In a recent discussion about the iconic thriller Seven, director David Fincher finally puts to rest the lingering questions about one of the film’s most notorious scenes. Fans of the movie will recall the intense moment when Brad Pitt’s character, Detective Mills, confronts the chilling delivery brought to him by Kevin Spacey’s villainous John Doe, which is then opened by Morgan Freeman’s character, Detective Somerset.
Source: DailyDot
What was revealed inside the box has been a subject of wild speculation among movie enthusiasts. Rumors have swirled for years that a prosthetic of Gwyneth Paltrow’s head, or even her entire body, might have been included in the final cut. However, Fincher clarifies that the contents of the box were far simpler and more symbolic. According to Fincher, the production team calculated the estimated weight of a head based on Paltrow’s body mass index, and used a seven- or eight-pound shot bag to represent this in the box. They also added a wig with some blood for added realism, which could cling together due to the blood, mimicking the effect of real hair at a gruesome crime scene.
Despite these gory details, Fincher emphasizes that the actual visuals of the contents are unnecessary for the film’s impact, noting, “As I always say, you don’t need to see what’s in the box if you have Morgan Freeman.” This statement underlines the power of suggestion and the strong performances that drive the film’s suspense and psychological drama, making Seven one of the standout thriller films of its era.
