David Fincher’s classic crime thriller ‘Seven,’ starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, is currently the most-watched film on Max in the United States, according to specialized website FlixPatrol.
The film, which was released in 1995, is regarded as one of the director’s best movies, as well as one of the most haunting psychological thriller films of all time. Apart from Pitt and Freeman, the movie stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, and John C. McGinley.
Set in an unnamed city, the movie follows two detectives as they investigate a series of gruesome murders that correspond to the seven deadly sins. While ‘Seven’ is now considered a classic, the consensus at the time of its release was radically different.
‘Seven’: From mixed revies to a classic
Known for its atmospheric neo-noir cinematography and the shocking final plot twist, “Seven” has gained a reputation for being a chilling exploration of morality and human nature. However, at the time of its release, critics were divided about its merits.
At the time, critics praised Freeman’s acting, saying that it gave depth to a “cliché” role, as well as Fincher’s direction. However, they were fairly divided about Pitt’s performance, as well as the violent content of the movie, the dark cinematography and the ending of Andrew Kevin Walker’s script.
Nevertheless, the film not only earned a nod for Best Film Editing at the 68th Oscars and was a commercial success, grossing almost $330 million globally against a modest budget of $34 million. It also revitalized Fincher’s career, as well as giving Pitt’s more credibility to serious roles.
Seven has inspired many filmmakers through the years, not only for its aesthetic but also the story structure. Some films that were influenced by it include: The Bone Collector (1999), Along Came a Spider (2001), and the Saw series (2003), as well as The Batman (2022).