How does Wilder convey the characters and their relationships in the penultimate scene of Double Indemnity?

How does Wilder convey the characters and their relationships in the penultimate scene of Double Indemnity?

Wilder conveys the characters’ relationships through the use of effective cinematography. Neff and Dietrichson are regularly shown in the same shot. The use of a two shot usually displays to the audience that the characters on screen are linked somehow. As Neff enters the scene, he comes directly in to frame with Dietrichson and says “hello, baby”. This shows to the audience that these two characters have a past; however the dark lighting suggests that it is a seedy one. The two characters are in the same shot for the majority of this scene, which has the effect of making them seem closer in terms of relationship status. Furthermore, when Neff is in a shot on his own, he is shown from a low angle. This has the effect of making the audience seem inferior and vulnerable towards him. As well as that it also tells the audience that Neff is a more dominant character to Dietrichson. The fact that the male in this scene has more dominance over the femme fatale is a generic feature within the Noir genre. Whenever Dietrichson is shown, she is shot from a high angle. This creates the effect that she is quite helpless in this situation. This is also shown later on in the scene when the two characters are shown on screen and Neff is standing over Dietrichson, whom is seated. As Neff is standing over Dietrichson, it gives the effect that she will bow to his whim and that he has full control over the situation.

Wilder also uses lighting in the penultimate scene of Double Indemnity to convey the characters. Low key lighting is used throughout this whole scene which creates the effect that these are two shady characters with a dark past. Low key lighting is a very generic feature within the Noir genre as it lowers the mood, and makes the audience feel suspenseful. There is some light in this scene, coming through the blinds on to the back wall. As Neff enters the scene, he is illuminated by this slight glow through the blind; however his face reminds hidden. By doing this, Wilder makes the audience wonder who has entered and makes them question, is it a dangerous person or a threat. It also gives the effect that Neff has something to hide, and that maybe he wants to keep his motives to himself. The light through the blinds creates sharp shapes on the back wall which is quite common and conventional to the Noir genre. Furthermore, Dietrichson’s face is quite softly lit throughout this whole sequence.  This fits in with the classic femme fatale stereotypes as it helps her appear more sweet and innocent, however the audience knows that she is quite the opposite. Her face is well lit which suggests that her personality and motive are quite clear to the audience and creates the effect that she is quite vulnerable and easily read.

The use of mise-en-scene and props is significant when discussing how Wilder conveys the characters and their relationships. Suits are quite conventional and stereotypical when dressing the main male lead in a Noir film. Neff is wearing a plain suit in this scene which shows the audience that he is an average, middle aged male. As well as that, the props are important in telling the audience about the characters. From this whole scene, Dietrichson is shown smoking a cigarette. This creates the effect of adding a harsh edge to her character, makes her seem a bit wilder and fits in with the femme fatale conventions. Furthermore, a gun turns up at the end of the scene. This fits in with the generic features of a classic Noir film as there is almost always a weapon of some kind. The fact that there is a gun creates the effect of danger and suspense as you don’t know who will come out on top. As well as that, it puts the audience on the edge of their seats as they realise that one of the main characters is about to be killed. The femme fatale is the character who draws the weapon which shows the audience that she is extremely dangerous and resourceful. As well as that, it also shows the audience that she is an evil character as she had the weapon ready for Neff’s arrival, which shows us what she intended to do with him once he arrived.