The movie is
about greed and seduction, with a plot that probably wouldn’t fly in the modern
film era. It would likely be ripped apart by forensic evidence and modern
detection methods, but in the 1940s, such science wasn’t widely available, so
the plot worked just fine. The movie does not try to get away with things it
could not control.
The story
follows an insurance salesman (Fred MacMurray) who gets lured—quite easily, due
to his greed—into an insurance fraud scheme. The plan seems simple to him: all
he has to do is kill the husband of the woman he desires and make it look like
an accident. Meanwhile, he tricks the husband into signing an accident
insurance policy that leaves everything to his lady friend. That way, he gets
the girl—and with her, the money.
The movie is
best described as nice and has become a classic over time. Double
Indemnity is beautiful and captivating, based on a 1943 novel of the same
name by James M. Cain. This film was the pinnacle of 1940s film noir and
inspired many copycat B-movies from other producers.
The screenplay was written by Billy Wilder, who also directed the movie. The way the story unfolds makes you appreciate the screenwriter’s work. While watching, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to find out if they would get away with it or not. Fred MacMurray narrated and starred in the film. Although it was a huge critical success and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, it didn’t win any. Still, Billy Wilder’s writing and direction in this movie are a masterpiece worth treasuring and a work of art worth owning.
The movie (and the book it’s based on) revolves around the double indemnity clause in life insurance or accident policies. This clause states that the insurance company agrees to pay double the face amount in the contract if the death is caused by accidental means. I liked the cast in this movie, they delivered memorable performances that still lives rents free in my brain.
The film was a
box office success, making over five times its production cost. It also
popularized the use of "venetian blind" lighting in its
cinematography, which became a staple in later film noir. Double Indemnity was
well-received by the American Film Institute (AFI). In AFI’s 100 Years…100
Movies (10th Anniversary Edition), it was ranked 29th, and it earned
several other AFI recognitions.
The movie does have drawbacks though, one of which is how Walter Neff falls into the scheme a little too easily, making his descent into crime feel less like a struggle and more like a foregone conclusion. Some twists, though effective in their time, might seem predictable now.
This movie is
wonderful. If you haven’t seen or heard about it, now you have—so go watch it!
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