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Joker's Thug #3
Extraordinary
Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2004 2:36 am
Posts: 11130
Location: Waiting for the Dark Knight to kick my ass
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 Double Indemnity Double Indemnity Quote: Double Indemnity is a 1944 American film noir, directed by Billy Wilder, co-written by Wilder and Raymond Chandler, and produced by Buddy DeSylva and Joseph Sistrom. The script was based on James M. Cain's 1935 novella of the same title which originally appeared as an eight-part serial in Liberty magazine.
The film stars Fred MacMurray as an insurance salesman, Barbara Stanwyck as a provocative housewife who wishes her husband were dead, and Edward G. Robinson as a claims adjuster whose job is to find phony claims. The term double indemnity refers to a clause in certain life insurance policies that doubles the payout in cases when death is caused by accidental means.
Praised by many critics when first released, Double Indemnity was nominated for seven Academy Awards but did not win any. Widely regarded as a classic, it is often cited as a paradigmatic film noir and as having set the standard for the films that followed in that genre.
Deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1992, Double Indemnity was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. In 1998, it was ranked #38 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 best American films of the 20th century, and in 2007 it was 29th on their 10th Anniversary list.
_________________ "People always want to tear you down when you're on top, like Napoleon back in the Roman Empire" - Dirk Diggler
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| Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:41 pm |
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trixster
loyalfromlondon
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:31 pm
Posts: 19697
Location: ville-marie
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Exceptionally well-written and acted film noir that entertains and involves its viewer through the strength of its story, not its visuals. That's not to say that it isn't well-directed, because it is - the use of shadowy lighting and mise-en-scene is perfect - but the film thrives on the excellent script. Add in three great performances, and you've got a classic. Easily one of the best made films of its time.
_________________Magic Mike wrote: zwackerm wrote: If John Wick 2 even makes 30 million I will eat 1,000 shoes. Same. Algren wrote: I don't think. I predict. 
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| Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:00 pm |
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Johnny Dollar
The Lubitsch Touch
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2005 5:48 pm
Posts: 11019
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Abolsutely one of my favorite films. I have never met anyone, of any age, who's seen this particular film and walked away unsatisfied.
I suppose that means the film still holds up for even the dullest, most brain-dead of modern movie-goers.
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| Sun Feb 11, 2007 6:53 pm |
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Shack
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 2:30 am
Posts: 38006
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Re: Double Indemnity A+
Writes the book on murder and motivations behind it. Probably one of the, if not the, best murder movies ever made.
It's also a totally cracking character study and an oh so thrilling, twisting noir. It's much more about the 2 characters and their downfall than the crime itself, and of course that's what pushes it from fun to something much more.
The screenplay may be one of the best ever, the dialogue is so fast and so smart, it's pure finesse. All 3 performances are stunning, Barbara Stanwyick's probably being the best, followed by Robinson and then MacMurray, though the latter's character was the most interesting arc-wise.
Finally, impeccible directing and suspense. It's the best Hitchcock film Hitch never made.
Love it.
_________________Shackâs top 50 tv shows - viewtopic.php?f=8&t=90227
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| Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:32 am |
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Johnny Dollar
The Lubitsch Touch
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2005 5:48 pm
Posts: 11019
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Re: Double Indemnity Preach on, Shackie!
If you think Barbara Stanwyck was as incredible as I do, check out The Lady Eve next; it's her best performance and one of the most perfect romantic comedies ever made.
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| Mon Oct 22, 2007 1:19 am |
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Squee
Squee
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:01 pm
Posts: 13270
Location: Yuppieville
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Re: Double Indemnity  That's what I think of this movie... when I want to piss Yoshue off. But when I don't I'd say it is an excellent movie with a fantastic final act, not that the stuff before it was horrible or anything. My one qualm is how quickly and often that guy says the word "baby"  **** _________________Setting most people on fire is wrong.Proud Founder of the "Community of Squee." 
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| Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:12 am |
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Gulli
Jordan Mugen-Honda
Joined: Mon May 01, 2006 9:53 am
Posts: 13400
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Re: Double Indemnity I swear this film so demands a drinking game.
Each time the main fella says Baby you have to drink a shot. Guaranteed you'd be blitzed by the end of this film.
And the dialogue, oh my the dialogue. Let me attempt to talk the Double Indemnity way!!
The cinematic loop spooled out, its seductive curves impossible to resist. I tried to ignore its charms but like a smoky bar room dame it kept coming. Eventually I relented and it wove its spell, twisting my brain as I screamed for answers. What was this feeling I wondered would I be exposed..................aaah fuck I can't keep doing this its to difficult. And I suppose this is the highest compliment one can pay this film, the dialogue is that damn distinctive, that damn memorable and that damn hard to replicate.
Yeah its a great film indeed.
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| Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:42 pm |
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trixster
loyalfromlondon
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:31 pm
Posts: 19697
Location: ville-marie
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Re: Double Indemnity It's written by Raymond Chandler (along with Wilder), so that would explain the stylish dialogue. I just finished The Big Sleep and that's gotta be one of the best-written novels I've read.
This film is due another watch from me. Probably over the break.
_________________Magic Mike wrote: zwackerm wrote: If John Wick 2 even makes 30 million I will eat 1,000 shoes. Same. Algren wrote: I don't think. I predict.
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| Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:46 am |
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Johnny Dollar
The Lubitsch Touch
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2005 5:48 pm
Posts: 11019
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Re: Double Indemnity I am so proud of everyone in this thread. I mean it. 
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| Fri Nov 30, 2007 2:27 pm |
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snack
Extraordinary
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:18 pm
Posts: 12159
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Re: Double Indemnity baby baby baby baby baby
Now this is a movie with both substance and style. And Stanwyck.
A+
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| Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:56 pm |
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_axiom
The Wall
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:50 am
Posts: 16163
Location: Croatia
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Re: Double Indemnity 8/10 -> B
Pretty good. But Wilder has better aces in his sleeve. The femme fatale here wasn't as fatal. Stanwyck actually underwhelmed me.
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| Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:46 am |
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jmovies
Let's Call It A Bromance
Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:22 pm
Posts: 12333
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Re: Double Indemnity Yep this film is great. It gets better and better at each turn. Though, maybe it could have used more Keyes.
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| Fri Mar 08, 2013 11:38 am |
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