HWI 7

Hollywood What If Chapter 7

Se7en was about two detectives that tried to solve the seven murders that 'represents' the seven deadly sins. It might sound simple if you think of it from that angle but every death was gruesome and filled with motives. 

Now, the duty of the screenwriters was to make the motives believable. To make each character complex and alive. 

William Somerset was an old detective who was going to retire. The seven murders that 'represents' seven deadly sins was his last case before he would retire. He should be old yet calm, mature, and experienced. 

David Mills was a young detective, he was William's partner in the murder case. He was hotheaded but his intention was good. He was dedicated to his job. 

These two characters needed to be fleshed out. The screenwriters would do their best to make it happen. However, everything would depend on the actors who would play the role. 

"Thank you John, we will call you if you get the role." 

John Paul Cusack nodded. He believed that his acting was good and the role fitted him. His last film, "The Road to Wellville" with Anthony Hopkins was released on October 28. 

The movie was based on a novel and everyone thought it would earn positive points in the theaters. Unfortunately, it only earned 2.5 million in the opening week. Cinemascore believes that the movie would not gross over 7 million in North America. 

It only meant one thing, the movie flopped at the box office. 

2.5 million might look big but the overall budget of "The Road to Wellville" was 25 million dollars! It only earned one-tenth of the 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 film would be successful. He read 2/3 of the script and it was bloody. Because he never read the complete script, he didn't know the motives of the killer. 

John Cusack left the audition room with a smile 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 too good for the role. His face looks like a good guy. David Mills should look fierce and hotheaded, I can't see it to John Cusack. Unless he grows a beard but I don't think he will fit the role then."

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 to play the role."

"That's right."

They invited actors that would fit the roles of David Mills and William Somerset. So far, they already met Al Pacino and Morgan Freeman. 

The studio already decided to use 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 a calm old veteran in the movies he participated. Well, it really suits him.' 

'To be honest, I never saw Morgan Freeman as a young man in his entire filmography. He is always an old and mature guy.'

While thinking, the next actor showed up and everyone acknowledged his appearance. 

"Hello", Brad."

"Hello, David."

Brad Pitt's demeanor was that of a young impulsive and headstrong man. Perhaps Brad Pitt prepared for the audition seriously and his demeanor showed it. 

David and Kazir nodded as they watched his movements. No questions, Brad Pitt fits the role. If nothing bad happened, he would get the role. 

Brad Pitt last two films grossed over 100 million worldwide and his salary would definitely not be lower than a million.

After showing his acting, they decided to ask Brad a few questions. 

"Brad, what do you think of David Mills?"

"If you're going to ask me, I think David Mills's intention is pure and kindhearted. Even though his actions were reckless, he wanted to join the world for the better. That's why he became a Detective."

"Good. Thank you, Brad. We will call you once we decided."

"Thanks."

Once Brad Pitt was gone, David looked at Kazir and nodded.

Kazir was right, Brad Pitt might make David Mills into a real person.

"Let's continue the auditioning."

But of course, everyone understood that a diamond in the rough might show up. After all, Brad Pitt's salary might be a problem. 

In the end, they auditioned all of the promising actors who might fit the role of David Mills. However, they decided to use 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 these 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 that they could bear considering Brad Pitt's box office appeal. 

As for Morgan Freeman, the contract was one million. 

Almost 1/6 of the film budget went to the two actors alone.

Se7en was a gamble because of the premise of the film. It was dark and gritty and people might not like it. Still, the two actors accepted the roles. 

[Note: What I'm going to write might not be that accurate and right. To be honest, I only watched famous movies in Hollywood and 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 the likes, I will trust Google. Unfortunately, I can't find the exact salary of Morgan Freeman while filming Se7en.]