What Makes "Double Indemnity" Great.

One of the first and best of the Film-Noir movement started in the 40s. Billy Wilder's adaptation of the novel of the same name has all the ingredients of the genre and the emphasis on dialogue and character that Wilder is known for.

Insurance salesman Walter Neff walks in late at night in his office with a gunshot wound and records a confession to his boss Barton Keyes. Through flashbacks, Walter meets the beautiful Phyllis Dietrichson, the wife of a man that Walter has come to renew automobile insurance with. Allured by Phyllis's seductive beauty, Walter and Phyllis both plan the murder of Phyllis's wealthy husband and frame it as an accident to collect the "Double Indemnity" clause in his insurance. This all leads to a tightrope walk for Walter as the murder opens unforeseen consequences.

Billy Wilder's strength has always been characters and dialogue and that is the case here. The characters and their relationships are what drive this film. Walter and Phyllis's relationship is simple on paper but fascinating to watch unfold. Fred MacMurray brilliantly plays Walter as a typical smooth-talking salesman that begins to fall apart thanks to Phyllis's manipulation. Barbara Stanwyck as Phyllis is one of the great Femme Fatals of the genre. Her ruthless side is brilliantly built up, with subtle hints such as facial expressions and other nonverbal cues, until the end when her true colors show. Edward G. Robinson steals the show as Walter's boss Barton Keyes. He is the first to put together there is more to this case than an accident or suicide, suggesting foul play. Robinson is so much fun to watch whenever he is on screen and his chemistry with MacMurray's Fred is one of the highlights of the film.

The distinct Cinematography of Film-Noir is also here in full strength. The use of lighting and shadows by Cinematopher John F. Seitz is exceptional and brought to life in a way only Black and White can. Several memorable frames can be found throughout the film. It's thanks to this visual style that even if you haven't seen the film, you are probably familiar with it.

Double Indemnity is a staple of its genre, as well as in Wilder's legendary filmography. This is a classic that shouldn't be overlooked.