The Sin of Gluttony in Se7en: A Deep Dive into the Film’s Depiction
David Fincher’s 1995 crime thriller, Se7en, remains a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of human depravity. The film centers around two detectives, the seasoned William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and the impulsive David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins – wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony – as his macabre motif. This article will delve into the graphic and unsettling portrayal of gluttony in Se7en, analyzing its significance within the film’s narrative and its broader commentary on societal excess.
The Gruesome Discovery
The first sin to be punished in the killer’s grand design is gluttony. The detectives are called to a particularly disturbing crime scene: a morbidly obese man, forced to eat until his stomach ruptures. The scene is deliberately grotesque, designed to shock and disgust the audience. The victim, identified as a wealthy and anonymous individual, is found face-down in a plate of spaghetti, a stark symbol of his overindulgence. The sheer brutality of the act establishes the killer’s modus operandi and sets the tone for the rest of the film. The message is clear: the killer sees himself as a righteous punisher, ridding the world of those he deems morally corrupt.
Symbolism and Social Commentary
The choice of gluttony as the first sin is not arbitrary. Fincher uses the film to comment on various aspects of modern society, and gluttony serves as a potent symbol of excess and consumerism. In a world of readily available food and constant advertising, overindulgence has become commonplace. The victim’s obesity represents not only a personal failing but also a broader societal problem. The killer, in his twisted logic, sees this excess as a moral transgression worthy of the ultimate punishment.
Furthermore, the manner of the victim’s death is particularly significant. Forced feeding highlights the idea of compulsion and the loss of control. It suggests that the victim was not simply a passive participant in his own gluttony but was driven by forces beyond his control. This raises questions about personal responsibility versus societal pressures and the role of advertising and marketing in promoting unhealthy habits.
The Killer’s Motivation
John Doe, the enigmatic and chillingly intelligent killer, sees himself as a messenger from God, tasked with exposing the sins of humanity. He meticulously plans his crimes, leaving clues for the detectives to decipher. His motivation stems from a deep-seated disgust with the moral decay he perceives in the world around him. He views gluttony, along with the other six deadly sins, as evidence of this decay and believes that drastic measures are necessary to restore balance.
Doe’s warped sense of justice is further amplified by his intellectual arrogance. He sees himself as superior to those he targets, believing that they are too blinded by their own sins to recognize their depravity. This superiority complex allows him to justify his horrific acts and to maintain a sense of moral righteousness throughout the film. The scene depicting gluttony is crucial in establishing this aspect of Doe’s character.
Detective Somerset’s Perspective
Detective Somerset, a jaded and world-weary veteran, serves as a counterpoint to both John Doe and Detective Mills. He is deeply troubled by the darkness he sees in the world and is contemplating retirement. The gluttony murder, along with the subsequent crimes, forces him to confront the depths of human depravity and to question his own beliefs about justice and morality. Somerset’s initial reaction to the gluttony crime scene is one of disgust and resignation. He recognizes the victim’s sin but also acknowledges the complexity of the situation. He understands that gluttony is not simply a personal failing but is often intertwined with societal factors such as poverty, lack of education, and the pervasive influence of advertising.
Somerset’s investigation into the gluttony murder leads him to a deeper understanding of John Doe’s motivations and the twisted logic behind his crimes. He realizes that Doe is not simply a madman but a highly intelligent and methodical killer who is driven by a warped sense of morality. This realization further deepens Somerset’s despair and reinforces his belief that the world is a fundamentally corrupt place.
Detective Mills’s Reaction
Detective Mills, the younger and more idealistic of the two detectives, reacts to the gluttony murder with outrage and a desire for immediate justice. He is less philosophical than Somerset and more inclined to take action. Mills’s initial reaction is to arrest anyone who might be connected to the victim, regardless of the evidence. This impulsiveness often leads him to make mistakes and to overlook important clues.
However, as the investigation progresses, Mills begins to realize the complexity of the case and the depth of John Doe’s depravity. The gluttony murder serves as a wake-up call for Mills, forcing him to confront the darkness that exists within humanity. He becomes increasingly frustrated by his inability to catch Doe and is driven by a growing sense of desperation. This desperation ultimately leads to his tragic downfall in the film’s climax.
The Visual Impact
The visual impact of the gluttony scene in Se7en is undeniable. Fincher uses graphic imagery and unsettling sound effects to create a sense of revulsion and discomfort. The victim’s bloated body, the forced feeding, and the overall squalor of the crime scene are all designed to shock and disturb the audience. This visual impact is crucial in conveying the film’s themes of moral decay and the consequences of excess. The depiction of gluttony is not simply a gratuitous display of violence but a deliberate attempt to provoke a visceral reaction in the viewer.
The use of lighting and color in the gluttony scene also contributes to its overall effect. The scene is dimly lit, with a sickly yellow hue that accentuates the victim’s pallor and the overall sense of decay. This visual style is consistent throughout the film and reinforces the themes of darkness and corruption. The visual representation of gluttony is a key element in establishing the film’s overall tone and in conveying its message about the dangers of excess.
The Legacy of Se7en
Se7en has had a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing countless crime thrillers and horror films. Its dark and disturbing themes, its complex characters, and its visually arresting style have all contributed to its enduring appeal. The film’s depiction of the seven deadly sins, including the graphic portrayal of gluttony, remains a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on human nature and the consequences of moral decay. The film’s exploration of gluttony extends beyond a simple condemnation of overeating; it delves into the societal pressures and psychological factors that contribute to such excess. [See also: The Psychological Impact of Se7en] The film’s portrayal of gluttony makes it a memorable and impactful part of the overall narrative.
The film’s exploration of gluttony and other sins continues to resonate with audiences today, prompting reflection on our own values and the state of the world around us. The scene depicting gluttony is a stark reminder of the dangers of excess and the importance of moderation. The film’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to provoke thought and to challenge our perceptions of good and evil. By focusing on the sin of gluttony and its consequences, Se7en delivers a powerful message about the importance of self-control and the dangers of unchecked desire.
In conclusion, the portrayal of gluttony in Se7en is a crucial element in the film’s overall narrative and its broader commentary on societal excess. The graphic and unsettling scene serves to establish the killer’s modus operandi, to highlight the themes of moral decay, and to provoke a visceral reaction in the viewer. The film’s exploration of gluttony extends beyond a simple condemnation of overeating, delving into the societal pressures and psychological factors that contribute to such excess. Se7en remains a powerful and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences today, prompting reflection on our own values and the state of the world around us. The film’s exploration of the sin of gluttony is a testament to its enduring power and its ability to challenge our perceptions of good and evil. The shocking depiction of gluttony is one of the many reasons why Se7en is considered a classic of the crime thriller genre.
