Question: Where in the world does Se7en take place? I have literally spent hours in front of the TV trying to find this out. It's never mentioned, they never show a clear licence plate or a road sign with a specific name (not something like 10th St.), not even a police badge. I know it has to be a big city where it's raining constantly, with a desert right outside of town and near a lot of mountains. Is it meant to be a location, or is it deliberately vague?
jle
28th Nov 2003
Seven (1995)
Answer: The name of the city is never revealed and this is done on purpose. It's all filmed in and around LA but my impression is that it's intended to be New York. There are a few clues that lead me to believe this. First and foremost is Somerset's continually making statements like "this place" and "why here?" NYC has battled the impression that it is rotting, unsafe, etc for many years maybe not so much recently but this was definitely an issue throughout the 70's, 80's and 1990's. Next, Tracy says in her conversation with William that they come from "upstate." I don't know anywhere else in America that refers to an area as upstate other than New York. Lastly, you can find high tension wires similar to those shown in the final scene, just a short drive from NYC in New Jersey. There are surprisingly desolate and isolated areas in NJ just over the river from NYC. Also, California is the squad team leader's name (or nickname) and from what I can tell, has no reference to the film's setting.
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Answer: It is meant to be vague. It was filmed mainly in Los Angeles though.
jle
At the end Somerset radios the chopper and says "California stay outta here".
"California" is just a call sign. It's also said when they're in Victor's apartment. The location is just a generic, crime-infested cesspool.
California is the cop's name. I believe the city is supposed to be New York.