Seven / Taking Lives

SEVEN: Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust--these are the seven deadly sins that are being punished with unimaginable cruelty and calculation by an enigmatic killer in David Fincher's bleak thriller SEVEN. Set in a perpetually gloomy unnamed city, the film follows Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a retiring police detective, as he experiences his final week on the job, reluctantly working with assertive newcomer Mills (Brad Pitt). When an obese man is found brutally murdered in his home, the seasoned Somerset realizes this is no ordinary killing--someone tortured him because of his appetite. Slayings that reflect the sins of greed and sloth soon follow, leading Somerset and Mills on a desperate search to find the mysterious John Doe, who is responsible for these methodical murders. As the case builds to a startling conclusion, both Somerset and Mills become more involved than they ever could have imagined.After a brief opening scene, SEVEN immediately cuts to a highly stylized title sequence. An intricate collage of books and photos, scissors and razors, and blood and skin eerily captures the dark, graphic tone of Fincher's intriguing mystery. The film cleverly avoids depicting most acts of violence onscreen, focusing instead on the cryptic remains of the crimes, allowing viewers to investigate along with the detectives. An example of nearly flawless filmmaking, the movie features a meticulously crafted screenplay, brilliant photography and design, sure-handed direction, and excellent performances from the entire cast. All of these elements combine to amazing effect in the film's unforgettably stunning finale.TAKING LIVES: With superb investigative skills heightened by uncanny natural instincts, Iliana Scott (Angelina Jolie) is not a typical FBI profiler. This beautiful, no-nonsense Special Agent is a cut above the rest, which is why her old friend Captain Le Claire (Tcheky Karyo) calls her to assist his detectives in Montreal when a brutalized body is discovered in a construction site. A murder the next night provides proof of a serial killer, but this time, there is a witness. Artist James Costa (Ethan Hawke) not only saw the murder, but also tried to save the victim, and is even able to provide a sketch of the killer. The plot only thickens as ultra-dedicated Scott, along with ornery, territorial Detective Paquette (Olivier Martinez) and good-natured Detective Duval (Jean-Hughes Anglade), continue their investigation, linking together numerous similar murders over the years and arriving at a disturbing conclusion. To complicate matters even more, Scott is drawn to their charming key witness, Costa, and finds herself in uncomfortable territory as she fights her romantic impulses in an effort to remain professional. Director D.J. Caruso's (THE SALTON SEA) second feature also stars Keifer Sutherland and Gena Rowlands, and was filmed on location in Canada.