Se7en opening

The opening of the film 'Se7en' successfully establishes tone and character through use of lighting, props, sound and space.

This part of the scene uses sound to help establish the location and contrast with the character of detective Somerset. The diegetic sound of the busy city sounds such as police sirens and people etc. create a sense of chaos which could be a reason why the character wants more control in his life. Also it contrasts with the character and his actions in this part of the scene as we see him doing up his sleeves and making his clothes neat for work, which imply order, it contrasts in another way too, it compares his fairly empty and lonely apartment to the busy city outside and reinforces the character's loneliness.

This shot successfully establishes the character of detective Somerset, each item in the shot is spread out evenly apart and straightened, this could suggest that the character wants to have more control in his life so he takes control of the most minor things, which suggests that his life is slightly chaotic. It could also imply that he likes order which is reinforced by the badge in the middle, which also shows that the character is important in his work in the force.The knife could suggest that he feels paranoid or insecure. The paper flower suggest sentimentality and creates an enigma surrounding the character from the first scene which is added to by his precision with the items that also suggest something about the character's past.

The lighting in the first part of the opening scene, when the character is getting ready for work, is cold and quite dark, this could reflect or draw influences from the dimly lit scenes in some film noirs. Also the main character is a detective and wears quite a classic costume which are main elements of film noir. The lighting creates feelings of loneliness and isolation as well in the scene which is reinforced in other shots. The character's neatness or precision with his coat and his bed reinforce the idea that he wants more control or order.

Space or framing, and lighting are used interestingly in this shot. Firstly, the framing of the shot means the character is off centre and not following the rule of thirds, it implies loneliness and isolation, the space next to him suggests that there was another person in his life but there isn't anymore, reinforced by his placement in this part of the scene, which leaves a space next to him on the bed. This reinforces the mystery surrounding the character. Also, the light comes from natural light sources which are the two lamps seen in this shot, this adds to the sense of isolation and loneliness in the scene, also, the light on the left could also represent the other person and suggests he misses them, while adding to the mystery of the character.