Double Indemnity

Double Indemnity has been called “a film without a single trace of pity or love.” Do you agree with this statement? Think about the motivations that lie behind the actions of Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson when you consider your response.

On first examination, one might say that Double Indemnity is a story that's FULL of love and pity. However, I would disagree and argue that love and pity only serve as a facade to hide the greed and lust that is so prominent in our main characters. 

Right off the start, we get the feeling that there is no love between characters in this movie. Phyllis is married to a man who only sees her as a trophy and we hear her say it many times. The first time that Walter Neff comes over to discuss the insurance policy, he is met at the door by a seductive-looking Phyllis. Walter is awestruck and the lust that he's feeling is evident through the way he acts and the look in his eyes. Also, the camera angles are only showing different parts of Phyllis at a time versus showing her whole body. This serves to objectify Phyllis and set the tone towards her that exists throughout the whole movie; she will never be loved and will only ever be a target for lustful men.

However, Phyllis is quite aware of the power that she possesses over men. She knows that her looks can be used to manipulate, and she's dressed to kill (quite literally). It's very clear that she never truly loved Walter when you look at her motives. First, there is the obvious motive to kill her husband which is the money. She is only using Walter because nobody would expect to commit the murder and she wants to get her share of the cash. However, her second motive is power. Phyllis was in a time period in which women were oppressed and didn't have much power. This was her way of getting back at society and using what she has in order to feel powerful and in charge. If it ever appeared that she was in love with Walter, it was merely an illusion in order to string him along easier.

This film also very clearly lacks pity. After Walter and Phyllis murder Mr. Dietrichson, they are happy and almost carefree for the next few days. They feel no guilt for the murder and the only time they start to get nervous is when people begin to catch on. Also, there is no pity when Phyllis has the gun and shoots Walter. Once he is able to get the gun and aims it at her, she exclaims how much she loves him. I believe that this is a last dire attempt for Phyllis to manipulate Walter in order to save her own life. She does not feel bad for what she has done and all she wants to do is save herself.

Film Noir is very dark and "evil". This film demonstrates both of those characteristics through its theme and story. The lack of love and pity also serve to reinforce those characteristics.