"Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money - and a woman - and I didn't
get the money and I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it?"
Directed by Billy Wilder, the protagonist Walter Neff is an insurance salesman who tells his story in narration from his office at the beginning of a very subjective film. Always a good man who was good at his job, Mr. Neff never dreamed renewing car insurance would lead him to fall in love with Phyllis Dietrichson, much less persuade him to murder Mr. Dietrichson. However, the plot thickens as the two main characters plot a murder that follows "straight down the line" to a $100,000 "accident" settlement.
I was able to watch this film on Netflix this past Saturday evening while listening to rain fall and eating my salad from ZaZa's. I chose this film because it resides on AFI's Top 100, and it seemed like a classic murder tale. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how witty Mr. Neff was throughout the film, and I do wish he had only had those wits before he became involved with Mrs. Dietrichson.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Mr. Neff and his clever boss and claims investigator, Mr. Keyes. I liked how throughout the whole film, Mr. Neff would light Mr. Keyes's cigars until the final scene when he returns the favor highlighting the close relationship between the two men. The only complaint I have pertaining to the film is Mrs. Dietrichson. I could tell she was playing an angle the entire movie, and it's hard to enjoy a woman who is taking advantage of everyone.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who would like to watch a good murder movie unfold before your eyes from the murderers' perspective.
Poster from: www.impawards.com
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