December 6, 2014
ENG 225, Introduction to Film
Instructor David Hayes
Charleton Goodwin
In the film, Seven (1995), two homicide detectives are desperately hunting for a serial killer who picks his victims based on the seven deadly sins: Wrath, Envy, Greed, Pride, Lust, Sloth, and Gluttony. One detective is a veteran by the name of Detective William Somerset played by Morgan Freeman, while the other is a naive rookie by the name of Detective David Mills who is played by Brad Pitt. The serial killer, played via Kevin Spacey, goes by the name of John Doe. John Doe is considered one of the scariest villains in cinematic history. The murders were extremely gruesome and bloody, and Doe would torture his victims both physically and emotionally. The first 5 murders he completed on his own, but the final two deadly sins and the ending of the film produce perhaps one of the greatest twists in cinema history.
Realism or naturalistic acting is used in the making of this film, and the setting of the scenes with low-key, and shadow box lighting adds to the effect. The naturalistic acting style used in the film by Pitt, Freeman, and Stacey brings a dark and eerily real feeling to the audience as it views what is happening on the screen in front of them. The director’s vision made this violent crime drama/mystery into something unforgettable. All three of these actors would be considered to be wild card actors. Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014) classifies a wild card actor as “an actor who is difficult to classify as one certain type, often because he or she can play a wide variety of characters equally well without becoming typecast.”
Considering all the movies Brad Pitt has been involved in many movies to include: Twelve Monkeys, Fight Club, Meet Joe Black, Spy Game, and Troy. Naturally this list is not all inclusive, but you begin to see that he can play many types of characters and is considered a very versatile star.
Morgan Freeman has become one of the biggest and one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood due to his long list of films that would include: Red, Wanted, Evan Almighty, Batman, Million Dollar Baby, and the unforgettable movie The Shawshank Redemption. His voice and his style of acting are recognized beyond the sets in Hollywood, and he is definitely one of my favorite actors due to his versatility.
Kevin Spacey’s movies like the favorite, American Beauty have propelled him to a level that makes him recognizable by the public. Other films like: K-PAX, Pay it Forward, Horrible Bosses 1 & 2, and Outbreak have set him apart from other actors and give him the well-deserved title of a wild card actor. His versatility makes him perfect to play the suburban dad or the serial killer.
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Internet Movie Database [abstract information]. Retrieved, December 6, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
You Tube video [trailer]. Retrieved, December 6, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi4135977241/?ref_=tt_ov_vi
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