20. Seven

We have finally reached the best film of the list so far! Seven (1995) is one of my favourite films of all time, because it surprised me by reaching the nerd in me in a new way. In this psychological thriller, a veteran detective and a newly qualified detective are hunting down a serial killer who has themed his killings on the seven deadly sins. The seven deadly sins are: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth, which are named as such because they inspire people to commit other sins and behave immorally. Seven stars Morgan Freeman as Detective Somerset and is perfectly paired with Brad Pitt who is Detective Mills. Seven is directed by David Fincher who has also directed films such as Gone Girl and the Social Network.

Seven is informed by 2 medieval literature books which cover the seven deadly sins in their themes and the links to these texts are craftily interwoven into Seven’s narrative making it both an educational watch, as well as humorous at times. The link to these two texts just blew my mind because I was able to reconcile with the depth of the story and connect with the motive of the director, to tell a complete story with a wholly satisfactory and cathartic ending.

I scored this film 76 because it challenged all my beliefs about film making. It went against everything I thought I believed regarding morality within films and practicality. Instead it made me appreciate on a new more complex level the art of storytelling and the importance of telling the whole story to satisfy the audience. If you watch just one film on the list, then make it this one.

Judging Criteria

SCRIPTURAL INTEGRATION - 20 points: 16

STORY/SCREENPLAY - 10 points: 9

DIRECTOR - 10 points:8

CINEMATOGRAPHY - 10 points:7

EDITOR - 10 points:7

PRODUCTION DESIGN - 10 points:7

ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE or SCORE EFFECTIVENESS (if not original) - 10 points: 6

SOUND DESIGN - 10 points:7

ACTING - 10 points: 9

TOTAL SCORE 100 POINTS. : 76