"Double Indemnity:" Power Can Lead a Man to Kill

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            The one question that has been repeating in my mind throughout this film has to do with the motives of Walter Neff. Why does he decide to help Phyllis Deitrichson kill her husband? What motivates him to commit such a crime, when he seems like a decent, honest man? He does not have a dire need for money, and he is no criminal. He is nothing but a simple insurance agent, so why does he get involved with such a scandal? I think the main reason has to do with power. At times, it seems as if Walter has more authority in the relationship between him and Phyllis, with his smooth remarks and insurance agent status. But at the same time, Phyllis has some sort of “power” over Walter as well. She knows that once she has him in her clutches, he will do anything for her, even commit murder.

This image shows the exact relationship I just mentioned. Walter is in Phyllis’s house, and has made himself at home on her couch with a drink. He acts like he owns the place, and has everything under control. He also decides to start calling her “Baby,” which exemplifies the power he has over her (and almost a disrespectfulness too). But, Phyllis is positioned above Walter in the shot, staring down at him with a sly look on her face. It is almost like she can see right through him. She knows that Walter is attracted to her, and along with the sob story of her horrible marriage, she persuades him into helping her murder her husband and collect extra money on his life insurance. Phyllis is the definition of a “femme fatale:” an attractive woman who leads a man into danger or disaster.

          When Walter first meets Phyllis he is immediately taken by her, and returns to her house the following day. He cannot take his eyes away from the anklet she wears on her foot, or the way she walks up the stairs. But he knows he must be respectful because she is married. This is where we see a different side of his personality come out. It is the side that has one goal and one goal only: to win the affections of Phyllis Deitrichson. So maybe Walter isn’t a criminal. Maybe he isn’t a crazy murderer, but just a simple insurance agent who fell for a dangerous woman. And that is his motive for killing some innocent man.