A stylistic gem (Seven (DVD))

Member Name: nobbledegook

Product:	Seven (DVD)
Date:	09/07/00 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Spacey

Disadvantages: Paltrow

All too often horror films are perceived as a slightly inferior product compared to serious drama. This film goes some way to redressing that balance.

The film is bleak but in such a glossy way, that I felt distanced from the plot, and found myself marvelling at the work of the director and performers. And there is much to admire.

The performances are superb. Both Freeman and Pitt (yes, he can act , albeit with a limited range - see Fightclub) offer classy acting turns, but the film is stolen by Kevin Spacey. In retrospect it is hard to believe he only appears in the closing act, as his performance sticks in the mind like an image seared onto your retina. It ranks alongside his best work (see also The Usual Suspects). Oh, Gwyneth Paltrow puts in an appearance, and is suitably rewarded for it in the final scene. If this was for real and not just make-believe, we could have been spared that overblown oscar acceptance speech. The film might have had some difficulty getting past the censors though.

The film is painted with a very limited palette of colours, and the constant rain begins to seep into your soul, so that come the final scene, when we are bathed in light and warmth in the desert, we can't but help feel optimistic despite ourselves. We know in our hearts that he has one more trick up his sleeve - but what a trick. Come on, who expected that?

Superb plotting, taught direction, classy cinematography, and solid to great performances. What more do you want from a film with a body count?

Summary: