Review of Double Indemnity (1973) by Ross M — 28 Nov 2009

Clever, dark, suspensful and over flowing with twists and turns, Double Indemnity is the archtypal Noir film. A Femme Fatal, (possibly the most famous in history, played with menace and sophistication that so easily defeats the conscience of an average Joe who roped into a devious crime by the wonderful Babara Stanwyck), a story told in regretable flashback with a novel like monologue, a complicated crime, fantastic gothic interior settings (the mansion hallway) and gloomy cinematography are all the generic Noir conventions found in this classic, all of which are so intricatly woven together to create this masterpiece.

The peformances are all memorable and the final scene with Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson is so well performaned, supplying both emotional connection between the characters and a devestating, unanswered open ending that is both tragic and darkly, touchingly comical.

Your eyes are glued to the screen and this is heard a lot but you won't be able to look away; It is all so gripping and involving. We watch the story unfold with an unsurpassable unpredictablility and mounting tension. Each scene is well constructed with every angle, every piece of music and every use of lighting relevent to the film, creating certain moods and manipulating our feelings towards the characters.

The settings are all subtle yet iconic contributions to the film. The empty, dominating feel of the mansion hallway is where we are first introduced the Phyllis Dietrich, with the large, gothic look and the towering, meandering staircase representing Phyllis's villainous qualities and empty soul which we are all yet to see but all know is coming. This scene is brimming with dramtic irony; we observe the innocuous insurance representative Walter Neff become almost immeadiately overwhelmed with the beautiful Phyllis yet we know what thay is hiding. This moment is when the seeds of the plot are lain and all the viewers can do is watch, biting our nails just waiting to see the inevitable crime unfold. How it will and what will happen is unknown whilst we sit in awe and hang on every single word of the superb screenplay.

The breakthrough for director Billy WIlder, Double Indemnity was a marvellous way to kick start his diverse Hollywood career. Filmed with style and undeniable talent, Double Indemnity is crafted amazingly. It never lets go and stays with us for a long time after viewing. This is due to Wilder's well observed structure, his inclusion of emotive scenes, his subtle touches of dramtic irony and his eye for aesthetic brilliance.

Double Indemnity is a phenomenal Noir film. A staple of the genre and a film of utmost importance that should not be missed. Absouloutly incredible.