a distinct color palette characterized by muted tones to evoke a gritty, urban atmosphere throughout the film.

Why it matters: This artistic choice reinforced the film's themes of decay and despair, enhancing the immersive experience of the bleak world the characters inhabit.

The Famous Box Scene

In the final scenes of the film, the mysterious package symbolizes the culmination of the film's spiraling tension and serves as a plot device that leads to the film's shocking climax.

Why it matters: Fincher's decision to shroud the contents in secrecy until the very last moment created a profound sense of anticipation and dread, leaving lasting impressions on audiences.

The Character of John Doe

Kevin Spacey, who played John Doe, was not credited during the film's promotional material to maintain the suspense and reveal his character's identity effectively.

Why it matters: This decision emphasized the themes of anonymity and the nature of evil, making the eventual reveal of Doe's character more impactful and haunting.

On-Set Dilemma with Props

During filming, the crew had difficulties finding authentic props for the grisly crime scenes, especially the decaying body used in the 'Gluttony' scene.

Why it matters: The realism achieved through these props enhanced the film's disturbing nature and heightened audience reactions, making the horror of each Sin feel visceral.

The Dark Score

The film's score was composed by Howard Shore, who originally intended a more conventional orchestral piece. Fincher requested a score that would create a more unsettling atmosphere.

Why it matters: The dark, discordant music heightened the film's tension and psychological impact, contributing to its status as a psychological thriller classic.

The Signature Title Sequence

The opening credits feature digitally manipulated footage of various materials, creating an unsettling visual that sets the tone for the movie.

Why it matters: This choice not only established the film's mood but also indicated Fincher's innovative approach to filmmaking, echoing themes of obsession and decay.

Pitt's Fight Scene on Set

In a fight scene with John Doe, Brad Pitt accidentally struck Kevin Spacey, leading to an authentic reaction that is kept in the final cut.

Why it matters: This unplanned moment added a raw intensity to the scene, demonstrating the chaotic emotions of Mills as he confronts the murderer.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Reaction to the Script

Gwyneth Paltrow had a strong emotional reaction to her character's fate when she first read the script, leading her to question whether she should take the role.

Why it matters: Her commitment to portraying Tracy as a multi-dimensional character contributed depth to the narrative, making her tragic fate more impactful for the audience.

David Fincher's Directing Style

Fincher is known for his meticulous directing style, often requiring multiple takes to achieve the perfect shot.

Why it matters: This dedication resulted in a tightly crafted narrative that maintained tension throughout, significantly enhancing the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

The 'Sloth' Scene's Make-up

The actor portraying the 'Sloth' victim was actually in a lying position for so long that he required protective eye gear during filming due to the prolonged makeup expenses.

Why it matters: This behind-the-scenes reality added a level of authenticity and horror that contributed to the film's visceral impact, especially as this scene is one of the most memorable.

The Ending's Rose

The use of the rose in the climax has symbolic ties to beauty and tragedy, representing Tracy's untimely demise.

Why it matters: This subtle yet powerful visual decision added a layer of poignancy to the film, resonating with audiences via its stark representation of Mills' heartbreak.

Filming Locations

Fincher chose to film in various locations to ensure an anonymous, timeless feel. The city itself almost becomes a character within the story.

Why it matters: This enhances the viewer's sense of claustrophobia and helps to immerse them in the film's disturbing reality, deepening the overall psychological impact.

Influence of Real Crimes

Fincher drew inspiration from various real-life murders and the psychological profiles of serial killers while writing the script.

Why it matters: This choice intensified the film's emotional weight and realism, making it not just a thriller but also a commentary on the nature of evil.

The Rainy Atmosphere

The frequent rain depicted in the film was a deliberate production choice to emphasize feelings of hopelessness.

Why it matters: This use of weather helped evoke a foreboding atmosphere, symbolizing the despair of the characters' journeys.

Multiple Script Revisions

The script underwent numerous revisions, much of which was a direct response to the direction and vision of David Fincher.

Why it matters: These changes refined the script's tension and thematic elements, which played a crucial role in shaping the final form of the film.

Minimal Use of CGI

The filmmakers chose to minimize CGI effects, opting instead for practical effects and real set designs.

Why it matters: This approach resulted in a more authentic and gritty portrayal of violence and horror, contributing to the film's chilling realism.

Reluctance of the Cast

Many cast members expressed concern over the film's dark themes, which led the producers to handle promotional aspects carefully.

Why it matters: This anxiety reflected a genuine contemplation of the film's heavy content, ultimately enhancing authenticity in their portrayals as they grappled with moral dilemmas.

The Blood-Letting Scene

During the making of the scene where John Doe collects his victims' blood, the effects team had to come up with innovative methods to create the desired horror without excessive gore.

Why it matters: These creative effects lend themselves to psychological horror, as they allow viewers to imagine the violence rather than show it explicitly.

Fincher's Vision of Hell

David Fincher sought to depict a modern version of Hell, shaping the narrative structure around the Seven Deadly Sins.

Why it matters: This approach added a moral dimension to the storytelling, prompting audiences to reflect on ethical questions that endure beyond the film.

The Unorthodox Ending

Fincher originally considered alternative endings, but the decision to maintain the original conclusion led to a more profound existential reflection for the characters.

Why it matters: This unexpected choice not only heightens viewer shock but also adds layers of meaning regarding the consequences of formulating one's morality.

Budget Constraints with the 'Poverty' Scene

Due to budget constraints, the shooting of the 'Greed' scene required meticulous planning and resourcefulness, leading to coach-loading the crew.

Why it matters: This necessity to be creatively resourceful allowed Fincher to craft a compelling sequence that feels substantial despite limitations, showcasing the filmmakers' dedication.

Se7en's Influence on Cinema

The film's intense thriller approach led to a resurgence in dark, psychological horror that influenced numerous filmmakers and films that followed.

Why it matters: This lasting impact on the genre exemplifies its significance, as it encourages more filmmakers to explore darker themes with emotional depth.


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