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Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman play detectives tracking a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi in this dark 1995 psychological thriller. What is the title of this film?

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Se7en โ€” movies

The film you're thinking of is the chilling 1995 psychological thriller, Se7en (Review). Directed by David Fincher, this dark and atmospheric movie stars Brad Pitt as the impulsive Detective David Mills and Morgan Freeman as the seasoned, world-weary Detective William Somerset. Together, they are plunged into a horrifying investigation, tracking a meticulous serial killer, known only as John Doe, who uses the seven deadly sinsโ€”pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and slothโ€”as the gruesome inspiration for his murders.

Se7en is celebrated for its relentlessly bleak tone and immersive, rain-soaked urban setting, which creates a palpable sense of decay and despair. While the unnamed, crime-ridden city evokes a gloomy metropolis, much of the filming actually took place in sunny Los Angeles, with creative cinematography and production design transforming it into its iconic, oppressive environment. The film's distinctive dark aesthetic was partly achieved through a chemical process called bleach (Review) bypass, which deepened shadows and increased tonal quality. Beyond its gripping plot, the movie delves into profound themes of morality, justice, and the pervasive nature of sin, challenging viewers to consider the fine line between good and evil.

Adding to the film's legendary status is its unforgettable and shocking conclusion, which famously faced resistance from studio executives. Brad Pitt, however, staunchly insisted on keeping the original, darker ending, even making it a condition of his contract. Interestingly, during filming, Pitt genuinely broke his arm in a chase scene, and rather than halting production, the injury was cleverly written into the script for his character. Se7en remains a landmark in the psychological thriller genre, lauded for its masterful storytelling and enduring impact on cinema.