In David Fincher‘s critically acclaimed film Se7en, two dedicated detectives navigate through an unsettling landscape that feels akin to traversing seven layers of hell in their relentless pursuit of a brutal and grotesque serial killer. This film stands out as one of the most unyielding and grim crime thrillers to ever gain mainstream success. Its dark themes and unsettling imagery make it remarkable that such a bleak movie could resonate so deeply with audiences, becoming a cultural touchstone.
While Se7en is loaded with intense sequences showcasing Detectives Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) as they inch closer to capturing the biblically-inspired killer, the film’s most captivating moment occurs away from the gruesome murders. Similar to another beloved 1995 crime drama, the emotional core of the film is encapsulated in a profound dialogue exchange between two characters in a diner. This scene features no violence or detective work, just the powerful performances of two outstanding actors engaging in a heartfelt conversation.
The Diner Scene: A Rare Moment of Solace Amidst the Darkness in David Fincher’s Crime Thriller
Approximately halfway through the film, Somerset receives an invitation to a diner from Mills’ wife, Tracy, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow. During this intimate setting, Tracy confides in Somerset about her feelings of resentment towards Mills for relocating them to such a violent environment due to his job. Additionally, she reveals that she is expecting a child. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Somerset shares personal details about his life, recounting a long-term relationship that ended with a pregnancy. They made the painful decision to terminate the pregnancy because Somerset couldn’t bear the thought of raising a child in such a grim world. He expresses a deep regret for not having started a family, a sentiment that haunts him daily.
Somerset offers Tracy guidance on two crucial matters: first, he advises her against revealing to Mills if she decides to terminate the pregnancy. Secondly, he encourages her to cherish every moment with the child if she chooses to proceed with the pregnancy. The lightheartedness of the latter comment provides a momentary relief, touching Tracy deeply and leading her to tears at the table. This cathartic emotional release is a blend of heartwarming and heart-wrenching, highlighting the complexities of their situation.
In that brief five-minute exchange, Paltrow and Freeman deliver some of the finest performances of their careers. The scene is infused with empathy and humanity, making it stand out in a film that is predominantly bleak, cynical, and dark. The tragic conclusion of Se7en ultimately undermines the hopeful sentiments expressed during this diner meeting, yet it also serves to propel Somerset back into the light following the harrowing climax. In light of the film’s ending, every word and nuance of Paltrow’s performance becomes especially poignant on subsequent viewings, as viewers can recognize the flickers of hope she clings to while aware of her tragic fate.
How Gwyneth Paltrow’s Character Reinstates Somerset’s Faith in Humanity
The film Se7en concludes with Somerset adopting a classic film-noir narrative style, where the carefully constructed plot elements are dismantled in an intensely violent and distressing manner. The character John Doe emerges victorious, leaving Tracy dead and Mills irreparably shattered. However, Somerset ultimately manages to transcend the cynicism that characterized his outlook in the first half of the film. He invokes a poignant quote attributed to Ernest Hemingway: “The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.” This quote encapsulates the transformative arc of Somerset as he rediscovers his sense of humanity, largely due to his relationship with Tracy. Their encounter in the diner serves as a reminder to Somerset that even in a world rife with evil, there exist individuals like Tracy who make the struggles of life meaningful and worth enduring.
Despite its reputation as a terrifying film, Se7en is frequently oversimplified to focus solely on its most harrowing moments. This mischaracterization often leads audiences to perceive it as more graphic than it truly is. In reality, Fincher’s film possesses a depth of heart that belies its dark exterior. Paltrow’s role is beautifully integrated into the narrative, portraying a radiant star at the zenith of her early career, delivering a performance that balances sweetness and humor, providing levity in an otherwise harsh story, and fostering a bond between Somerset and Mills. Tracy emerges as the singular source of light within the shadowy realm inhabited by these detectives and their adversaries.
Had it not been for the intimate, personal connection shared by Tracy and Somerset during their earlier diner conversation, Somerset might have easily dismissed the horrifying events following John Doe’s apprehension as just another routine day in the morally bankrupt world he inhabits. However, Tracy’s presence serves to restore Somerset’s faith in humanity, reigniting his belief that the world is indeed worth fighting for again.
