Come to the Dark Side

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 storyline.

When I think of "black film," or a dark film I am constantly reminded of the idea of going to the Dark Side. This is a theme that repeatedly shows up in Star Wars and Double Indemnity. 

Darth Vader: You cannot hide forever, Luke.

Luke: I will not fight you.

Darth Vadar: Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends. 

Now Double Indemnity is not a conflict that takes place in space but it shares similar themes to Star Wars. In both films there is a dark side and a light (or good) sight, therefore, sparking conflict and gray areas. Throughout our study of literature so far this year we have hit on the concept of light vs. dark. In Double Indemnity Walter Neff, an honorable insurance agent, is lured to the dark side by his love interest Phyllis Dietrichson. As a man of the law the love he holds for Mrs. Dietrichson leads him to considering the murder of Mr. Dietrichson. The dynamic duo, Phyllis and Walter, plans the murder of Mr. Dietrichson very diligently or "straight down the line." The entire storyline revolves around the interactions between Phyllis and Walter as they plot to kill Mr. Dietrichson. The theme of murder and revenge steep deep within dark or depressing elements that plague film noir. 

While together Walter and Phyllis perform deadly deeds, Phyllis Dietrichson is the perpetrator of the violence and the root of the evil. As a married woman she creates desire in Mr. Neff when he enters her home. She is shown in only a towel with a glittering anklet on her bare leg. She invites herself over to Walter's apartment which perpetuates the love interest between the pair, therefore, leading to the murder they plot. In her past life Phyllis killed Mr. Dietrichson's early wife. Murder coursed through her veins; however, Walter Neff was guilty as well. Towards the end of the film he confronts Phyllis at her home and then proceeds to shoot her. Mrs. Dietrichson was a femme fatal who could quickly turn from wanting to kill you to showing affection. 


Setting wise there are multiple instances that portray film noir and dark elements. In Visions of Light, a documentary, film noir is described in full detail. One characteristic of film noir is the lighting, but most specifically the use of blinds to create lines across a figure or object. In Double Indemnity the venetian blind lighting effect was used to heighten mood and portray characters. On the many occasions that Walter Neff visited Phyllis Dietrichson this technique was used. Specifically, towards the end of the film as Neff visits the Dietrichson household for the last time, the Venetian blinds cast shadows on the walls. This provides the audience an explanation, visually, concerning the conflicting relationship of the pair. In this sequence, and the rest of the film, the lighting used to create shadows communicates the dark relationship and motives of Dietrichson and Neff. In addition, the romance paired with murder also reflects the ideas of film noir presented in Visions of Light. Double Indemnity utilizes the venetian blind lighting technique, shadows, and dark romance to effectively showcase ideas of film noir.

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