Film Critique Double Indemnity (1944) - Essay Example

Double Indemnity as a Masterpiece of Film Noir Genre al Affiliation Double Indemnity is a ical film noir directed by Billy Wilder. It was based on a real crime which shocked everyone. Its plot is dynamic and intriguing from its very first scene – a man walks on crutches against the dark background scored by thrilling music. The film storyline keeps the viewers in constant suspense. The plot revolves around a crime told from the criminal’s point of view. This film is a bright illustration of a wide spectrum of human feelings and emotions exposing their tattered aspirations and stings of remorse.

The way chosen in order to create the tension is rather specific: two characters commit a perfect crime, but the viewers already know that it is going to fail. The protagonist cannot hear his steps, as if he were dead already. The greatest irony is that the crime which seemed to be perfect has been solved by the insurance company in order not to lose its money. The supporting character Keyes manages to outshine the main ones in some scenes. Anyway, there is one more reason to value this film – Barbara Stanwyck created an image of a femme fatale, who is impossible to forget.

Keywords: film noir, storyline, crime, irony. Double Indemnity as a Masterpiece of Film Noir GenreCould Wilder fancy his adaptation of a non-fiction novella by J.Cain to become one of the brightest examples of film noir genre, though it failed to win at least one out of seven nominations for an Academy Award? It is doubtful. However, Double Indemnity is a classic of the genre possessing all its indispensable attributes – low-key lightning, monochromic visual style, flashback framing of the narrative, voiceover intrusions, tense atmosphere of fatalism and desperation, urban setting with its labyrinth of streets (even the drugstore seems to be a small labyrinth), well-developed archetypal characters.

The storyline is rather convoluted. Wilder understood the risk of letting the murderer confess his crime at the very beginning of the film – his hopes to hold viewer’s attention were put on the twists of the plot and constantly increasing tensions. Some elements of the storyline have many times been exploited by other directors working within this genre, that is why it may seem familiar or even predictable. Dealing with insurances of any kinds, the protagonist lacks his own one in case of meeting a femme fatale.

The consequences are voiced as the film begins “I didn’t get the money and I didn’t get the woman”. Perfectly elaborated dialogues cannot be left without attention – some phrases were destined to be quoted.Film characters and their relationship become canonical. A fatal blond with a hint of grotesque in her appearance seduces a successful but bored man and together they commit a crime based on greed for gain and sexual desire. Phyllis may be called a flat, stereotypical character lacking psychological depth.

The only scene showing this woman changing the patterned behavior and sincerely confessing her love ends with her death. Walter and Phyllis mortally wound each other – this scene totally fits the specificity of the genre showing the criminals paying for their actions. Walter turns to be more sophisticated character. He does not seem to be driven by itch for money. That is Phyllis, who is of major interest for him, though it weakens as the action develops. In general, Walter creates an impression of a smart cold-blooded person able to control his feelings.

The question is why he went to his office and recorded his dramatic monologue instead of fulfilling his plan to escape. Wilder does not give a reply. His true motivation may be hidden in the routine of his everyday life, which makes him terribly bored. Poor Mr. Dietrichson becomes a victim of Phyllis’s greed for money and Walter’s aspiration for adventures. It is better to let psychologists answer this question. However, the way of acting the role of Keyes surpasses all the expectations.

Robinson’s mimics, facial expression, voice, and perfectly constructed lines make his part an adornment of the film. Being a classic element of any film noir, cigarette smoking imparts this film with great irony. Many times Walter offers Keyes a match to light his cigarette. But that is Keyes, who strikes the last match and has the final word. At some extend this scene resembles the triumph of good over evil and justice restoration. Wilder does not focus attention on the murder only – he illustrates the psychological state of a murderer and the way he suffers because of his frustrated expectations.

The crime pales into insignificance giving place to moral punishment, self-condemnation and even generosity which arouses at the last moment. The total atmosphere of the film is rather pessimistic and full of doom. The viewers are given a chance to feel like witnesses of a perfectly planned and performed murder. It is incredibly twisted and sophisticated – it is not a surprise if to take into consideration the fact that Wilder invited a former private detective in order to write the screenplay.

Anyway, it affects the viewers rather specifically – quite a high psychological pressure, constant tense and risk of exposure make them feel not only like the witnesses, but like the murderers as well. It is worthy to mention that Phyllis does not make the viewers well disposed. She is posed as too self-obsessed and too rotten. The actress was asked to wear a wig – it made Phyllis’s character really distinctive and imparted her with a hint on falseness and artificiality. At the same time Walter makes the viewers sympathize – he is quite a handsome man possessing cold mind, determination and unquestionable charisma.

The characters of a classical film noir often tend to commit mutual betrayals and demonstrate indescribable cynicism. But the matter is that if Phyllis had not betrayed Walter she would have been treated much better. Double Indemnity is a really strong psychological drama, creating a suspenseful and intriguing atmosphere. The storyline turns to incredibly involving though it may seem rather foreseeable at first sight. This film is considered as the one establishing the canons of the genre and is highly appraised by critics: “Few would deny that Double Indemnity is a definitive film noir and one of the most influential movies in Hollywood history” (Verevis, 2006, p. 114). ReferencesVerevis C. (2006). Film Remakes.

Edinburg: Edinburgh University Press.