Character Representation - Brad Pitt

The "new" masculinity, represented by Brad Pitt, differs from the old one in the sense that it is based on esthetics and physical appareances. It presents a blond, pretty looking young man who has an equally attractive girl, a modern camera and a car. The image portrayed is one of a sexual man, compared to the traditional man figure of the Malboro Man: a tough, rural person, who represents strenght and freedom in the sense of the open realtionship with nature. Instead, this modern model illustrates a more idealized, fashionable stereotype of masculinity, appealing for a more comercial trend.

Brad Pitt is given an image of a perfect family man, a caring husband who loves his attractive wife, in the sense they have been together since highschool, showing a high commitement. He is charismatic with the dogs and is equal with her as they get swiftly along and jokingly insult each other, matching the image of this new masculinity, this symbol of a caring, dedicated man who is not afraid to demonstrate his emotions. 

Se7en

It consists basically of a detective (a cop drama) movie, blending with influences of:  thriller,  represented in the constant tension created throughout the film in a nearly claustrophobic way; mystery, shown in the solving of a complex crime; serial killer-horror in the display of extreme gore of the crimes and their brutality; also, the influence from Noir mood or movement is very clear (although this is not a genre), as the atmosphere throughout the whole movie is a dark, menacing one. In cop drama conventions, we see both stereotypal characters being the experienced and the young one, and the contrast between them.

Seven = Noir Conventions

The ambience presented in the movie is a typical Noir environment. This is one of an unknown city (stereotypal, allegorical-style, portrayal of a general situation), in where the climate is always rainy, there is a heavy contrast of dull lighting and strong bluish-white artificial light creating a cold, metallic atmosphere detached from sentiment. A world of crime and murder is portrayed (for example, by the presenting of the newspaper headlines, or the anecdote told by Somerset), one lacking any morality, in which even schools are corrupt. The fabric of this society is one based on a horrible reality.

Labyrinths are presented throughout the movie following the Noir conventions. They convey the situation in where the characters are lost, unguided and without an exit. Examples are the Dutch shot of the police department building (notice the Dutch shot creates the effect of an unbalanced, corrupt world, lacking moral equilibrium), or the persecution scene in which the characters find themselves confused in the building corridors. Quick editing (rapid shot change, closed framing, dynamic camera movement) convey this effect of losing oneself, at a physical level, in where they are disoriented in a persecution, and as a more deeper analysis, in which they are devoid from purpose and meaning in the presented world and situation.

There is a constant diagetic noise of screamings and traffic from the street, which creates this oppressed setting in where crime and the urban underworld lurk from every corner. This is reinforced by the non-diagetic sounds: a high pitched orchestral sound makes its constant prescence throughout almost every scene, adding to this dense, charged up atmosphere.

The presenting of characters is also typical of Noir conventions. A serial killer is portrayed, and two detectives which are ment to be compared