Billy Wilder's Film, "Double Indemnity"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, as the "auteur" of "Double Indemnity", Wilder produced and directed one of the great Hollywood examples of film noir; it stands today as the quintessential example of the genre. The author points out that, as a cinematic genre dating back to the mid 1930s, film noir is generally defined as a dark, suspenseful thriller with a plot line revolving around crime or mystery. The paper states that the term "auteur" is most often used as a reference to the director of a particular film whose impact on the end product cannot be denied, imbuing the film with his or her distinctive, recognizable style.

From the Paper:

"Another example of how film noir draws the audience into the story is through emotion and tension, especially those connected with Neff's fear of discovery and his personal feelings for Keyes (Edward G. Robinson), Neff's employer, who soon starts his own investigation into the death of Phyllis's husband. One scene has Keyes calling Neff into his office to confront a witness who saw Neff on the train; a second scene has Keyes arriving at Neff's apartment when Phyllis is expected at any moment. These examples are pure film noir, for they illustrate how tension and conflict play major roles in advancing the storyline towards its final and at times expected conclusion."

More papers on Billy Wilder's Film, "Double Indemnity":

• Film Review # 121279 : "Film Noir in "Double Indemnity"
• Comparison Essay # 25240 : "Women in "Double Indemnity" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"
• Analytical Essay # 147684 : "Billy Wilder's Anti-Heroes"

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