Review of Double Indemnity (1973) by Terry W — 26 Jul 2009

An unusual film noir in that the characters are upstanding members of society at the start. Yet, as with all noir, bubbling beneath the surface is a sovereign rage against the world and everything in it, not least of all the very MacGuffins that Walter Neff pursues: women, money, freedom.

Such things are curses masquerading as treasures for the heart that seeks them selfishly, and the film is not afraid to show this (not say it, but show it). For the screenplay, we get a look into the minds of two of the greatest writers ever to work in Hollywood--Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler.

If I might parse their superior work without really knowing, I would say that Wilder contributed the film's rich, yet dark humor, while Chandler was responsible for the intricacies of Neff's scheme.

In any case, the script alone is a masterpiece of crime fiction, with cold logic alternating suddenly with bursts of passion in the truncated romance. Furthermore, bringing the work to life are three very good actors who bring their best to each role.

Barbara Stanwyck's Phyllis Dietrichson is the greatest of all icy noir villainesses. She has considerable power over her situation without seeming to exert any effort for it. Behind her eyes, one recognizes the result of stifling any feelings that might keep her from doing what she must to get what she wants.

Edward G. Robinson is the heart and soul of the picture without seeming to want to be. And as for Fred MacMurray...I must say I like his mean, fast-talking side the best.