How are conventions of film noir used in the opening of Se7en?

How does the director of Se7en use conventions of film noir in the opening of the film?

By Freya, Sarah and Timiah

Ambiguous prop (the floral wallpaper) suggests a privatised sensitive side to the protagonist.

The badge signifies that Somerset is a conventional protagonist of film noir because he is a detective.

The pocket-knife suggests the conventional themes of violence and danger in film noir.

The close-up shot of the props emphasise their importance in the exposition of the character and their value to him.

His sarcastic remark suggests that he is cynical, which is conventional for protagonists of film noir.

The shallow focus emphasises the character’s isolation and could also present his concentration as he analyses every detail of the crime scene, presenting him as inquisitive.

The shot is filmed in low lighting with dark shadows surrounding the protagonist, creating a metaphor for his possible dark past and the evil of the city which he is in.

Classic conventional costumes. The juxtaposition of the two characters costumes emphasise the conflict between them, as Somerset is dressed more neatly than Mills.

The de-saturated colour palette of the clothing and background emphasises the bleakness of the urban setting.

Low angle shot suggests equal power and creates a sense of opposition between the two characters, reinforced by the balance of the shot with each character on opposite sides of the frame.

Conventional urban setting and location.

Ambient lighting is used, which is conventional of film noir.

The diegetic sound used in this scene of sirens and shouting suggests disturbance and unease in the character’s lonely urban life.

Deep shadows symbolise the theme of immorality.

The protagonist is not centred in the frame, emphasising his loneliness, and the prop of the double bed suggests that he may have lost a loved one. Other props such as the different lights on either side of the bed reinforce the suggestion of a lack of balance and stability in his life.