David Fincher’s classic thriller Se7en is back on the big screen, as it celebrated its 30th anniversary with a limited IMAX release. This revival is more than nostalgic; it’s considerably successful at the box office, demonstrating the film’s enduring relevance to both new audiences and long-time fans alike.
Originally released in 1995, Se7en stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as detectives hunting for a serial killer inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins. Fincher, who was relatively untested at the time after the troubled production of Alien 3, managed to create what has now become one of the most critically acclaimed films of modern cinema. The film grossed over $300 million worldwide upon its first release and has continued to resonate within pop culture.
The recent IMAX screenings, which took place across 200 theatres, raked in about $900,000 over opening weekend, pushing the re-released film past the $100 million mark domestically. This impressive tally is expected to grow, as its global total approaches $330 million with the impending 4K release scheduled for Tuesday. The success of Se7en during this re-release demonstrates not only its nostalgic value but also the appetite for quality cinema.
The IMAX version impressed audiences, reviving the film's unique visual aesthetic. A recent viewer at the IMAX screening noted, "It's impressive considering it’s a movie that's pretty much streaming everywhere. Folks like going to see these classics on the big screen.” This shows the continuation of the trend where older films are finding renewed interest through modern technology, making the cinematic experience more compelling than ever.
Critics praised the film's restoration process, noting how Fincher took great care to preserve the original feel of the film. The viewing experience was described as "jaw-dropping," showcasing Darius Khondji’s evocative use of Super 35mm film, which when combined with modern projection technology, breathed new life back to scenes laden with tension. A reviewer declared, "Se7en looks like it was shot on film (there's a modest layer of grain visible in some shots). It certainly doesn't reek of the kind of revisionist filmmaking some have accused James Cameron of doing."
Fincher’s vision remains intact, which adds to the bittersweet experience of viewing such dark material. The themes of Se7en present brutality and moral dilemmas—a stark departure from today’s more sanitized film productions. "A studio would never allow an untested director to make something so black-hearted and nihilistic," remarked one attendee, emphasizing how the climate of film-making has shifted dramatically since the original release.
Discussion about finitude and moral decline depicted through visceral imagery positions Se7en as not only alarming but remarkably poignant, stimulating audiences to rethink what it means to explore ‘the darker sides’ of storytelling. This subtle awareness may very well provoke conversations around the more subdued tones of contemporary filmmaking, which some might argue, play it too safe.
With changing viewer demographics, increasingly hyper-sensitive social media interaction, and studios’ reluctance to back controversial projects, it’s hard to envision another film with the boldness of Se7en making its way through today’s cinema. What was once accepted as thought-provoking art has become watchful entertainment littered with fear of backlash.
Yet, succeeding weekends at theaters suggest people still crave complex narratives and authentic experiences. The fact is, even if the film is available for home viewing, the atmosphere of the theaters and the thrill of the IMAX experience attract cinephiles, especially those seeking to engage with the art form deeply.
“If Se7en happens to be playing anywhere near you, I highly recommend seeing it on an IMAX screen. It’s an incredible theatrical experience,” implored one critic, summing the sentiment shared by many who have appreciated the film’s depth and quality across decades.
From its initial release to now, Se7en continues to command attention, breaking box office barriers and capturing hearts anew. Time may change audiences and trends, but what persists is the magnetic quality of Fincher’s cinematic vision, exemplified through this remarkable classic. The world of film might evolve, but classics like Se7en remind us of the bold storytelling capable of leaving lasting impressions on viewers for years to come.