A Comparative Study of Characterization in the Films Seven and The Sinners with a Focus on the Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven deadly sins are considered part of the religious thoughts of the Catholic faith, usually used as a storytelling tool to manifest human vices and virtues in various literary forms. The presence of these thoughts is not primarily due to religious beliefs, but is admired for symbolization and a different perspective on the development of fictional characters in literature and story-focused media worldwide. The authors of this article analyze and compare the characterizations in two Iranian and American crime thriller films, exploring the concept of the seven deadly sins and how it is utilized in shaping the characters of these works. The plot of the film Seven (1995) is based on the concept of the seven deadly sins, with each of the story's victims representing a symbol of these sins. In the film The Sinners (2011), the use of this symbolism may not be overt, but the suspects in the story each possess tendencies and specific character traits in line with the concept of the seven deadly sins. This comparative study utilizes the ideas of Thomas Felty on the seven deadly sins. The research is conducted using a descriptive-analytical method within the framework of American comparative literature. The symbolism of the seven deadly sins in these films has directly and indirectly helped characters to move beyond one-dimensional portrayal and uncovering deep psychological and social layers.