Review of Double Indemnity (1944) by Cole P — 18 Aug 2011
"Double Indemnity" is one of the all-time greats and one of the first big film noirs. It was adapted by Raymond Chandler and Billy Wilder from the novella of the same name by James M. Cain and turned into this lavish Hollywood picture in 1944.
The cast is excellent, especially Barbara Stanwyck who gives a phenomenal performance as the diabolical femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson. She is lauded for being one of the greatest film villains and also for paving the way and setting a standard for future femme fatales.
The fast-paced dialogue and quick exchanges between Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck makes for hilariously entertaining scenes. "Double Indemnity" is most definitely the quintessential film noir and one of director Billy Wilder's best.
He went on to make some of the greatest films of all time ["Witness for the Prosecution", "Some Like It Hot", "The Apartment" and "Sunset Blvd."], but this one was never forgotten as his big breakthrough.
It's an important film in terms of pop culture and also as a warning for men to stay away from sexy seductresses who wear anklets and bad wigs. (A+).
This review of Double Indemnity (1944) was written by Cole P on 18 Aug 2011.
Double Indemnity has generally received very positive reviews.
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