Film noir literally means "black film."As you are
watching the film, keep track of all the elements in the picture that seems
dark or depressing. Think about the characters, the setting, and the story
line.
Phyllis Dietrichson
There is no doubt that the plot of
double indemnity is filled with "black" or cynical motifs. First and
foremost, Phyllis Dietrichson, the wife of a wealthy, much older man was
sexually objectified by the role she played in the film and the relationship she
had with other characters. She is obviously a beautiful woman, not much older
than her stepdaughter, and does not have a true intimate or affectionate
relationship with her husband. This becomes more apparent when she plots to
kill her old man in order to collect insurance money. Another impurity of
Phyllis' character is seen towards the end of the film, when Walter finds out
that she had been manipulating him. During the entire operation, Walter thought
that he was the one in control, and was willing to do anything to properly
execute the plan. However, Walter was only a pawn in Phyllis' chess game. She
was only using him to ensure a free and luxurious life, and did not intend on
sharing this with anyone.
Mr. Dietrichson
Early on in the film, it is easy to see that Mr. Dietrichson's reason for marrying Phyllis was a superficial attraction to her looks. He didn't respect her much as a person, often beating her whenever she did something that didn't please him. He also placed the interests of Lola, his daughter, well above those of Phyllis, and in the case of his death, Lola would collect all the money, and Phyllis will be left penniless. The sad truth this is that Mr. Dietrichson couldn't care less what happens to his wife. In his mind Lola is his only family because she is his flesh and blood. She is nothing more that a doll, or expensive accessory to be shown off. When Mr. Dietrichson is no longer around to "play with her," she may as well cease to exist because he holds no intent to provide for her after his death.
Early on in the film, it is easy to see that Mr. Dietrichson's reason for marrying Phyllis was a superficial attraction to her looks. He didn't respect her much as a person, often beating her whenever she did something that didn't please him. He also placed the interests of Lola, his daughter, well above those of Phyllis, and in the case of his death, Lola would collect all the money, and Phyllis will be left penniless. The sad truth this is that Mr. Dietrichson couldn't care less what happens to his wife. In his mind Lola is his only family because she is his flesh and blood. She is nothing more that a doll, or expensive accessory to be shown off. When Mr. Dietrichson is no longer around to "play with her," she may as well cease to exist because he holds no intent to provide for her after his death.
It's really interesting how you chose to comment on the darkness surrounding Phyllis and her husband's characters, and not Phyllis and Walter's characters. In doing this, I believe you were able to separate the underlying darkness of the film in the commentary about Phyllis' husband. The commentary about Phyllis highlights why her actions are considered dark. I think it would have been neat if you decided to explore these characters' darkness in context of their relationship to one another. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting how you focused on the characters actions and unseen motifs within the film. I think that you could also look at how majority of the critical parts of the film were performed at night, such as the murder. Characterization is really important to film noir films, but the setting is equally important.
ReplyDeleteI like how you compared film noir to the darkness that it portrays. I understand as a film student how complex the plot and characters of these films can be and I thought you did a good job and explaining it in your post.
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