At the top of the list, it's Kevin Spacey again. David Fincher's pitch-black thriller Se7en is an engrossing tale of human depravity. It features a mysterious killer, later revealed to be Spacey's John Doe, who believes he is on a mission from God to expose the problems with humanity. His so-called mission involves committing a series of grisly murders based around the seven deadly sins. In the film's third act, he hands himself in to investigating detectives Mills and Somerset, offering to show them the locations of the final two bodies. Doe takes the cops to a deserted area, where a mysterious package is delivered. He reveals to hotheaded cop Mills that the package contains his wife's head, a symbol of his envy for Mills' perfect existence. He directs Mills to kill him, so that Doe may become the sin of Envy and Mills may become Wrath, completing his work. Despite the protestations of Somerset, Mills repeatedly shoots at Doe until he is dead. Se7en is a perfect thriller, with an excellent script and this finale is the perfect culmination of the story. Doe is shown to make peace with his death because he believes he has served his purpose. His God has told him to do something and he has now completed it. In Doe's mind, he will ascend to heaven to live alongside his creator. It's a twisted satisfaction, but it is the perfect example of a cinematic character who dies with a big smile on his face. Any perfect examples we've missed? Let us know if the comments section and point out who should go where on this list!
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
