Double Indeminity

The opening scenes of the film create an effective mood for a thriller because firstly, it opens at night and combined with this is the use of low-key lighting. There is tension from the start as it opens following a speeding car which is jumping the lights. The main character (Neff) gets out of the car, there are elements to mystery with this because the audience would begin to wonder what he is doing at the office late at night and also why he's in such a rush. Some information is given to the audience through dialogue, through Mr Neff and other characters. The low-key lighting creates a tense mood and is effective for a thriller. The use of strong shadows suggest he is a doomed man - very dark interior shot.

• Classic film noir shot, clothing matches the conventions of the time.


• The character is slightly off the centre of the shot.


• Dark background.


• Depth of field used - the amount of shot in focus. Narrow depth of field = only subject in focus.


• Rest of shot distorted a little.


• Long static shot - no cutting - no movement of camera - only little movement of character.


• Lighting match - smoke - relevant to the story-line - hidden meaning.


• Concentration on dialogue - there are clues.


• Narrator, Confession, Flash-back.


• Bright day-light - High-key scene. Entering into house - entering into darkness - low-key lighting - contrast metaphor.


• Low-angle shot of woman.


• Immediate sexual chemistry.


• Phyllis Deidrickson is lit to highlight her and her sexuality.


• Shot of her then reaction shot of him - looking amazed.


• Flirting and serious.


• Blinds - suggest trapped - shadows.


• Pictures - Mr Deidrickson stern looking.


• Don't feel sympathy for him - he is cruel etc.


• Our judgement isn't as harsh as it should be about Neff, even though he's a murderer.


• Shot of legs coming down stairs, shiny shoes.


• Anklet with her name on - associated with prostitution.


• She's dominant in scene - camera following her.


• What's going on in her mind - Walter Neff - insurance man.


• Know this is the woman Neff didn't get in the end.


• Low-key lighting, shadows - things not very clear.


• Strong shadows as he goes out of the door.


• Dissolve - she is on his mind still.


• Dialogue (non-diegetic) enforces.

The characters are introduced in ways which there are elements of mystery about the characters and what has happened and what might happen. Overall the use of low-key lighting and the stereotypical thriller characters eg. Femme Fatal are used. Also the music helps to build up tension and excitement.