Se7en's Shocking Ending: How Brad Pitt Saved a Cinematic Masterpiece!
Se7en's Brutal Finale: A Testament to Brad Pitt's Vision
Se7en (1995), David Fincher's dark crime thriller starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, is legendary, but not because it is easily enjoyed or its happy storyline! The film's horrifying ending remains iconic. But get this: it almost didn't happen! According to a 2011 Entertainment Weekly interview, Brad Pitt was instrumental in keeping that shocking ending in the movie and changed things dramatically from the proposed alternatives which were significantly worse.
Se7en follows two detectives hunting a serial killer inspired by the seven deadly sins; this plot is an incredibly twisted storyline that is almost impossible to follow; those unexpected plot twists generate almost unimaginable levels of tension and that same mystery made Se7en a critically acclaimed and huge box office success.
The Box That Changed Everything
That legendary ending? It’s mind-blowingly shocking, showcasing the film's greatest achievement— an ambiguous yet profound statement of moral uncertainty. Somerset (Freeman) and Mills (Pitt) are closing in on John Doe (Kevin Spacey). Suddenly a box arrives— containing (implied) Mills’ wife’s head. The horrific scene shows how extreme human behaviors and capacities for extreme evil are truly possible.
Mills, devastated and consumed by rage, kills Doe. The film's last scene: Mills in a catatonic state, the world falling apart after losing everything— family and his own self control, after making those fateful choices that changed everything, showcasing his ultimate destruction.
Brad Pitt's Crucial Role in Se7en’s Ending
Pitt reveals in that EW interview he insisted on that bleak, gut-wrenching climax! He stated his only reason for accepting the part; insisting on that exact brutal plot element involving the head-in-the-box and Mills' decision to kill. He even emphasized why it was absolutely critical, explaining his belief: “He doesn’t do the ‘right’ thing, he does the thing of passion.”
Despite objections from the production team–those that initially argued this kind of ending is simply far too dark– Pitt's vision won the day. This changed Se7en from something forgettable into something incredibly memorable and impactful.
Why That Dark Ending Was EXACTLY What Se7en Needed!
Se7en's ending might be unsettling— even disturbing to some viewers! – but that dark twist doesn’t imply it’s bad. Happily-ever-after endings in movies are safe— but some need those sad, devastating realities, hitting way harder in relatable, realistic ways. Pitt totally nailed his character; knowing Mills wouldn’t do what would typically be viewed as "the right" thing; feeling Mills would prioritize emotion, not logic, and emphasizing the unpredictable behaviors of humans experiencing enormous levels of trauma and resulting despair.
Those dark and twisted realities perfectly worked into a brilliant and very effective overall storyline. It forces those viewers watching to ask that ever-important question: How would they even respond? Those kind of profound, almost universally related questions show its immense value and strength; completely emphasizing this entire film's success, demonstrating its brilliance on several levels which helped elevate it among other similarly themed releases from that period.
How a “Happier” Ending Would've Ruined Se7en
That EW article shows initial alternative plans that tried to shift it toward something significantly milder: placing Mills’ dog’s head in the box and the decision not to kill Doe. This alternate scenario was essentially this “happy ending” which avoids all the more compelling plot points!
This version of that climax doesn’t deliver the same gut-punch, folks. Those changes wouldn't have made the viewers realize why they felt completely manipulated throughout, they wouldn't have found this same profound effect. Even if those animal lovers feel some immense emotional trauma–the tragic loss wouldn’t have nearly the impact—and killing Doe’s choice becomes far less impactful, losing its narrative purpose, leaving behind that necessary complexity to an incredibly simple answer which lacks those key details and does nothing more to actually portray the depth and impact to this particular cinematic piece which makes it a cinematic classic.
Conclusion: A Dark Masterpiece That Remains Unforgettable
Pitt’s insistence on Se7en's original ending totally saved that movie— taking a massive risk on a movie which needed the intensity, and emotional complexity of this key scene to create this utterly memorable ending. It also showcases that choosing a realistic yet disturbing answer was the only and best way; which completely changes what that ending was expected to provide.
That dark, ambiguous conclusion perfectly reflects the world Se7en presents— the haunting and horrific climax forces everyone to realize what made that film incredibly valuable. The resulting discussions concerning the characters and their responses to this incredibly emotionally intense experience shows its greatness as a cinematic triumph; a seriously impressive piece within film history, as audiences remember those gut-wrenching and emotionally powerful moments, to this day!
