Review of Double Indemnity (1944) by Tyler L — 23 Sep 2009

Hands down, one of the best noir films out there. Interesting, dark and thrilling Double Indemnity is an instant classic on the DVD shelf. Billy Wilder directs and writes a deep followup to James A. Cain's novel. In my opinion, Wilder's adaption is actually better than the novel. Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck are a beautiful scandalous couple on screen and supporting roles from Porter Hall and Edward Robinson as MacMuray's boss is a great refreshing role as the funny, stubborn Barton Keyes.

Double Indemnity revolves around the life of insurance broker Walter Neff (MacMurray) who ends up in a weird love triangle with a rich man's wife, Phyllis Dietrichson. When she gives him the haunting idea of murdering Dietrichonson's estranged husband, all hell breaks loose and the insurance money becomes a bigger hassle to obtain, the couple slowly drive to madness, and ultimatly a tragic, unforgettable end.

THE GOOD:

Neff and Dietrichson are a powerhouse couple, she is beautiful, he is charming. The script fills the classic 1940's noir sterotype, easily seen in the Cohen's and Tarintino films. Dark, haunting and totally unforgiving a classic tragic film at its best. Brilliant acting, beautiful filming and excellent music for the time frame, Double Indemnity is Billy Wilder and his finest of moments. Keyes is the comic relief and plays off really nice. Elements of suspense and modern thriller litter the film. To me, this is way better than Scarlet Street.

VERDICT:

Double Indemnity is a great noir film. Regardless if your into the genre or not, the film offers a great story, great acting, making it an overall enjoyable thrill ride way beyond its time.