My Favourite Film

Double Indemnity

I first saw this film during my University studies. I was doing a Film Noir module at the time and our lecturer played this film for us.

It's my favourite film because;
1. Mostly importantly, it's a great film.
2. I was a captive viewer dosed up on Film Noir theory.

These two factors combined to have a lasting impression on me. I simply adore everything about the film. Double Indemnity is your archetypal film noir. A story of greed and deception set in the urban sprawl of 1940s Los Angles. The tone is wonderfully down-beat in keeping with the ambiguous morality of the genre. The story is told in flashback and revolves around an elaborate insurance fraud. Barbara Stanwyck is sensational as the Femme Fatale. The film is a masterpiece in many ways.

My top three highlights:

1. The phenomenal dialogue
2. The intricate plot
3. The knock-out performances from the 3 leading stars; Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck & Edward G. Robinson.

The following quote was one of 400 nominated quotes in the American Film Institute's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes list of the best film quotes in American film history:

Phyllis (Stanwyck): There's a speed limit in this state, Mr. Neff. 45 miles an hour.
Walter: How fast was I going, officer?
Phyllis: I'd say around 90.
Walter: Suppose you get down off your motorcycle and give me a ticket.
Phyllis: Suppose I let you off with a warning this time.
Walter: Suppose it doesn't take.
Phyllis: Suppose I have to whack you over the knuckles.
Walter: Suppose I bust out crying and put my head on your shoulder.
Phyllis: Suppose you try putting it on my husband's shoulder.
Walter: That tears it...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Indemnity_%28film%29 copy

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Originally posted at: http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/57681/?id=57681&aid=176017&withNeutral=