Double Indemnity (1944) *****
The quintessential film noir, Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity (1944)—based on James M. Cain's 1943 novel (first published in serial form in 1936) with a screenplay co-written by Raymond Chandler—crackles with pitch-perfect dialogue, sexual innuendo, and black-hearted cynicism (or perhaps more accurately, honesty). Barbara Stanwyck is a definite femme fatale and Fred MacMurray is an equally conniving wolf in sheep's clothing. The two protagonists—scheming murdering sociopaths—make a truly compelling couple— not so much Hollywood antiheroes as straight up villains. Edward G. Robinson expertly portrays the conscience of the film and John F. Seitz's moody chiaroscuro cinematography provides incredible, indelible imagery. Double Indemnity has no expiration date—it always feels fresh, yet familiar in the best ways; a perfect film.
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