Hollywood What If Chapter 7
Se7en was about two detectives trying to solve the seven murders that "embodied" the seven deadly sins. It may sound simple when you think about it that way, but each death was gruesome and full of motives.
Now, the job of the screenwriter and the writing partners was to make the motives believable. The plot had to be logical, as did the scenes. To make every character complex and alive.
New Line Cinema wanted to change the ending because it was too disturbing but both Kazir Grey and David Fincher fought against it. In their opinion, the ending was the best part of the movie.
William Somerset was an old detective who wanted to retire. The Seven Murders, representing the seven deadly sins, was his last case before retirement. He was old but calm, mature, and experienced.
David Mills was a young detective, he was William's partner in the murder case. He was hot-headed, but his intentions were good. He was dedicated to his job.
These two characters needed to be fleshed out. The writers would do their best to make it happen. But it would all depend on the actors who would play the part.
"Thank you John, we will call you if you get the part."
John Paul Cusack nodded. He thought his acting was good and the role suited him. His last movie, "The Road to Wellville" with Anthony Hopkins was released on October 28th.
The movie was based on a novel and everyone thought it would do well at the box office. Unfortunately, it only earned 2.5 million in its opening week. Cinemascore believed that the movie would not make more than 7 million in North America.
This meant only one thing, the movie flopped at the box office.
2.5 million may look big, but the total budget of "The Road to Wellville" was $25 million! It only made a tenth of its budget.
This time the production of Se7en invited him to audition for the role of David Mills.
To be honest, John Cusack was not sure if the movie would be successful. He read 2/3 of the script and it was bloody. Because he never read the whole script, he didn't know the motives of the killer.
John Cusack walked out of the audition room smiling, and David Fincher asked the people around him.
"What do you think of John?" He looked at the producer, Arnold Kopelson and Kazir Grey.
"If you ask me... John is a too-good boy for the part. His face looks like a good guy. David Mills should look fierce and hotheaded, I can't see that in John Cusack. Unless he grows a beard, but I don't think he would fit the part."
Arnold Kopelson and David Fincher nodded at Kazir's opinion. They have the same opinion.
"His acting is great, but this role is not for him."
"Then let's call the next one. Kazir, you recommended this actor for this role."
"That's right."
They invited actors who would fit the roles of David Mills and William Somerset. So far they had met Al Pacino and Morgan Freeman.
The studio had already decided on Morgan Freeman as William Somerset. He had the vibe and no one would question Morgan's acting.
'I don't know why, but I feel like Morgan Freeman always plays the role of the calm old veteran in the movies he's in. Well, it really suits him. '
To be honest, we have never seen Morgan Freeman as a young man in his entire filmography. He is always an old and mature man.
While he was thinking, the next actor appeared and everyone noticed his appearance.
"Hello, Brad."
"Hello, Director David."
Brad Pitt's demeanor was that of a young, impulsive, and headstrong man. Perhaps Brad Pitt was seriously preparing for the audition and his demeanor showed it.
Se7en was actually a gamble for Brad Pitt's career. This kind of bloody movie might flop at the box office. However, Brad received an invitation and he liked the script after reading it.
David and Kazir nodded as they watched his movements. No question, Brad Pitt fits the role. If nothing bad happened, he would get the role.
Brad Pitt's last two movies grossed over 100 million worldwide and his salary would definitely not be less than three million.
After showing his acting, they decided to ask Brad some questions.
"Brad, what do you think about David Mills?"
"If you ask me, I think David Mills' intentions are pure and good-hearted. Even though his actions were reckless, he wanted to make the world a better place. That's why he became a detective."
"Good. Thank you, Brad. We will call you as soon as we decide."
"Thank you."
After Brad Pitt left, David looked at Kazir and nodded.
Kazir was right, Brad Pitt could make David Mills a real person.
"Let's continue the audition."
But of course everyone understood that a diamond in the rough might show up. After all, Brad Pitt's salary could be a problem.
In the end, they auditioned all the promising actors who might fit the role of David Mills. But they decided to go with Brad Pitt.
Brad Pitt has a strong box office appeal and his name was already known. He had fans all over the world and they needed those fans to watch the movie.
After all, they were making a commercial movie, not an artistic one.
Brad Pitt's agent negotiated and Brad's salary was 4 million dollars. It was an amount they could bear considering Brad Pitt's box office appeal.
As for Morgan Freeman, the contract was 2 million.
Almost 1/6 of the movie budget went to the two actors alone.
The cast also included Gwyneth Paltrow and Ronald Lee Ermey.
Se7en was a gamble because of the premise of the movie. It was dark and gritty and people might not like it. Nevertheless, the two actors accepted the roles.
[Note: What I'm about to write may not be so accurate and correct. To be honest, I only watched famous Hollywood movies. I didn't know most of the actors and actresses of the 1990s. I only searched them using Google. So please bear with me. As for salary and such, I will trust Google. Unfortunately, I can't find the exact salary of Morgan Freeman during the filming of Se7en].