Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), "Double Indemnity"
(1944) Oh, Barbara. You were often bad, but you were seriously evil
in "Double Indemnity." Phyllis Dietrichson is one of the sickest femme fatales
in film noir history. Stanwyck took to her dark part with nasty brilliance
... more as a
double-crossing, bitchy seductress in Billy Wilder's seminal noir, donning that
now famous blond wig, that sexy, cynical smirk and (dear God) that anklet,
oozing a snaky sex appeal that's deliciously evil. Eyeing her mark in Fred MacMurray's insurance salesman, Stanwyck convinces the
lovesick lug to help plot and execute the murder of her husband, but, as usual
in these situations, nothing ever comes off without a hitch -- numerous hitches
in this case. All dolled up in pom-pom heels, creamy sweaters and dramatically
lined lips, Stanwyck's Phyllis, who's not as young as she used to be and not
quite as lush, can't hide the poison within her. And her chemistry with
MacMurray sizzles as they swap barbs and coos with sleazy ease. They yearn for
more, but Stanwyck, the perfect noir siren, seems perfectly aware of how
fatalistic this kind of dream really is. Sometimes murder really does smell like
honeysuckle. (Everett Collection)Close
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