Movies of Capitalist Ideology: David Fincher

The auteur theory, as Robin Wood described in his article titled “Ideology, Genre, Auteur”, is concentrated on the thematic and stylistic fingerprints of the individual artist (p. 592). In addition to the auteur theory, Wood focuses on the values and assumptions “insistently embodied and reinforced by classical Hollywood cinema” (p. 592) and discusses how these films intentionally -or unintentionally- support the American capitalist ideology. He talks about 12 different characteristics of Hollywood cinema which is related with capitalist ideology like; heterosexual marriage, ideal male/female figures and the work ethic. In this blog, I will discuss two films, “Se7en” (1995) and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011) by David Fincher, in the light of Robin Wood’s article and different characteristics that he suggested.

Se7en is a 1995 crime thriller film about two detectives, Somerset and Mills, tracking down a mysterious and complex serial killer, John Doe, who uses seven sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride) as a motif of his murders. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2011 psychological crime thriller which is based on the 2005 novel by Swedish writer Stieg Larsson. This film tells the story of Mikael Blomkvist , a journalist, and Lisbeth Salander’s, hacker, investigation to find out what happened to Harriet who mysteriously disappeared 40 years ago and undisclosed secrets of a wealthy family, the Vagners.

When we look carefully at these films shot 16 years apart, Fincher’s unique set of traits becomes clear. Although Fincher himself dismisses the auteur theory (Kitamura, 2017, p.4), his artistic and thematic touch is embedded in nearly every film of his. Fincher uses very interesting opening credits with dynamic and hard music. He mostly uses extreme closeups and these add mystery and tension to his films. For example, the opening credits of Se7en consists of closeups of shaky images of the diaries and items of the serial killer.

Opening titles of The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo

Opening titles of Se7en

Also, Fincher’s films are known for strong visual style and their creative color palette. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s color palette revolves around shades of black, white and black that symbolises the cold winter of Sweden. On the other hand, Fincher uses dirty warm colors like yellow and brown in Se7en.

Fincher’s works have similar thematic structure. Unhappy endings are indispensable parts of Fincher’s movies. For example, at the end of Se7en, we learn that Tracy was murdered by Doe, although we, as the audience, are not sure about it. At the end of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth throws the jacket that she bought for Mikhael. Another thematic feature of Fincher’s films is his work does not shy away from violence and murder. He pushes the limits of taboo and controversy. Although Se7en does not show the murders directly (the audience only sees the corpses or the photographer of the corpses), in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Fincher displays the violence very directly. Due to this unfiltered nature of the films, some critics describe Fincher’s films as anti-Hollywood. However, considering Wood’s arguments, I think Fincher’s films are not far from the capitalist ideology.

“The right of ownership” (p. 593) has an important role in Hollywood films. The Wagner family living in huge houses on a private island is an example of this. As viewers, we do not find it odd that members of this successful family company live in these huge houses. “Success and Wealth” (p. 594) one of the values imposed in the capitalist ideology. Again, the success and wealth of the Wagner family company show this value to the audience.

“The work ethic” is an important value that we can see in Se7en. The main two detectives are very hardworking and dedicated to their job. They spend the night at the police station and talk about the investigation. Likewise, Mikhael is an idealistic journalist devoted to his job.

“Progress technology and city” (p. 594) has a significant mission in these films. In The Girl with Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth is a hacker and uses technological gadgets in her research. There is even a hidden camera in the button of her bag.

Lastly, I think The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has a feminist attitude against patriarchal society, although it does have a structure that opposes the capitalist system directly. Lisbeth, who is abused and has been deemed as an “insane” since her childhood, is an antisocial character. Bjurman, who is in control of Lisbeth’s finances, brutally rapes Lisbeth and relys on his patriarchal and economic hierarchy. I think the most impressive scene of this film was the scene that Lisbeth wrote “I am a rapist pig” on Brujman’s - the representative of the patriarchal system that humiliates women - chest.

Bibliography

Kitamura, G. (2017). The Auteur Perspective of David Fincher. [Thesis] Oregon State University. 1-43.

Wood, R. (1976). Ideology, Genre, Auteur. L. Braudy & M. Cohen, Film Theory & Criticism, 8th ed., p. New York: Oxford University Press.