Media Studies - 'Se7en' Title Sequence Analysis

The film 'Se7en' uses a fantastic title sequence to deliver the genre, not only of thriller, but also horror. The disturbing pictures, music/sounds and colours build a horrific, vile and mysterious image of what the contents of the film will be about. The opening of the title sequences begins with an extreme close up which is focused on a book - here we can see the dark, plain and blank colours, therefore, giving a general washed out effect which is used throughout the sequence. Throughout the whole sequence extreme close ups are used while the camera frames change very quickly, many times from images/movement to blank black screens with credits on; this is very significant as the audience can reflect and question the previous image, while also being informed of the credits on show. As the sequence goes on we can almost make out a story unveiling - the question brought to mind is "Who is this person?" and "What is he going to do?" - the gruesome pictures and images continuously reinforcing the genre and unnerving atmosphere.
     The non-diegetic sounds play a big part in producing a blood-curdling sense and atmosphere; at the beginning a slow ghaustly and mysterious beat is accompanied with creepy, unexpected screeches; the beat gradually increases until a fast, powerful and intense rhythm is formed. While the music plays, flashing images flicker for split seconds, resulting in a transparent, projection effect - this again reinforcing the mysterious, weird and unnusual atmosphere. The high - or even birds eye view - camera angles used gives the audience focus on the object displayed, as shadows surround most frames to show the darkness and evil of this person. The actions of this person such as the cutting of the paper, slicing of his finger tips and stitching of the book metaphorically symbolises images of creulty, immorality and monstrosity; this gives us clues and ideas about the rest of the film that awaits.
     The credits are also effectively used as the font appears as a bright light which is handwritten: small and very thin. These credits also flicker which relates to some of the previous images. The title flashes extremely quickly - like a projection - in a similar font as the credits, except bolder and larger when compared - this shows more importance of the title and reinforces the mysteriousness once again, as quick camera shots leave little time to figure out what they have seen. Finally, as the title sequence comes to an end, the fast beat intense music stops and the words "You got me closer to god." are heard; this would certainly imply that death is involved in the film, therefore, suppling the finishing clue to the sequence.