Seven Vs Fight Club
The works of David Fincher came into the spotlight a few years into his career. Two of his productions aided with his plunge into astonishing stardom and due recognition. These two films are the ones that will be my main focus during this analytic research. Seven and Fight Club truly thrust Fincher into the public eye. While the genres of these movies are dissimilar, they vary only slightly in the final outlook. Both films play up the psychological aspect of fear and, mental torment thrives throughout each scene. While Seven has been categorized as basic horror, in fact- it also strives upon mentally afflicting both the characters and the audience. Fight Club also works with psychological obscurity- tempting its audiences to question their
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own throbbing psyche after just one viewing. Therefore, here we stand, with a first resemblance between the two films. While Seven will make you sick to your stomach and, and while Fight Club bares an unexpected satiric tone- they will both mold your mind and shape it at their wish. This generalizes both films as psychological thrillers. Consequently, in my review, I will attempt to portray supplementary similarities in the two films as to reveal a specific style and cinematically technical signature of David Fincher. While analyzing basic camera work and editing, music choices, recurring symbolism, character choice and character development throughout both productions- David Fincher 's artistic viewpoint will surely portray itself in the similarities found.
Academy Award winner Seven tells a vulgar and petrifying story.
This story is backed up by a star cast of Hollywood veterans, as well as up and coming stars. The likes of Kevin Spacer and Morgan Freeman add a sophisticated tone to this film and elevate it to a higher level while expanding their target audience. Such stars as Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow provide an equilibrium of sorts to satisfy our celebrity enthralled population. Therefore this cast engages audiences of all ages, while providing impeccable performances. The story follows two detectives, one retiring, Morgan Freeman, and one his replacement, Brad Pitt, as they jointly investigate a series of ritualistic murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. Over the course of the investigation they attempt to track down the killer before he has a chance to murder his seven victims. This film will be one of my subjects of discussion as it was David Fincher 's opening …show more content…
success.
Released in 1999, Fight Club is a novel adaptation of the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. Studio executives were not receptive to the film, and Fight Club failed to live up to standards at the box office while receving alternating reactions from film critics. The film was labelled as one of the most disputed and talked-about films of 1999. This film was perceived as a pioneering one for its unique cinematical style and for captivating an obscurity of the modern mind that has been held under disregard. However the film later found success and additional praise with its DVD release, which enabled Fight Club to be represented as a "cult film" . This production is characterized as a heavily satiric black comedy. The anonymous protagonist, brought to life by Edward Norton, is the insomniac narrator who becomes implicated in a fight club with fortuitous friend Tyler Durden, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Our raconteur is also conflicted in a relationship triangle with Durden and Marla Singer, represented by Helena Bonham Carter. The fight club soon escalates to incredible proportions and begins to spiral out of the control of the protagonist. As his mind boggles underneath these series of events, he comes to a terrifying conclusion- a darkened yet hopeful, paradox twist ending. Having such large success and such an expanded following, this production also being an adaptation- leaves the opportunity to truly discover Fincher 's cinematical signature.
To debute the analytical representation of similarites and dissimilarities, the focus will be put on the use of violence in both films. In the film Seven, there is significantly lesser varieties of violence. Fincher handles the brutality with a sensitive appeal, never displaying the aggression in the acts themselves. However, when it comes to displaying gore- the post mortem scenes have such an unapologetic sense. During the scenes of the first murder (gluttony) and the third (sloth), an atmosphere of death and aversion overwhelms the screen. These scenes are displayed as devastatingly secluded and even envelop the viewers in a claustrophobic state. Every detail is lined up in perfect view while the artistry and unrepentant manner of David Fincher 's work draws up a plethora of emotions out of each ray of light hitting the murder scene and each drop of blood escaping the victim. We are immersed into the horrid environment and have barely any time to grasp on to disgust. This is yet another unique trait of this director 's work; the audience is simply in awe- no time to spare for revulsion. We then enter Fincher 's following project, Fight Club. In this film, the violence is measured entirely in the fight club itself and only in scenes that include Tyler Durden. Therefore, several scenes where we see the men engaging in fights prove to be quite blatantly aggressive. In a specific scene where the camera invites us in from the narrator 's point of view, we see a medium close-up of a man getting beat up by our tormented raconteur. This shot with its stable movement and spilling blood entrances you inside the head of the main character- the same feeling of claustrophobia is created. In this scene, we are overcome with a shock and such brazen violence causes nothing less than shivers down spines. Although, this scene was used solely to portray the narrator 's decent into a downwards mental spiral; it aided in foreshadowing, as well. Therefore, in David Fincher 's work, the audience is already exposed to a specific technique of this director. His method of filming violence is one that is deliberate and blatant and yet it is done with absolute purpose. His technique is unapologetic- nothing to hide.
Whilst David Fincher 's filming is spectacular for specific themes, there are certain cinematically artistic aspects he includes in his works. Throughout these two films, we see several cinematographic details that are cleverly inputted and professionally mounted to generate an inventive model for other films to follow. We see an example of this artistic creativity in the close-up shots Fincher provides to introduce his stories. After the beginning scene of Seven, we see an intently constructed sequence of extreme close-up shots that provide a sense of intrigue and are used to foreshadow certain events. In this specific montage, we are brought disturbingly close to this distressing scene of an anonymous individual creating some type of scrapbook with all types of unsettling additions intermixed with the credits. Adding this sense of unease is simple with this montage as it focuses in on the very ridges of every fingerprint and elevates personal to a whole new level. Fight Club provides similar shots except those are hidden throughout the film. Although in the beginning sequence, when the narrator is introduced- several close-up shots of such objects as Starbucks cups and photocopying machines are used as to introduce the character and familiarize us with him. In addition to this more artistic technique, we also see a variety of other camera work that can be recognized in both his movies. Darkened shots are also great favorites of David Fincher. Both movies are edited with filters that add a certain murkiness at times. Throughout the film Seven, this is visible in almost all scenes as the polluted sense of New York City devours each shot. Fight Club provides these dimly lit sets and editing techniques when the main characters are found inside their dilapidated home. The sinister basement and shadowy rooms tell us all we need to know about the decaying residence. Consequently, the two techniques David Fincher seems to employ on a regular basis are based in his cinematography. His use of close-up shots familiarizes and puts you ill at ease while the darkened shots presage and frighten- both of these methods are used with a divine simplicity that, yet again, marks David Fincher as a genius.
When we enter the subject of characters, David Fincher 's casts create such incredible contrast and chemistry with one another. Fincher also keeps around some favorite actors including Brad Pitt- who stars in both films, Seven and Fight Club. In Fight Club the character differentiation is quite clear with Brad Pitt 's extrovert façade, Norton 's subtle charm, and the "over the top spectacle of Helena Bonham Carter" . Their scripts do not differ with the overabundance of foul language and sexual annotations. Although, yet another paradox is created in David Fincher 's work. His scripts, while providing a sarcastic dark humorous tone, also clearly portray a philosophical excellence as Tyler Durden pronounces: "Only after disaster can we be resurrected." In the film Seven, we also see a concrete example of a diverse cast with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt entirely shutting away the stereotype of the police detective and creating their own distinctive styles while Gwyneth Paltrow deepens the image of her character with her few simple scenes. Fincher 's character development portrays these characters with an immense depth and a well thought out individuality with its complexes and faults. The dialogue in this film includes Fincher 's signature sarcastic tone and yet, once again, involves a mature and profound dialogue. As the last poignant lines of the film get said by the detective, William Somerset: Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." I agree with the second part. The dialogue in both films is smart and uses sarcasm and irony to shed humor unto the plot.
There are also a few minor similarities between the two films which include music. Throughout the beginning montage of Seven, animation is used interlined with "techno" (or technological) music. This choice of Fincher 's is echoed in the final scene of Fight Club as the couple stands hand-in-hand watching building collapse before their eyes. This choice presents us with Fincher 's yearning to modernize every film- necessary or not. His use of animation also supports that fact. All in all, his choice of music remains quite similar throughout his films as he not only sets the mood but alternates the production 's soundtrack- to his liking.
In conclusion, David Fincher 's genius reverberates confidently in all his films.
The works of Seven and Fight Club provided this director with a celebrated push towards recognition. There is a variety of similarities between the two productions and these features aid us in discovering the true manner and working ability of Fincher. The use of violence in his films clearly portrays an unapologetic point of view as the camera pans to reveal every detail of the set; Fincher conceals nothing. Not only does this director principally excel in specific themes, his attention to cinematic detail is incredible. Centering on all aspects from close-up shots with a brilliant manual focus touch, to darkly filtered setting with a murky ambiance- David Fincher plays around with a variety of camera angles and shots to add yet even more intensity to the film. In both films, we also saw a variety of personalities and unique personas which echoed themselves from the cynical yet insightful scripts. All of these details, including similar choice in music, expose the true talents of David Fincher. His true technique comes out beneath the details and can mesmerize any viewer. Both being Academy Award nominees, it is effortless to see why Fight Club and Seven portray Fincher at the top of his aptitude. His techniques have been revealed and his views remain straightforward- "I don 't know how much movies should entertain. To me I 'm always interested in movies that scar."Bibliography:1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_Club2. http://lookingcloser.org/movie%20review /quickglances!-G.htm#Fight%20Club3. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/quotes4. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/quotes5. http://industrycentral.net/director_interviews/DF01.HTM
own throbbing psyche after just one viewing. Therefore, here we stand, with a first resemblance between the two films. While Seven will make you sick to your stomach and, and while Fight Club bares an unexpected satiric tone- they will both mold your mind and shape it at their wish. This generalizes both films as psychological thrillers. Consequently, in my review, I will attempt to portray supplementary similarities in the two films as to reveal a specific style and cinematically technical signature of David Fincher. While analyzing basic camera work and editing, music choices, recurring symbolism, character choice and character development throughout both productions- David Fincher 's artistic viewpoint will surely portray itself in the similarities found.
Academy Award winner Seven tells a vulgar and petrifying story.
This story is backed up by a star cast of Hollywood veterans, as well as up and coming stars. The likes of Kevin Spacer and Morgan Freeman add a sophisticated tone to this film and elevate it to a higher level while expanding their target audience. Such stars as Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow provide an equilibrium of sorts to satisfy our celebrity enthralled population. Therefore this cast engages audiences of all ages, while providing impeccable performances. The story follows two detectives, one retiring, Morgan Freeman, and one his replacement, Brad Pitt, as they jointly investigate a series of ritualistic murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. Over the course of the investigation they attempt to track down the killer before he has a chance to murder his seven victims. This film will be one of my subjects of discussion as it was David Fincher 's opening …show more content…
success.
Released in 1999, Fight Club is a novel adaptation of the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. Studio executives were not receptive to the film, and Fight Club failed to live up to standards at the box office while receving alternating reactions from film critics. The film was labelled as one of the most disputed and talked-about films of 1999. This film was perceived as a pioneering one for its unique cinematical style and for captivating an obscurity of the modern mind that has been held under disregard. However the film later found success and additional praise with its DVD release, which enabled Fight Club to be represented as a "cult film" . This production is characterized as a heavily satiric black comedy. The anonymous protagonist, brought to life by Edward Norton, is the insomniac narrator who becomes implicated in a fight club with fortuitous friend Tyler Durden, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Our raconteur is also conflicted in a relationship triangle with Durden and Marla Singer, represented by Helena Bonham Carter. The fight club soon escalates to incredible proportions and begins to spiral out of the control of the protagonist. As his mind boggles underneath these series of events, he comes to a terrifying conclusion- a darkened yet hopeful, paradox twist ending. Having such large success and such an expanded following, this production also being an adaptation- leaves the opportunity to truly discover Fincher 's cinematical signature.
To debute the analytical representation of similarites and dissimilarities, the focus will be put on the use of violence in both films. In the film Seven, there is significantly lesser varieties of violence. Fincher handles the brutality with a sensitive appeal, never displaying the aggression in the acts themselves. However, when it comes to displaying gore- the post mortem scenes have such an unapologetic sense. During the scenes of the first murder (gluttony) and the third (sloth), an atmosphere of death and aversion overwhelms the screen. These scenes are displayed as devastatingly secluded and even envelop the viewers in a claustrophobic state. Every detail is lined up in perfect view while the artistry and unrepentant manner of David Fincher 's work draws up a plethora of emotions out of each ray of light hitting the murder scene and each drop of blood escaping the victim. We are immersed into the horrid environment and have barely any time to grasp on to disgust. This is yet another unique trait of this director 's work; the audience is simply in awe- no time to spare for revulsion. We then enter Fincher 's following project, Fight Club. In this film, the violence is measured entirely in the fight club itself and only in scenes that include Tyler Durden. Therefore, several scenes where we see the men engaging in fights prove to be quite blatantly aggressive. In a specific scene where the camera invites us in from the narrator 's point of view, we see a medium close-up of a man getting beat up by our tormented raconteur. This shot with its stable movement and spilling blood entrances you inside the head of the main character- the same feeling of claustrophobia is created. In this scene, we are overcome with a shock and such brazen violence causes nothing less than shivers down spines. Although, this scene was used solely to portray the narrator 's decent into a downwards mental spiral; it aided in foreshadowing, as well. Therefore, in David Fincher 's work, the audience is already exposed to a specific technique of this director. His method of filming violence is one that is deliberate and blatant and yet it is done with absolute purpose. His technique is unapologetic- nothing to hide.
Whilst David Fincher 's filming is spectacular for specific themes, there are certain cinematically artistic aspects he includes in his works. Throughout these two films, we see several cinematographic details that are cleverly inputted and professionally mounted to generate an inventive model for other films to follow. We see an example of this artistic creativity in the close-up shots Fincher provides to introduce his stories. After the beginning scene of Seven, we see an intently constructed sequence of extreme close-up shots that provide a sense of intrigue and are used to foreshadow certain events. In this specific montage, we are brought disturbingly close to this distressing scene of an anonymous individual creating some type of scrapbook with all types of unsettling additions intermixed with the credits. Adding this sense of unease is simple with this montage as it focuses in on the very ridges of every fingerprint and elevates personal to a whole new level. Fight Club provides similar shots except those are hidden throughout the film. Although in the beginning sequence, when the narrator is introduced- several close-up shots of such objects as Starbucks cups and photocopying machines are used as to introduce the character and familiarize us with him. In addition to this more artistic technique, we also see a variety of other camera work that can be recognized in both his movies. Darkened shots are also great favorites of David Fincher. Both movies are edited with filters that add a certain murkiness at times. Throughout the film Seven, this is visible in almost all scenes as the polluted sense of New York City devours each shot. Fight Club provides these dimly lit sets and editing techniques when the main characters are found inside their dilapidated home. The sinister basement and shadowy rooms tell us all we need to know about the decaying residence. Consequently, the two techniques David Fincher seems to employ on a regular basis are based in his cinematography. His use of close-up shots familiarizes and puts you ill at ease while the darkened shots presage and frighten- both of these methods are used with a divine simplicity that, yet again, marks David Fincher as a genius.
When we enter the subject of characters, David Fincher 's casts create such incredible contrast and chemistry with one another. Fincher also keeps around some favorite actors including Brad Pitt- who stars in both films, Seven and Fight Club. In Fight Club the character differentiation is quite clear with Brad Pitt 's extrovert façade, Norton 's subtle charm, and the "over the top spectacle of Helena Bonham Carter" . Their scripts do not differ with the overabundance of foul language and sexual annotations. Although, yet another paradox is created in David Fincher 's work. His scripts, while providing a sarcastic dark humorous tone, also clearly portray a philosophical excellence as Tyler Durden pronounces: "Only after disaster can we be resurrected." In the film Seven, we also see a concrete example of a diverse cast with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt entirely shutting away the stereotype of the police detective and creating their own distinctive styles while Gwyneth Paltrow deepens the image of her character with her few simple scenes. Fincher 's character development portrays these characters with an immense depth and a well thought out individuality with its complexes and faults. The dialogue in this film includes Fincher 's signature sarcastic tone and yet, once again, involves a mature and profound dialogue. As the last poignant lines of the film get said by the detective, William Somerset: Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." I agree with the second part. The dialogue in both films is smart and uses sarcasm and irony to shed humor unto the plot.
There are also a few minor similarities between the two films which include music. Throughout the beginning montage of Seven, animation is used interlined with "techno" (or technological) music. This choice of Fincher 's is echoed in the final scene of Fight Club as the couple stands hand-in-hand watching building collapse before their eyes. This choice presents us with Fincher 's yearning to modernize every film- necessary or not. His use of animation also supports that fact. All in all, his choice of music remains quite similar throughout his films as he not only sets the mood but alternates the production 's soundtrack- to his liking.
In conclusion, David Fincher 's genius reverberates confidently in all his films.
The works of Seven and Fight Club provided this director with a celebrated push towards recognition. There is a variety of similarities between the two productions and these features aid us in discovering the true manner and working ability of Fincher. The use of violence in his films clearly portrays an unapologetic point of view as the camera pans to reveal every detail of the set; Fincher conceals nothing. Not only does this director principally excel in specific themes, his attention to cinematic detail is incredible. Centering on all aspects from close-up shots with a brilliant manual focus touch, to darkly filtered setting with a murky ambiance- David Fincher plays around with a variety of camera angles and shots to add yet even more intensity to the film. In both films, we also saw a variety of personalities and unique personas which echoed themselves from the cynical yet insightful scripts. All of these details, including similar choice in music, expose the true talents of David Fincher. His true technique comes out beneath the details and can mesmerize any viewer. Both being Academy Award nominees, it is effortless to see why Fight Club and Seven portray Fincher at the top of his aptitude. His techniques have been revealed and his views remain straightforward- "I don 't know how much movies should entertain. To me I 'm always interested in movies that scar."Bibliography:1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_Club2. http://lookingcloser.org/movie%20review /quickglances!-G.htm#Fight%20Club3. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/quotes4. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/quotes5. http://industrycentral.net/director_interviews/DF01.HTM