Double Indemnity has been called “a film without a single trace of pity or love.” Do you agree with this statement? Think about the motivations that lie behind the actions of Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson when you consider your response.

In Double Indemnity, each character supports the idea of id, ego, and superego. For example, Phyllis wants to kill her husband in order to collect insurance money, however, she strikes a flirtation with Walter Neff in order to get him to help her. I do not think that Phyllis ever had genuine feelings for Walter Neff. Also, she lied with such ease that it would be difficult to believe that she felt any pity or remorse for her actions. Contrarily, I believe Walter Neff did truly love Phyllis. I think Walter is the exception to this statement. Walter would not have risked his entire career and freedom in order to help Phyllis. The argument could be made that Neff wanted to share in Phyllis' earnings, but Walter seemed to be successful and wealthy, meaning that he would not need the money. Furthermore, Walter truly pities the victims of his crime, as he calls and confesses for the entire happenings. This statement can be supported by the actions of the wealthy insurance agency bosses. These men perform their jobs with one goal: to make money. They do not care who they hurt or take money from in the process. I think this statement is true for some characters of the film, but untrue for others such as Walter Neff.