Heroes & Monsters
Ms. Carla Kurt
Se7en directed by David Fincher
Discussion Questions (source: http://www.damaris.org/)

Respond to all parts of each question. Write complete sentences with clear information (characters’ names, actors, etc.) Each response must be between 5 -10 sentences and must include specific references to the movie.

1. What did you think of Se7en? Why?

2. Apart from the obvious theme of the seven deadly sins, what other themes did you think were running through this film?

3. How did you feel about each victim? Did they deserve their fate? Did you feel some were more deserving than others? If so, who and why?

4. Why do you think detectives Mills and Somerset have their differing approaches to their work? You may want to consider Somerset’s comment when the police captain hands Mills the pieces of plastic fed to the first victim, and Mill’s conversation with Somerset as they are on the way to Victor’s apartment.

5. John Doe’s speech towards the film’s climax tells us why he committed the murders. What do you think of his comments? Do we live in a society that tolerates sin? What should we do about it?

6. Why do you think that John chose the final victim? What would you have done if you were in that victim’s position?

7. What do you think of John Doe? What do you think his background or upbringing may have been like?

8. One of the observations made in the film is that we see sin everywhere, we see it, we tolerate it, and we do nothing about it. Does this make us just as guilty as the perpetrator of the crime? Do you agree with Edmund Burke’s comment, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’? Why/why not?

9. Consider the conversation between Mills and Somerset about apathy in society, particularly Somerset’s comment:

I didn't say I was different or better. I'm not. Hell, I sympathize. I sympathize completely. Apathy is the solution. I mean, it's easier to lose yourself in drugs than it is to cope with life. It's easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It's easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, love costs: it takes effort and work.

Do you agree with Somerset? Does love take hard work? Does it cost? Is it easier to be apathetic?

10. How does the film “make its case”? (for example - by emotional appeal, alienation effect, manipulation of point-of-view, documentary authority, symbolism, race/gender assignments, etc.) Give examples!