Double Indemnity

This is a snapshot taken from the 1944 film "Double Indemnity" directed by Billy Wilder and starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. Double Indemnity conforms to the Film Noir genre and therefore, implements many key generic aesthetic elements. The movie is shot in black and white and the mise en scéne is of vital importance as it makes the film what it is. The backdrop of New York city ordinarily glamourous is somewhat smothered with dark shadows, long echoing corridors and no sign of light of day. The aesthetic elements of the femme fatale Phyllis are also striking. Bright red lipstick, bleach blonde hair and perfect in ever way. Phyllis is the manifestation of human desire, and supports Mulvey's idea as woman as the object of the man who is the bearer of the look. The visual elements in this film, coupled with the character's exterior are vitally important and are demonstrative of how visual components are integral when making a media product.