SE7EN Analysis codes and conventions

Analysis of Codes and Conventions on Se7en

The opening sequence of the thriller SE7EN consists of a variety of technical, verbal and symbolic codes and conventions. In this essay I will be analysing the codes and conventions and what they connote to the audience.

Codes

Editing is used as a technical code in the title sequence. During the title sequence we see a lot of fast paced shots. This could connote that not a lot wants to be given away to the audience. The fast paces mean that the audience don’t have long enough to look at the shots and take it in. Therefore they would go into the film oblivious of what would go on.

The fast paced shots could also foreshadow the rapidity of the film and how fast everything would take place.

Messy handwriting is also used as a verbal code. The names of the actors, directors etc are shown in scribbled untidy writing. This could connote someone being impatient, (like the villain). The messiness in addition could connote how chaotic the movie would be. Another verbal code used was when text about a pregnant woman was highlighted. This connotes themes of sexuality and also conforms to the stereotype that men dominate women, because in the opening sequence the hand that is shown belongs to a male figure; that then highlights a vulnerable female as him victim.

The colour red is used as a symbolic code. We see pictures of people put into red ink. This connotes the bloodshed by people, anger of the villain or even death. On the other hand the colour red could also connote the love that some of the characters could have for each other.

Conventions

A filter is used as a technical genre convention. There is limited colour throughout the sequence. The colour was dull and earthy which connotes the feeling of sadness and sorrow. It could also connote some being buried because of the earthy colours. The filter is used in thriller genres to show that not everything is clear and there is always mystery. In addition the protagonist is not shown in the sequence; this is done to give the audience an element of surprise. It connotes secrecy and tension.

Diegetic sound is used as a verbal convention. There was a scream in the background of the opening sequence. Screams are typically used in thrillers to show the fear and vulnerability of the victim. The scream connotes all the tension built up in the victim and villain that they want to release. The scream also connotes the dread of the victim.

In the opening sequence the symbolic convention was the removal of evidence. The protagonist uses a razor blade to remove his fingerprints. The removal of evidence is common in the thriller genre because it shows criminality. Using a blade to remove his fingerprints connotes danger and carelessness. On the other hand it also shows that the villain is dedicated to his work because he is going to extremes to make sure he is not interrupted.