08.02.1996

Gruesome stuff

Eddie Ford reviews 'Seven', directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker (1995, US, general release)

If there is anybody out there who thought that Aliens 3 was a good movie, then this might be the film for you. The director employs the same stifling and claustrophobic techniques for Seven as he did for Aliens 3 - this time, unfortunately, he has a much bigger budget and a publicity department which has plans for world domination.

This is cynical exploitation made into an ‘art form’. We are meant to believe that the unpleasant and extremely hackneyed plot - the evil genius serial killer who outwits his pursuers at every turn - is somehow deep.

Contrary to the propaganda, we are not treated to a naughty peek into the dark side of human nature, but offered a glimpse of the capitalist film industry at its most gruesome. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as the outwitted cops are very good though.

Eddie Ford