Detectives Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) investigate a series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. Each gruesome crime is meticulously planned by the killer, John Doe, who believes his actions are a commentary on humanity’s moral failings. The case takes a shocking turn when Doe surrenders and reveals his final plan, leading to a harrowing conclusion that tests the detectives’ principles and resolve.

Se7en (1995) Quotes and Philosophical Breakdown

“Ernest Hemingway once wrote, ‘The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.’ I agree with the second part.”

This quote from Detective Somerset reflects a deep cynicism about the world. It suggests that while the world may be flawed, it is still worth the effort to strive for justice and goodness.

“It’s impressive to see a man feeding off his emotions.”

This line highlights the destructive power of unchecked emotions. It serves as a reminder of the necessity for self-control and understanding one’s emotional responses.

“If we catch John Doe and he turns out to be the devil, I mean if he’s Satan himself, that might live up to our expectations, but he’s not the devil.”

Detective Mills’ words here reflect the often disappointing reality that evil is not always an otherworldly force but rather a human one, emphasizing personal responsibility in confronting it.

“I just don’t think I can continue to live in a place that embraces and nurtures apathy as if it was virtue.”

This statement critiques societal indifference, urging individuals to reject passivity and engage actively with the world to foster positive change.

“This isn’t going to have a happy ending.”

Somerset’s realism about the case serves as a broader commentary on life, suggesting that not all stories resolve neatly, and we must be prepared for complexities and challenges.

“Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer.”

This reflects on the desensitization of society, implying that drastic measures are sometimes perceived as necessary to capture attention and provoke change.

“The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

This is a reiteration of Somerset’s belief in the value of striving for goodness despite the world’s flaws, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hope.

“We see a deadly sin on every street corner, in every home, and we tolerate it.”

This line critiques societal complacency towards moral failings, urging active recognition and correction of unethical behaviors in daily life.

“Innocent? Is that supposed to be funny? An obese man, a disgusting man who could barely stand up, a man who if you saw him on the street, you’d point him out to your friends so they could join you in mocking him?”

This challenges the notion of innocence, questioning societal judgments and the ease with which people dehumanize others based on superficial attributes.

“It’s easier to beat a child than it is to raise it.”

This stark observation on parenting underscores the challenges of nurturing and guiding growth, advocating for responsibility and care in upbringing rather than opting for harmful shortcuts.

“I’m setting the example, and what I’ve done is going to be puzzled over and studied and followed… forever.”

John Doe’s words highlight the dangerous allure of infamy and the impact one’s actions can have on society, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of seeking notoriety.

“I envy your normal life.” “Envy is my sin.”

This exchange explores the theme of envy and dissatisfaction with one’s life, encouraging introspection about personal desires and the impact of coveting what others have.

“You’re no messiah. You’re a movie of the week. You’re a fucking T-shirt, at best.”

Mills’ retort to Doe’s delusions of grandeur serves as a reminder of the transient nature of fame and the futility of seeking validation through notoriety.

“I can’t take this anymore. I can’t. It’s all the same thing, the same thing over and over.”

This line captures the existential fatigue and despair that can arise from a monotonous and seemingly intractable world, emphasizing the need for change and renewal.

“What sick ridiculous puppets we are and what a gross little stage we dance on.”

This metaphor critiques the absurdity of life and the roles we play, urging individuals to seek authenticity and meaning beyond societal expectations.

“He’s just a man. If you kill him, he will win.”

Somerset’s warning about vengeance highlights the cycle of violence and the importance of maintaining moral high ground to truly overcome evil.

“We see a deadly sin on every street corner, in every home, and we tolerate it. We tolerate it because it’s common, it’s trivial.”

This repetition of the earlier sentiment reinforces the need for vigilance against moral decay and the dangers of normalizing unethical behavior.

“You do this to know you can. You do this because you want to know how it feels.”

This line speaks to human curiosity and the darker side of seeking experiences, underscoring the importance of ethical boundaries and self-awareness.

“Apathy is the solution. I mean, it’s easier to lose yourself in drugs than it is to cope with life.”

This cynical observation highlights the pervasiveness of escapism and the challenges of facing life’s difficulties head-on, advocating for engagement rather than avoidance.

“The only reason that I’m here right now is that I wanted to see what he’d do next.”

This reflects on the human fascination with evil and chaos, questioning the morality of passive observation and the need for active intervention.

Interesting Facts about Se7en (1995)

The Film’s Title Has a Unique Typographical Choice

David Fincher chose to stylize the title as “Se7en” to reflect the seven deadly sins theme, using the number “7” in place of the “v” as a visual representation of the film’s central concept.

Kevin Spacey Wasn’t Initially Credited

To maintain the surprise of John Doe’s identity, Kevin Spacey was left off the opening credits. His name only appeared in the closing credits to keep audiences unaware of his involvement until his character’s reveal.

Brad Pitt Insisted on a Realistic Injury

During the filming of the chase scene, Brad Pitt injured his arm and required surgery. He insisted that his character, Detective Mills, carry the injury throughout the film to add realism to the story.

The Original Ending Was Almost Changed

Studio executives were initially uncomfortable with the dark ending involving “what’s in the box.” However, Brad Pitt and David Fincher fought hard to retain the original ending, feeling it was vital to the film’s impact.

The Opening Credits Were Filmed in Reverse

The unsettling opening credits, which feature the meticulous writing of John Doe’s journals, were filmed in reverse and played backward to create an intriguing and disturbing effect.

John Doe’s Notebooks Took Two Months to Create

Production designer Arthur Max and his team spent two months creating the detailed notebooks for John Doe, filling them with disturbing imagery and writings to reflect the character’s meticulous nature.

Morgan Freeman’s Character Was Inspired by a Real-Life Detective

Detective Somerset, played by Morgan Freeman, was inspired by a real-life detective known for his calm demeanor and intellectual approach to solving crimes.

The Rain Was Constantly Controlled

Director David Fincher wanted the film to have a constant sense of gloom, so he had rain machines used throughout the shoot to ensure that the outdoor scenes always appeared rainy and oppressive.

The Film’s Setting Is Deliberately Ambiguous

The city in which “Se7en” takes place is never named, adding to the film’s universality and timelessness. This decision was made to emphasize the story’s themes over specific locations.

The Film’s Color Palette Was Carefully Chosen

Fincher used a muted color palette with tones of green, brown, and gray to create a gritty and oppressive atmosphere that matched the film’s dark narrative.