Se7en - Titles Effectiveness for Genre

The opening credits of Se7en are all very effective, particularly through the editing techniques. The words only appear for a very short time before disappearing and flicker slightly, creating a sense of mystery. The titles have also been edited to blur and overlap into each other at some points which is again really effective, building up suspense.

Throughout the opening credits there are also many features which link to a psychological horror in the background of the titles. For example, there is a shot of a Bible which is a very common religious theme in many psychological horrors, with references to ‘God.’ This suggests that religion is significant within the film and may foreshadow what the viewers have to come. There is also a lot of mystery created focusing one character where their hands and fingernails are used. A particular shot shows a blade being used to peel off skin, suggesting the character is trying to hide their identity. This again creates an idea of what is to come further on in the film and leaves the viewers curious.

The typography used for the titles is sans serif, making the letters look sharp and edgy. It is also in a font which appears to look old or written using a typewriter. This creates the tense and mysterious idea of the film to come. 

Lastly, throughout the opening credits a very jumpy soundtrack is played which is effective in creating tension and building suspense. The music fits really well with the flickering titles which flash in, making the entire opening very edgy and jumpy.