The Studio Tried To Change Seven’s Infamous Ending. The Big Contract Note Brad Pitt Wrote In To Avoid That

The Studio Tried To Change Seven's Infamous Ending. The Big Contract Note Brad Pitt Wrote In To Avoid That

As a fan of cinematic masterpieces and someone who appreciates a good behind-the-scenes story, I can’t help but admire Brad Pitt‘s tenacity and commitment to his craft. In the world of Hollywood where compromises are often made, it’s refreshing to see an actor standing firm on his artistic vision, especially when it comes to such iconic endings as the one in Seven.


1990s classic “Seven,” directed by David Fincher, boasts an unforgettable ending as a key factor behind its acclaim. This memorable conclusion, dark and twisted like the movie itself, could have taken a different turn if not for Brad Pitt’s contract that included specific details about the script.

Brad Pitt and George Clooney, often working together, recently shared insights with GQ. Pitt discussed his transition into lead roles in movies and how he gradually assumed control over his projects. He disclosed a strategic move during the filming of “Seven,” where he ensured critical scenes were preserved as intended by including Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic “head-in-the-box” sequence in his contract, thus maintaining creative control over these important story elements. Pitt elaborated on…

What he’s talking about is the realization of how much of it is on your back. And then you go, ‘OK, that’s all right. But I’m going to pick.’ When you realize you’re responsible, then you step up and you start making calls. Like, I got in my contract when I did Seven, having had a bad experience on a movie before where they edited out scenes I thought were vital, in Seven I put it in my contract: The wife’s head stays in the box.

In his recent discussions, Brad Pitt doesn’t explicitly refer to “Legends of the Fall” as being the movie that influenced his current thoughts, but it’s important to note that this was the film he worked on before “Seven.” Interestingly, Edward Zwick, the director of “Legends of the Fall,” published a book this year where he disclosed frequent disagreements between him and Pitt during the production of “Legends.” Specifically, there was a dispute about scenes that Zwick eliminated from the film, which Pitt opposed. Now, Zwick admits that Pitt’s stance was valid.

The finale of “Seven” carries a rather grim tone, which deviates from the usual upbeat endings seen in typical Hollywood productions. George Clooney inquired if Brad Pitt had ever attempted to alter the climactic box scene, to which Pitt responded that it wasn’t just the box scene they tried to modify, but changes couldn’t be made due to his contractual obligations. He elaborated further…

Indeed. In the storyline, John Doe is the one who meets his end. Both events are outlined in the agreement. When the moment arrives, they might suggest that he could have been more heroic under different circumstances. However, you respond with a shrug, acknowledging the sentiment but reminding them of the reality: “Yes, he could have been. But he’s not.” In an unexpected twist, they propose using the dogs as a plot device instead: “What if we use the dogs’ heads instead?” However, you firmly decline this suggestion.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but ponder the alternate endings that could have graced the screen in the film “Seven.” It’s hard to envision John Doe committing an act as jarring as killing a dog or Brad Pitt’s character halting short of his descent into “wrath.” The final scene of a movie is what lingers in our minds when we depart, and even if the rest of “Seven” was outstanding, a faltering conclusion might have dimmed its luster over time. So here’s a quiet nod of gratitude to Brad Pitt for his role in creating such an enduring masterpiece.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-08-14 23:07