Filming was in full swing, everything progressing smoothly and without major hitches.
Ever since his Waterloo and disastrous defeat with alien 3, David Fincher had been holding onto a strong drive.
He knew very well that directing Se7en was his second excellent opportunity to prove himself, and he had to seize it firmly, give his all, and not allow any slack.
Kazir quietly observed from the side, watching David Fincher pour his heart and soul into his dream, every decision and every direction imbued with his dedication and passion for film.
As a screenwriter, after completing his primary duties, Kazir took on various odd jobs on set—dismantling sets, moving camera equipment, ordering takeout; he did anything he could to help.
He willingly lent a hand, as this film, at its root, was conceived from his script.
He genuinely hoped for the film's success, much like a mother wishes for her child to grow strong and achieve great things.
'If Se7en explodes in theaters and achieves huge success, then I'll have taken a big step forward, and the road ahead will be smoother, allowing me to secure my place in the film industry.' Kazir often harbored such aspirations.
"Cut! That's a take!"
As David's voice fell, everyone began to bustle, moving sets and preparing for the next scene.
The next scene to be filmed was the tense confrontation between Detective Mills and the serial killer in the alley.
According to the script's setting, it was pouring rain, and the icy rainwater mercilessly lashed down on Mills.
He had been tormented terribly by the killer, suffering immense physical and mental trauma, almost losing his life in that dark, damp alley.
Fortunately, the killer didn't go for the kill, ultimately letting him go and allowing him to snatch back his life from the brink of death.
"The sprinklers should be fine," Kazir said confidently.
He had helped set up this artificial rain device with everyone else. To prevent the camera from getting wet, he had even carefully wrapped it tightly in transparent plastic sheeting.
"Se7en, back alley scene, Act Three..."
The clapper loader shouted loudly, then clapped the clapperboard with a "snap," and filming officially began.
In the shot, Detective Mills leaned weakly against a trash can, shivering uncontrollably from the cold.
His eyes were filled with terror, he was gasping for air, and blood streamed down his face, looking utterly disheveled.
Suddenly, a gun was pressed against his forehead, the cold barrel almost touching his scalp.
He knew clearly that if the other party lightly pulled the trigger, his brains would splatter everywhere, and his life would end there.
However, the killer didn't kill him; he merely gave him a cold glance, then left him in the cold rain, turning and walking away.
"Cut! Ten-minute break, then one more take."
David spoke, and everyone finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Brad Pitt's assistant quickly ran over, carefully wrapping him in a hot towel, fearing he might catch a chill. After all, no one wanted an actor to get sick during filming; if he did, it would not only delay production but also incur significant additional costs and time.
Brad looked at David Fincher, a hint of doubt and unease in his eyes, wondering if his performance just now wasn't right, failing to meet the director's requirements.
"Brad, I'm sorry, I'll talk to you later. I need to go brief someone first."
"Okay, Director," Brad quickly nodded in response.
Although David had previously fumbled alien 3, causing some controversy in the industry, actors still held him in high regard.
On set, the director was the boss, holding absolute authority.
Besides, leaving a good impression on the director meant more work would come his way in the future.
Brad knew that David Fincher had the talent and ability to create excellent works and achieve great things.
"Kazir."
Suddenly called by David, Kazir figured the director might be asking about plot details.
"What do you think Mills' reaction should be when facing death?"
The answer seemed obvious, but David's expression, a look of confusion as if he had forgotten some crucial detail, suggested there was more to it.
He stared at the playback, always feeling something was off, and while he had some vague ideas, he just couldn't grasp it.
Although David himself had written scripts and directed three films, possessing rich experience, he valued Kazir's thoughts, as Kazir was the screenwriter of this film and might have a deeper understanding of the character.
"David, this is just my feeling, okay? I think Mills isn't afraid of dying; he's afraid of something else."
"What do you mean?" David asked, frowning with a puzzled expression.
"I think he should be worried that if he dies, his wife will become a widow, with no one to care for her, and her life will fall into hardship," Kazir said cautiously.
Kazir knew that since he wasn't directing the film, the final decision rested with David, and his words weren't the final say.
"I understand. Let's try another take with that feeling. Thanks, Kazir." David nodded thoughtfully, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes.
"No problem."
Kazir replied with a smile.
Making a film is never a one-person job; it relies on the collective effort of the entire team. Everyone performs their duties, respects each other, and cooperates seamlessly to create an excellent work.
Kazir watched the crew working together with such perfect synergy, and a feeling of admiration welled up within him.
'I heard these are all David's own crew members, no wonder they are so united, like a closely-knit family,' Kazir mused to himself.
The original owner didn't have a fixed team, but he had a few familiar faces, all friends he had met in the film industry.
When making films, he could call on these friends for help.
Like him, they were all freelancers, not affiliated with any fixed crew, going wherever there was work.
'I wonder what they're up to now. I called Leonard two weeks ago, and he was still working at the camera rental store, busy every day.' Kazir couldn't help but think of the original owner's friends.
"Kazir."
Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey were acting opposite each other in front of the camera, but Morgan Freeman walked over to Kazir.
In Hollywood, connections are always useful; sometimes an opportunity, a role, can be easily obtained because of a connection.
Morgan heard that Kazier Gray was also a talented director, and he couldn't help but pay more attention to him.
He had read the script for Se7en and found it very exciting, with a tight, gripping plot full of suspense and surprises.
He also heard that Kazir originally wanted to direct the film himself, but the company didn't agree, so the job was given to David Fincher.
Morgan knew very well that in the film industry, many directors have their own persistence and principles, unyielding, and would never stoop to being just a screenwriter.
To put it bluntly, even screenwriters want to direct their own scripts so they can fully present their work according to their own vision.
He felt that Kazir would eventually embark on his own projects, and with his talent and potential, he would surely succeed. When he became famous, making friends with him now would definitely be a good move; who knows, there might even be opportunities for collaboration in the future!
Although this young man wasn't old, Morgan didn't underestimate him.
After all, the script for Se7en came from this 26-year-old.
This film might become a classic, leaving a profound mark in film history.
Perhaps the genre of thriller detective films would even be blocked by it—because no one could surpass it, it would become an insurmountable peak for those who came after.
"Hi, Morgan."
Kazir quickly greeted him.
"Kazir, I've read the script, and I'm really curious how you came up with this story. Spill the beans, what's in that box? Is it really 'that thing,' like I think?" Morgan asked with a curious expression, his eyes full of anticipation.
"Ah, that... you'll find out when you see it yourself."
Kazir said with a smile, deliberately keeping him in suspense.
He really didn't know how to explain, as the secret of the box was a major suspense element of the film, and revealing it prematurely would lose that surprise and shock.
Morgan didn't press him, and he chuckled too.
They were quite far from the set, with no one else around, so they could chat freely and relax their tense mood.
David Fincher planned to finish filming in two months, with the final scene being the climactic "What's in the box" sequence.
Perhaps David wanted to save this crucial scene for last, as it was too chilling and could deliver a huge impact and shock to the audience.
In any case, Kazir couldn't quite explain why David would arrange it that way.