Double Indemnity

The film Double Indemnity opens with a somewhat typical string, orchestral sound which is present as underscoring during the opening and first few minutes of the movie. This music is somewhat reminiscent of the classic Hollywood sound but not as dramatic or over the top. The majority of the music in the film is underscoring with the only diagetic music occurring at the very end when Walter questions Phyllis about the music that is playing.

The music used in this film is somewhat cliche in that soft, romantic music with a feminine, string sound is used when Walter and Phyllis interact or when a romantic scene is being played out. On the other hand, when a scene of intensity or drama is presented, the music becomes low pitched, fast paced, with a heightened volume. This is mirrored by the cliched nature of the movie and plot in general.

Double Indemnity displays the characteristics of a film noir in that it displays a dark, suspenseful tone and the music mirrors this. While some soft music is played during the feminine scenes, the majority of the music is dramatic and creepy, signaling the mysterious and dark nature of the film itself.