David Fincher Used AI to Refine Pivotal Scene in Se7en 4K Remaster
David Fincher has revealed that he employed artificial intelligence to refine a crucial scene in the Se7en 4K remaster. The 1995 psychological thriller stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey, with the former two playing homicide detectives on the hunt for a brutal 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 modern standards. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fincher focused on the film’s visual issues, particularly 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 original shoot’s limitations. By leveraging AI tools, Fincher improved these shots, creating mattes to enhance Spacey’s performance while preserving the scene’s gritty tension.
“It 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,” Fincher explained.
Fincher’s efforts embody 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.
The use of AI in this restoration reflects a growing trend in modern filmmaking, where advanced tools are used to refine older works without altering their essence. James Cameron has become a notable filmmaker with multiple past projects enhanced by AI, including Aliens, True Lies, The Abyss, and Avatar. 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.
As Se7en 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.
