Sayyeda Maryam Ziya Film

Film Theory and Practice
Assignment 1
Submitted by: Sayyeda Maryam Ziya

Submitted to: Ankhi Mukherjee
Double Indemnity
From the very first frame of 'Double Indemnity,' I was drawn into a world of
suspense and moral ambiguity which is relatable on a personal level with a bonus
of being of one of the best genres a.k.a. Film Noir.
What stood out the most in the film to me is the perfect harmony of crime,
infatuation and deception. The film is full of instances of grey areas which leads to
subjective interpretation making me side with Phyllis of all the characters.
It also shows how self-deprecating and blinded one becomes in the pursuit of
love. This phenomenon is played brilliantly by Neff who deteriorated from a
charismatic insurance agent to a conflicted and tormented man, allowing me to
empathize with his moral struggle even as he becomes involved in a scandalous
plot.
Fred MacMurray's portrayal of Neff showcases his transformation from a

charismatic insurance agent to a conflicted and tormented man. What surprised
me the most is the fact that I was still not able to empathise with him. At the end
of the day, 'All is fair in love and war' essentially are the same things.
Coming to my favourite part, Phyllis Dietrichson who is one of the most

captivating femme fatales ever played. She has an aura of both seduction and
danger which makes her almost irresistable. Even though she might be perceived
as the most vicious and cunning woman character to have ever existed, I was
drawn to how others are repelled by her.
The mysterious lighting, use of shadows, and balance of greyness made me

appreciate the exceptional cinematography of the film. The camera angles
created an atmosphere of tension and unease that perfectly complemented the
narrative. It symbolised the blurring line between right and wrong which is a
constant theme throughout the movie.
One silver lining is Edward G. Robinson's portrayal of Barton Keyes, the astute
claims adjuster who added another layer of depth to the narrative. His relentless
pursuit of the truth, combined with his genuine concern for Neff's well-being,
provided a moral compass amidst the film's darkness.
In conclusion, 'Double Indemnity' is a timeless masterpiece that skilfully delves

into the darker aspects of human nature. Its intriguing characters, evocative
visuals, and intricate narrative have expanded my understanding of film noir and
how artsy filmmaking entirely is. It has etched a passion for understanding films
from a whole new perspective and explore storytelling through film.
Elevator to the Gallows

When I first encountered 'Elevator to the Gallows,' I was immediately captivated
by its unique mix of suspense, style, and social commentary. This film is set in the
backdrop of a moody, post-war Paris. There are several reasons why 'Elevator to
the Gallows' left a lasting impression on me.
One of the aspects that drew me in was the film's masterful use of atmosphere
and cinematography. From the opening scenes, the film's depiction of a rain-
soaked, atmospheric Paris immediately set the tone for a suspenseful yet sad
experience. On top of great visuals, there is a hauntingly beautiful jazz score by
Miles Davis, which creates an immersive and authentic Paris experience.
The characters in 'Elevator to the Gallows' are complex and multidimensional, and
their actions are a mix of desperation, desire, and circumstance. Much like Double
Indemnity, this movie also makes me side with the anti-hero instead of feeling the
conventional empathy for the male protagonist.
Florence Carala, played by Jeanne Moreau, is mainly why I enjoyed the film. She
presents a sense of deceit and yearning adds emotional depth to the plot. The
scenes in which she wanders the streets of Paris, searching for her lover, were
both poignant and beautifully shot, highlighting her emotional turmoil and
vulnerability.
There is also a role in existentialism among the characters in the film.

The film's exploration of existential themes also resonated with me. As the
characters go through moral dilemmas and cope with the consequences of their
actions, 'Elevator to the Gallows' raises questions about fate, chance, and
everyday decision-making. The parallel storylines of Julien and Florence represent
how different their motivations are while being in the same situation.
Conclusively, 'Elevator to the Gallows' is a cinematic masterpiece that deftly

blends aspects of tension, style, and provocative ideas. This movie stays in your
head long after the credits have rolled because of its haunting score, intriguing
images, and deep characters. This film left me with a newfound passion for the
power of storytelling through the lens of the camera, in addition to deepening my
appreciation for the craft of filmmaking.

Sayyeda Maryam Ziya Film

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sayyeda Maryam Ziya Film

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sayyeda Maryam Ziya Film

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Film Theory and Practice

Submitted by: Sayyeda Maryam Ziya

Fred MacMurray's portrayal of Neff showcases his transformation from a

Coming to my favourite part, Phyllis Dietrichson who is one of the most

The mysterious lighting, use of shadows, and balance of greyness made me

In conclusion, 'Double Indemnity' is a timeless masterpiece that skilfully delves

Elevator to the Gallows

There is also a role in existentialism among the characters in the film.

Conclusively, 'Elevator to the Gallows' is a cinematic masterpiece that deftly

You might also like