September 29.
Cameron Crowe was completely perplexed by the news he was reading, as Billy Carson exceeded his expectations. The Washington Post was perhaps what piqued his curiosity.
With the newspaper in hand, he and his wife walked to the cinema to see Billy Carson's new film, driven by Cameron's desire to watch the latest work of his colleagues. The newspaper was simply brilliant.
*Recommendations of the Week*
Se7en (1995), directed by David Fincher and starring Billy Carson, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey, is a film that has left an indelible mark on the psychological thriller genre. Its dark and engaging plot, along with unexpected twists, makes it a cinematic experience that surprises and confounds viewers.
The story follows detectives Somerset (Freeman) and Mills (Carson) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders based on the seven deadly sins. Each crime is more macabre than the last, and Fincher spares no effort in showcasing the brutality and depravity of humanity, skillfully capturing our attention. The film's atmosphere is bleak and oppressive, with cinematography that employs shadows and constant rain to underscore the despair and horror enveloping the city where the story unfolds, filmed in Philadelphia, creating a somber backdrop.
What truly astonishes viewers is the narrative structure and character development. From the outset, Se7en establishes a tone of hopelessness and fatalism, but it is in its final act that the film truly hits hard. The climactic twist, revealing the contents of the mysterious box in the desert, is one of the most shocking and discussed moments in cinematic history. The revelation not only surprises with its brutality but also redefines the struggle between good and evil that lies at the heart of the story.
Kevin Spacey, in the role of the enigmatic and disturbing killer John Doe, delivers a chilling performance that adds a layer of intrigue and horror. His calm demeanor and twisted logic contrast sharply with the detectives' growing desperation, culminating in a climax that defies expectations and leaves the audience contemplating the nature of justice and morality.
Se7en is not just a thriller; it is a profound exploration of the darkest corners of the human soul. The film captivates not only with its narrative twists but also with its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, immersed in an atmosphere of relentless suspense. Fincher, with his precise and stylized direction, creates a masterpiece that continues to resonate and disturb long after the credits roll.
*Rating: 8.7*
By Walter Rud.
...
-How good can it be? - Cameron asked, holding the tickets.
-That's the actor who was in your movie. - Nancy, Cameron's wife, remarked.
-It is. -
-He's quite handsome... don't get me wrong, he's attractive. - Nancy commented.
Laughing at Cameron's reaction.
-He's 20 years old, and he embodies everything we wished to be at that age—handsome, successful, and athletic. - Cameron said, observing Billy's profile, which exuded confidence. His fitted black suit, alongside Morgan Freeman, was simply magnificent. –
They took their seats and spent the next 120 minutes huddled in their chairs. For Cameron, everything was perfect. Although this film was outside his usual tastes—he preferred comedies, dramas, and romances—he found it presented a completely different image than he initially expected. Everything clicked, from Billy's sharp performance as a man with a touch of fury in his heart to the evident contrast with a stunned Morgan Freeman. Cameron observed everything with feigned detail.
But it was Kevin Spacey who redefined the genre. This guy acted like a true madman, elevating the film to a subliminal level. Cameron couldn't help but close his eyes, trying to change his thoughts as the exchanges between Billy and Kevin flowed back and forth, while the mix with Morgan Freeman built such intensity that he could only hear the murmurs. He grabbed his wife's hand, who was in a panic as the climax approached. The entire audience was silent; the cinema felt like a library on a quiet afternoon.
...
-No, Mills, lower the weapon! Mills, lower the gun, don't shoot… Oh God! Mills! Do it! - Morgan Freeman shouted.
The voice of John Doe echoed.
-My sin is envy. You have a very good life, a good wife, a nice house, and a good place to live. Look at me, I'm nothing but a worm, but it was my envy. She begged, but I couldn't stop myself. I am a sinner! - John Doe exclaimed almost shouting.
-No. - David Mills murmured.
-She was pregnant. -
Gunshots rang out, and the background music faded into a deafening silence, marking the end, and leaving the entire audience stunned.
Cameron watched the screen as it came to a close, feeling a sense of urgency. He overlooked many things and was so focused that several details slipped by him. The ending consumed him, overshadowing all the nuances he missed.
-I think Billy made a really good movie. Now, the February promotion may be enough to bring people to the box office. - Cameron commented.
***
In Vancouver, at the Vancity Theatre, Billy greeted fans. Many people had seen the film during its opening week, and the total of $15 million in sales for the first week was fantastic for the production and those present. David was relieved and happy to receive so much attention. Billy was signing autographs while many fans brought their comics and luxury animation t-shirts.
-The fame is completely real. - Gwyneth remarked.
-What do you mean? - Billy asked, taking the arm that Gwyneth held above him. He thought it was incredible how Hollywood handled events; if you were a politician without scruples, it was impossible to have problems with those under your charge.
-You're very popular. The press has started calling you the golden boy of America. No profession doesn't suit you; they'll be asking for your presidency. - Gwyneth commented.
-They're mistaken! My life is a mess; I'm just good at working. - Billy replied, giving a sharp look to the blonde, who paused in his gaze.
-Sure. -
They both entered the cinema, discussing other things. A week had cleared some of the atmosphere that Gwyneth had been caught up in, and the sobriety and reprimands from her godfather were enough to slightly redirect all that madness she wanted to unleash. She was very aware of what her parents had instilled in her regarding such situations.
-Why are you so cold? - Gwyneth asked.
-I'm not. - Billy responded.
-You are. I know I may have made mistakes, but your indifference feels like you don't care about anything. You move through life without considering other people's feelings, like a robot that only cares about itself. - the blonde commented, wanting to vent her thoughts, somewhat hurt by the way she had been rejected. Not a single call in all those months; he focused on other things and was never fully committed to the relationship.
-It's not that. I guess I take for granted that people will always be there... It's confusing. I'm trying to improve, but I need someone who is there for me. I'm just bad at sharing my expectations. - Billy said, reflecting on thoughts he had taken time to articulate, but he had known for a while.
...