Double Indemnity 

2. Film noir literally means “black film.” As you are watching the film, keep track of all the elements in the picture that seem dark or depressing. Think about the characters, the setting, and the story line.

     Since Double Indemnity is part of the film noir genre, it is filled with dark and depressing elements. The most obvious element is the film style of the 40's  --black and white. This automatically gives the film a more dark and ominous feeling since it makes it appear darker, even in the lighter scenes.. Also, much of the story is set in the night, which only adds to the sinister tone of the movie. Since much of Double Indemnity was filmed at night, artificial lighting was used in order to illuminate the actors. With light shining directly on the scenes, full, dark shadows were created behind all of the people and objects. The constant presence of shadows added to the dark feeling of the movie and set the tone for the horrible events that were to follow. These shadows can even be seen in the day time, when the lighting was not used, which makes a feeling of uneasiness carry through the entire film. An example of the daytime shadows, which at times overpowered the scene, can be seen in the photo above. 

     Another element of the movie that caused it to be dark and depressing was its revolution around murder. Although the audience does not know the exact plot, from the very beginning they are presented with a sweaty, upset looking man, Walter, who is recording his confession to an unknown murder. He then goes into explaining how he got to his current situation. This creates the depressing and weary mood as the audience is then expecting a murder and possibly other sinister acts to later evolve in the film. This mood is later supported by the discussions revolving around accident insurance, the planning and execution of a murder, and the step-daughter accusing Phyllis of killing her mother to marry her father, then killing him for his money. With such a focus on murder and the sinister nature of the characters involved, the dark mood is reinforced over and over again. 

     Other film techniques were used to make the movie fit into the film noir genre. Like in Macbeth, off screen actions leave more to the imagination, which is often darker than any film techniques can create. When Mr. Dietrichson was murdered in his car on the way to the train, the Director did not show the actual murder. Instead, the camera focused on Phyllis' face and the murder was only heard. Her facial expression was of determination. This added to the dark theme because it focused on the inhumane side of people, in which an individual's selfish motives are worth more than a person's life. In this situation, Phyllis cares more about the money than the death of her husband. This theme of Phyllis' motives and detached personality continues as she and Walter turn against one another as their "perfect" plan falls apart. He gives up everything for her but in the end, she is only looking out for herself. Watching Walter finally being caught by his friend ties together the depressing  theme. Usually, the catching of a murderer is a more relieving event, but in Double Indemnity it is a darker moment because Walter lost everything : the money, the girl, his friend, and his normal life.