How Key John Doe Se7en Scene Was Fixed In 4K Re-Release Detailed By David Fincher

David Fincher has revealed that he utilized artificial intelligence to refine a pivotal scene in the Se7en 4K 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. The Se7en 4K remaster was released to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary and ensure its technical quality matches today’s standards.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly for 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 backseat were 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 preserving Se7en’s legacy as a cinematic classic. By addressing past technical flaws, the remaster ensures the film maintains its immersive storytelling for new audiences. This enhancement allows viewers to experience the climactic scenes with greater clarity, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship of Se7en’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 filmmaker with multiple past projects enhanced by AI, including Aliens (1986), True Lies (1994), The Abyss (1989) and Avatar (2009). While some may argue against altering original films, raising the question of appearance, Fincher’s approach seems to remain respectful. In his remaster of Se7en, he has addressed technical issues without compromising the film’s narrative integrity or artistic vision.

Fincher’s update calls attention to the enduring relevance of Se7en in 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 quality even 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 enhance Se7en’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, cementing Se7en’s legacy for generations to come.

Source: EW