The movie Se7en ends in a desolate desert landscape, where Detective David Mills, driven to a murderous rage by the revelation that John Doe has decapitated his pregnant wife, Tracy, shoots Doe, fulfilling the final sin of Wrath and completing Doe’s horrifying masterpiece. This climax leaves Mills emotionally shattered and Detective Somerset deeply disillusioned, questioning the value of their efforts in a world seemingly consumed by evil.
The Anatomy of a Masterpiece: Understanding the Film’s Conclusion
The ending of Se7en is arguably one of the most shocking and impactful in cinematic history. It’s not simply a twist ending; it’s a carefully constructed culmination of the film’s themes of sin, morality, and the corrupting influence of evil. Understanding the nuances of this ending is key to appreciating the full weight of Se7en‘s narrative power.
The Box and its Contents: Symbolism and Shock Value
The infamous box delivered to the desolate location contains the head of Tracy Mills, David Mills’ pregnant wife. John Doe orchestrated this horrific act to incite Mills’ wrath, the final sin needed to complete his self-proclaimed mission of punishing society’s moral decay. The shock of this revelation is amplified by Somerset’s desperate attempt to prevent Mills from acting out of vengeance, understanding that succumbing to Doe’s plan would validate the killer’s twisted worldview.
Somerset’s Plea: A Battle for Mills’ Soul
Detective Somerset recognizes the devastating consequences if Mills were to kill Doe. It wouldn’t just be an act of personal vengeance but a confirmation of Doe’s belief that humanity is inherently depraved and deserving of punishment. Somerset’s frantic pleas are a last-ditch effort to salvage some semblance of hope from a situation spiraling into utter despair. He wants Mills to choose a path different from the one Doe has meticulously laid out.
Mills’ Descent: Wrath Consumes Him
Despite Somerset’s attempts, Mills, overwhelmed by grief and rage, succumbs to his anger. He fires his weapon, fulfilling the sin of Wrath and, in Doe’s eyes, completing his “masterpiece.” This act not only condemns Mills to a life consumed by guilt and sorrow but also validates Doe’s nihilistic perspective. The film ends with a profound sense of hopelessness, suggesting that evil, in some form, will always prevail.
The Symbolic Desert: Isolation and Despair
The desolate desert setting of the final scene reinforces the themes of isolation and despair. It represents a moral wasteland, a place devoid of hope and redemption. The vast emptiness mirrors the emotional void that Mills and Somerset are left to confront in the wake of Doe’s horrific acts. The lack of any visual comfort further underscores the bleakness of the film’s conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ending of Se7en
The ending of Se7en continues to be debated and analyzed. Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on its complexities:
FAQ 1: Why didn’t Somerset stop Mills?
Somerset tries desperately to stop Mills. However, the emotional manipulation Doe engineered, combined with the shock and horror of Tracy’s fate, proved too powerful. Somerset, burdened by his own cynicism and weariness, simply couldn’t overcome the force of Mills’ grief-fueled rage. The film subtly suggests that even Somerset, despite his wisdom, is not immune to the pervasive influence of evil.
FAQ 2: Was Tracy actually pregnant?
Yes, Tracy was pregnant. She had confided in Somerset earlier in the film about her pregnancy and her reservations about raising a child in such a corrupt world. This revelation adds another layer of tragedy to her death and intensifies Mills’ rage, making his descent into Wrath all the more believable. This is explicitly stated by Somerset to Mills in the desert scene.
FAQ 3: Did John Doe kill Tracy before or after leading the detectives to the desert?
The film implies that Doe killed Tracy shortly before leading the detectives to the desert. This is suggested by the freshness of the box’s contents and the urgency of Doe’s actions. He needed to ensure the final act was completed quickly to finalize his twisted plan.
FAQ 4: What was John Doe’s motivation?
John Doe believed he was chosen by God to punish those who embody the seven deadly sins. He saw himself as a righteous instrument of divine retribution, cleansing the world of its moral decay through acts of brutal violence. His motivation stemmed from a twisted interpretation of religious texts and a deep-seated hatred for humanity.
FAQ 5: Why did Doe confess to the murders?
Doe’s confession was part of his elaborate plan. He knew that confessing would lead the detectives to the location where he had orchestrated the final act of his “masterpiece.” He wanted to be caught and punished, believing that his actions would serve as a grim reminder of humanity’s inherent depravity. He wanted Mills and Somerset to be witnesses to his “art.”
FAQ 6: Is there any hope in the ending?
While the ending is overwhelmingly bleak, some interpret Somerset’s final line – “Ernest Hemingway once wrote, ‘The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.’ I agree with the second part” – as a glimmer of hope. Despite witnessing unimaginable horrors, Somerset still believes that fighting for good is worthwhile, even if victory seems unattainable. This offers a sliver of optimism amidst the pervasive despair.
FAQ 7: What are the seven deadly sins depicted in the movie?
The seven deadly sins are Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy, and Wrath. Each murder is designed to reflect the specific sin of the victim, highlighting the depravity of their actions and serving as a grotesque form of punishment.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of Somerset’s character?
Somerset represents a jaded and disillusioned individual who has lost faith in humanity. He embodies the wisdom gained from years of witnessing the dark side of society. He serves as a counterpoint to Mills’ youthful idealism and represents the inherent struggle between hope and despair.
FAQ 9: How does the ending of Se7en differ from typical crime thrillers?
Unlike many crime thrillers that offer a sense of closure and resolution, Se7en ends on a deeply unsettling note. The killer is apprehended, but his ultimate goal is achieved, leaving the audience with a lingering feeling of unease and a questioning of the very nature of good and evil. There is no satisfying sense of justice served.
FAQ 10: What impact did Se7en‘s ending have on cinema?
Se7en‘s dark and uncompromising ending had a profound impact on cinema, influencing countless subsequent crime thrillers and paving the way for more complex and morally ambiguous narratives. It demonstrated that a film could be both commercially successful and artistically challenging, pushing the boundaries of what audiences were willing to accept.
FAQ 11: Could the ending have been different? Were there alternative endings considered?
Rumors persist about alternative endings considered by the filmmakers, including one where Tracy was still alive. However, director David Fincher fought for the bleak and controversial ending that ultimately made it into the film, believing it was essential to the film’s overall message and impact. The studio initially pushed for a happier ending but eventually relented due to Fincher’s strong vision.
FAQ 12: What is the ultimate message of Se7en?
The ultimate message of Se7en is complex and open to interpretation. However, it can be argued that the film explores the pervasiveness of evil, the corrupting influence of despair, and the fragility of hope in a world seemingly consumed by sin. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the society in which they live. The core message revolves around the idea that even with the best intentions, good is often powerless against overwhelming evil.