Q: In what ways does Double Indemnity represent- or not- the post war realism and post war disillusionment characteristic of film noir?

This film is very characteristic of film noir through its cinematography, story, and tone. The post-War realism and Post-War Disillusionment trains of thought are supported by the cynical view on people the film gives us. The film shows us the process of the dominos falling; from Walter wanting to sleep with Phyllis to killing her because it was the only way “out.” Their flaws are on display, the entire film; smaller at first but growing to a crescendo. The film shows the lengths people are willing to go to for their own survival. Both in Phyllis’ case and Walter’s case, they were willing to give the other up to survive. Phyllis even wanted the insurance payout to survive financially without the burden of a husband, and Walter wanted to sleep with her. Walter eventually finds the need to kill Phyllis so that he may make it out alive. This film hits on a theme of greed and the destruction of ones character and is very much, Film Noir.

Q: Do you think the film conforms to the tenets of Italian Neo-Realism? Do you think it challenges the conventions of Classical Hollywood Cinema?

A: This film is a keynote piece of Italian Neo-Realism. It represents everyday life and refuses to romanticize something that would not be romanticized outside of film. The film was filmed using non professional actors and it was shot in Rome which gave the film a very real feel. It followed the life of a lower class everyday man who makes questionable decisions once his bike has been stolen. It most definitely challenges the Classical Hollywood Cinema. There is no happy ending to the story, Antonio and Bruno simply walk into a crowd and fade into the world. De Sica does this almost to convey the everyday nature of their situation, a story that we would have no clue of had this been the first scene instead of the last scene. De Sica created this story as entertainment, but also as a story with a moral to be learned.