'Film Noir' were originally films that portrayed a dark, seedy side to the criminal underworld. They were often thrillers containing police detective and gangster characters in them. They came about in the 1940's and were a development of the gangster film genre.

The film 'Desperate' made in 1947 is a film noir, and is about a man who is set up by a gang of criminals. This leads to both the police and a group of gangsters going after him as he tries to escape from them. The more recently made film 'Se7en', made in 1995, tries to replicate features of a film noir in several ways, to make it have a dark and sinister feel to it.The film is about two homicide detectives on the trail of a murderer, who's victims are all people who have committed the seven deadly sins. 'Desperate' opens up with very dramatic orchestral music that builds up through the opening credits.

This is a way of showing to the audience that the film will be dramatic and suspenseful. The music over the opening credits to 'Se7en' is also very dramatic and sounds scratchier, making it very eerie. The music would probably also apply to an alternative teenage audience, as it is by Nine Inch Nails, who's main audience are alternative teens.The music also sounds like there is a heartbeat noise playing over it.

This makes the film appear as though it will be suspenseful and dramatic. The film title 'Desperate' is written in a rugged style of writing and also looks slightly blurred in places, which could give the impression that it is moving fast and represent the fast getaways in the film. Behind the title is a silhouette of two people, both looking to be wearing suits and trilby hats, which was clothing commonly worn by gangsters in films. This shows the gangster theme, and the silhouette makes it seem more mysterious.The title of 'Se7en' is written in a more gothic style and is in white with a brownish colour over parts.

The brown is a dull colour, and represents the bleakness of the film. The fact it is on white, a bright colour, shows contrast in the film. The title is also written again behind the main title, but is faded and flickers on and off in various places. This gives a more confusing feel to the film. The opening credits predominant colours are mainly dull colours, but there is also images used that are red.

This symbolises blood and murder, showing that the film will have death in it.There are images of things being written and erased and pictures being cut out, and we are given the idea that it is the murderer who is doing these things. The images are all very strange and unusual and make the film seem like it will be quite disturbing. The first character we are shown in the film 'Desperate' is Steve Randall, played by an actor called Steve Brodie. At the time the film was made he was famous for playing several parts in films, usually as a soldier or a pilot, and would usually play a good character in his films.He is well dressed and is carrying some flowers and a present for his wife, showing that he is likely to be a good and honest character, and also the main role of the film.

A child in the street then pretends to shoot him with a toy gun, which could be seen as an image of bleakness as it is showing children think violence is fun. Steve then goes to his house and is greeted by his wife. The film is in black and white, and the predominant shades shown here are brighter ones, giving images of happiness in the couples life.Steve then has to make a phone call to someone who rang for him earlier.

When he rings the number the camera shot shows him dialling a number on his phone and then fades to a shot of a phone that is ringing. The ringing phone is black, contrasting the bright shades just seen, showing a change in mood, and we are shown a close up of a man answering it. He is dressed in a pinstripe suit, giving the idea he is a gangster. The close up used prevents the audience from being able to see his surroundings, giving mystery to the man.When he hangs up the camera zooms out, showing the rest of the room he is in and four other people in the room. The four other men are also similarly dressed, wearing pinstriped suits and some wearing trilbies.

This shows that they are likely to be in a gang together. Some are smoking and some are playing cards, which is a common way of portraying a gangster. There is a blind over the window in the room blocking out the light, making it quite dark. The darkness of the room represents the darkness of their character and makes them appear like rats keeping out of the light.

The room they are in is also not very homely looking, with only some half empty shelves in it with bottles of liquor in them. This shows the types of characters they are and the lives they lead. One of the gangsters is played by the actor Raymond Burr, who was famous for playing the roles of 'Ironside', an attorney, and Perry Mason, a detective. This shows that the film could have a detective theme to it.

The gangsters are talking about the phone call, and how they have just involved Steve in a heist without his knowledge.This gives the audience clues to the narrative of the film. They are also shown to be all quite cocky and willing to prove themselves, another show of their character. One of them also has a gun, showing they are very violent people. Morgan Freeman is the first character shown in 'Se7en'. He is a well-known actor and is famous for playing several different types of roles in films, meaning the audience can tell he is a main character in the film.

He is well dressed and his clothes are similar to those of a gangster - a suit and a trilby hat.He is outside and it is raining, which makes the setting similar to a film noir, as they were often set in dull rainy streets as it symbolises bleakness. The predominant colours in the scene are dull colours, such as browns and greys. This is another symbol of bleakness in the film. It could also be another way in which the film is imitating a film noir as several film noir's were in black and white, and brown and grey could give a similar feel to the film.

Brad Pitt then comes on scene to meet up with the character played by Morgan Freeman.Brad Pitt is also a very famous and well-known actor, and at the time of the film he was famous for playing a role in 'Interview with the Vampire'. This was a gothic horror film, and we can expect Se7en to be similar in some ways because of Brad Pitt playing one of the leading roles. The camera shots used of the two characters are mostly long shots.

This distances the viewer from the characters, making them seem more mysterious. It also makes them seem smaller and the street they are in larger. This could represent the difficulty they face in catching the killer, that there is a large area for them to cover where he could be.The character played by Brad Pitt is a lot more relaxed in his manner.

He has his hands in his pockets and is casually dressed. He is also smart-mouthed, making him appear cocky and arrogant, whereas Morgan Freeman is more uptight. This shows a contrast in their characters, and it is made obvious to us that Morgan Freeman's character is a lot more experienced in his work than Brad Pitt's character, who is a newcomer. We are shown the inside of a building where it is very dark.

Blinds cover up the windows and there is little lighting.This makes it moody and atmospheric. It also makes it similar to a film noir, where dimly lit rooms were often used to give atmosphere and bleakness. There is a lot of noise coming from outside, such as car noises in a busy street and sirens. This gives the setting the feel of an urban environment.

From the opening sequence of 'Desperate' we can assume that the film was aimed at fans of gangster films and action adventure. It would probably have a male target audience and would have been aimed at sixteen to thirty year olds.It would now probably be watched by an older audience, as it would have less appeal to the youth of today, as it has been outdated. It would probably be watched by fans of film noir's and people interested in older films.

The film 'Se7en' would probably also have a mainly male target audience to it, although the casting of Brad Pitt in it would also make the film appeal to a female audience as well. The film appears to have a gothic horror aspect to it as well, and would probably appeal to fans of thrillers and horrors, alternative teens and fans of film noir.