Double Indemnity Stereotypes

When thinking of the Film Noir genre, I cannot help but think about all the stereotypes about it. All that comes to mind are random sketches that the television show “Family Guy” does and all of the parodies that many of the other television shows do that are inspired by the genre. The Film Noir genre consist of stereotypes such as: fast talking, heavy smoking or drinking, dark lighting, and a voice over or narration. It was not very surprising when many of these stereotypes appeared in Double Indemnity; however, the film used what are now considered clichés to tell a fascinating story of a man, a woman, and their plot to runaway together.
Double Indemnity (1944) is a classic Film Noir movie that has many strong qualities. One of the film’s

strongest qualities is its storyline. This film was directed by Billy Wilder, and its screen writers were Wilder and Raymond Chandler. Double Indemnity is based on a novel by James M. Cain and begs the question: is the book always better than the movie? A statement that rings true for many of today’s movies may not ring true for all movies. Having never read the book by Cain myself, I cannot answer that question, but the book has high standards to meet after viewing the film.
The story takes off as Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) hobbles into his boss’s office at the insurance firm that he works at with a sustained gunshot wound to his shoulder. When he sits down, he begins to record himself recounting the events leading up to his current condition. Acting as the voice over, Neff begins to tell the story of how he first met Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Neff drove to the Dietrichson’s residence looking for Mr. Dietrichson (Tom Powers) so that he may renew his current insurance policy with the firm. Unfortunately, Mr. Dietrichson was not home, but Neff had his first interaction with Mrs. Dietrichson.
You can see Neff attraction to Mrs.

Dietrichson instantly, but it does not seem that she returns his feelings. The two meet again, but under a different set of circumstances. Mrs. Dietrichson invited Neff over without her husband there to talk about “insurance.” She asked Neff if the insurance firm has accident insurance so that her husband could be protected while working. She also asked Neff if she could set up the insurance without her husband’s knowledge. Her reason for doing so is because Mr. Dietrichson does not believe that he needs it. Neff, being the experienced insurance salesman, sees through her plot, calls her out on it, and then leaves. This does not stop Mrs. Dietrichson from trying again.
Later that same night, Mrs. Dietrichson shows up at Neff’s house. She begins to describe how bad her life is with Mr. Dietrichson and how he does not treat her right anymore. Neff, still showing attraction for Mrs. Dietrichson, decides to help her scam the insurance company. That decision leads to the perfect plan that is sure to scam the firm and keep the two out of jail; however, the plan does not work quite as well as they had hoped for. You will not want to leave your seat for a bathroom break due to the plethora of issues and twists and turns in Double

Indemnity.
Double Indemnity used many, if not all, of the Film Noir characteristics in an interesting way to tell the story. The film has plenty of fast-paced conversations and its fair share of heavy smoking and drinking. Also, throughout most of the film, you can hear Neff narrating. His narration helps push the plot forward and gives the audience access to what Neff was thinking and feeling throughout the film’s duration. The love story aspect of the film takes place between Mrs. Dietrichson and Neff; however Neff’s decision to help Mrs. Dietrichson is unconvincing.
Neff’s decision to help Mrs. Dietrichson was unconvincing because his decision felt like it came out of nowhere. Why would a man that knew the consequences of his actions choose to scam the firm that he works at? Just to see if he could do it and not get caught? For the money that would be received? A woman that he had barely met? This detail is the Achilles Heel of this film. Whether Neff really did it because he truly loved Mrs. Dietrichson, or he did it just to see if he could actually pull it off, it is not very convincing.
Although this detail exists in the film, it does not make it a bad film. This film still has an all-around great plot and uses the Film Noir characteristics in an exciting way. The script of the film is well written and will not disappoint the viewers. The ending is great. It will leave the viewer coming up with different theories of how the film continues after the credits roll.