Film Noir Double Indemnity

                                                                           Protecting Phyllis

                                                                              By: Charlie A                                                                                    

This still image from the film Double Indemnity is brilliantly crafted by the 

director. The director uses techniques such as lighting and camera angles to create a magnificent frame. In this image we are initially drawn to the center of the frame to Walter who stands there talking to Keyes as Phyliss hides behind the door. As a viewer, we are drawn to so many things in the beginning. If Keyes were to see Phyliss, Walter's plan would have been over. In a sense, this still frame is very significant because it’s as if Walters is staring his fate in the eyes because at any moment Keyes could see Phyliss. 

At a second glance of the frame, we follow Walters eyes that lead to Keyes to 

the right of the frame. The director uses a wide angle shot, as the viewer, we are aware that Phyliss is behind the door but Keyes is unaware. Oftentimes characters have no idea about certain things but us as the viewers are aware of. This is what makes films so interesting. Another great example of this technique is when Phyliss places the gun under her couch. As the viewer, we all know it is there while Walter does not. Another way the director draws attention to the center of the frame is the lighting that is put on certain characters. In the image, Walter and Keyes are very lit up, opposed to Phyliss who has no light on her at all. This is a way the director draws your eyes to certain things in a film. It is clear that the director wants the viewers to focus on the center of the frame where all the light is. As Phyliss hides in the darkness this could have a much deeper meaning than what we conclude from this scene. The darkness signifies that she has hit rock bottom and is in a rough time in her life after she set up her husband to get killed for the insurance money.  

Another interesting thing about this image is that Walter is placed right in the 

middle between Keyes and Phyliss. As a viewer we can think that this was purposely done to depict that Walter needs to pick a side. Walter needs to pick between his job or Phyliss who he loves. The camera angle is a very general shot but places Keyes in the background. The still frame can show how close Keyes is to finding out the truth as if it's Keyes against Walter and Phyliss. Phyliss is purposely put behind Walter because her only hope of getting the money is Walter and his plan. Walter is in the direct center as it seems as if he is protecting Phyliss.  

Overall, the director uses precise framing and lighting in the scene to create a frame that has an everlasting effect on the viewers and has a crucial impact on the movie. There are many little things as the viewer that we see that are purposely done by the director so the effect of the scene is so powerful.