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A review by manwithanagenda
Double Indemnity by Billy Wilder, Raymond Chandler
tense
fast-paced
4.0
I have not read the original novel and I've only seen Wilder's comedies. I came to this mostly from an interest in Chandler's writing -
'Double Indemnity', based on James M. Cain's novel, is the story of how an insurance salesman and a dissatisfied housewife decide to murder her husband. In typical noir fashion deep bonds of trust are built instantly on firm foundations of lust and coy banter.
Both writers made a living contrasting dark deeds with the sunshine of southern California, but Cain's style had a harder edge than Chandler. Chandler had the better turn of phrase. His own novels could, and often did, have cluttered plots but they were always well executed, his lead knowing the game and tired of it. That weariness comes through in this screenplay. Neff's shred of decency doesn't stand a chance in the face of the rewards he can get so easily. The narration cuts through the action and allows the flimsier aspects of the plot to stand unchallenged.
I have a movie to watch.
'Double Indemnity', based on James M. Cain's novel, is the story of how an insurance salesman and a dissatisfied housewife decide to murder her husband. In typical noir fashion deep bonds of trust are built instantly on firm foundations of lust and coy banter.
Both writers made a living contrasting dark deeds with the sunshine of southern California, but Cain's style had a harder edge than Chandler. Chandler had the better turn of phrase. His own novels could, and often did, have cluttered plots but they were always well executed, his lead knowing the game and tired of it. That weariness comes through in this screenplay. Neff's shred of decency doesn't stand a chance in the face of the rewards he can get so easily. The narration cuts through the action and allows the flimsier aspects of the plot to stand unchallenged.
I have a movie to watch.