Double Indemnity Review

Sandwiched between two great German films is the American Noir classic: Double Indemnity.

Walter Neff (Fred Macmurray) is an insurance salesman.  When he visits the home of Phyllis Dietrichson, there is an instant attraction.  Phyliss bitterly hates her husband and she and Walter plot together to kill him and claim Double Indemnity- a special clause where an insurance company has to pay out double if their clients suffer an accidental fall from a train.  However, their plan falls apart when Walter's colleague Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) begins poking holes in their story.

Double Indemnity is regarded as a classic in the nour genre and it is easy to see why.  The monochrome film is deeply stylised with the shadows and tones being accentuated to raise the tension.  The film is narrated by Walter, the morning after, which added a real energy and excitement to the film.  It helped to raise the tension.

Maybe the romance between Phyliss and Walter is a little forced, but it showcased the moral ambiguity of the characters.  They all have their own motivations.  Walter wants the money and Phyliss wants rid of her husband.  It is convenient, perhaps a little too convenient, that they were brought together  Their relationship is not one that is based on love, but deception and dishonesty.  When their plan unravels at the end of the film, both Phyliss and Walter are prepared to kill each other.  However, only Walter has the resolve to carry it out.

Stylistically, the film is very strong.  Its use of lighting and shadows, as well as the voiceover make the film absorbing to watch.  It is a dark and intriguing watch.  Perhaps, the characters a little contrived, but if you're looking for a classic noir film, this is the one for you.