David Fincher has revealed that he utilized artificial intelligence to refine a pivotal scene in theSe7en4K remaster. The 1995 psychological thriller starred Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey, with the former two playing homicide detectives on the hunt for a barbarous serial killer, played by the latter. TheSe7en4K remaster was releasedto celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary and ensure its technical quality matches today’s standards.
During an interview withEntertainment Weeklyfor the re-release, Fincher focused on the film’s visual issues, specifically in the climactic car scene where John Doe (Spacey) interacts with the detectives. Some shots of Spacey’s character in the backseatwere previously out of focus due to the constraints of the original shoot.By leveraging AI tools, Fincher improved these shots, creating mattes to enhance Spacey’s performance while making sure to preserve the scene’s gritty tension. Check out Fincher’s full comments below:
There were some shots of Kevin in the backseat of the police car with the grate that divides the front of the police car to the back, and there were shots that were completely out of focus. We were able to use AI and make mattes and extract the performance that was in the backseat and render it. It’s still soft, but it’s not as egregious as it was.
What This Means For Se7en’s Legacy
AI Remasters May Become Much More Common
Fincher’s efforts vitalize his commitment to preservingSe7en’s legacy as a cinematic classic. By addressing past technical flaws, the remaster ensures the film maintains its immersive storytelling for new audiences. This enhancementallows viewers to experience the climactic scenes with greater clarity,emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship ofSe7en’s original production.
Importantly, the use of AI in this restoration reflects a growing trend in modern filmmaking, where advanced tools are utilized to refine older works without altering their essence.James Cameron has become a notable filmmakerwith multiple past projects enhanced by AI, includingAliens(1986),True Lies(1994),The Abyss(1989) andAvatar(2009). While some may argue against altering original films, raising the question of appearance,Fincher’s approach seems to remain respectful.In his remaster ofSe7en,he has addressed technical issues without compromising the film’s narrative integrity or artistic vision.
3 Key Changes David Fincher Made To Se7en That Changed Its Ending
Se7en has one of the most memorable and shocking endings in film history, but David Fincher had to fight to keep some of its best parts.
Fincher’s update calls attention to the enduring relevance ofSe7enin contemporary cinema. As the film celebrates nearly three decades since its release,its restoration remains accessible to modern viewers who expect technical precision.Fincher’s commitment to maintaining qualityeven with a re-release strengthens the sleeper hit’s position as a cornerstone in the thriller genre.
Our Take on Fincher’s Se7en Fixes
Fincher’s Edits Come With Good Intentions
Fincher’s decision to enhanceSe7en’s visuals with artificial intelligence proves his dedication to delivering uncompromised viewing experiences. While the original film’s imperfections may have gone unnoticed by many viewers,this remaster ensures the film’s narrative is complemented by technical excellence.Fincher’s decision is a thoughtful approach that respects both the art and the audience, cementingSe7en’s legacy for generations to come.
Se7en
Cast
David Fincher’s crime thriller Se7en follows the seasoned Detective William Somerset after he is assigned a new partner, the young and idealistic David Mills (Brad Pitt). The two find themselves investigating a deranged killer staging murders inspired by each of the seven deadly sins. On the hunt for the twisted John Doe (Kevin Spacey) before he can kill again, the two detectives soon discover that they’re much deeper into the case than they realized.
