Blog 3: A brisk and unsatisfying end.

The conclusion to James M. Cain's, "Double Indemnity," was appropriate to the novel; it was as abrupt and strange like braking a man's' neck with a crutch. The final scene depicted a dying Walter Huff and a white-faced, scarlet-clad, Phyllis Nirdlinger surreally preparing to commit suicide. The swift ending followed the detailed personal account of the events leading up to, and following Walter's introduction to the beautiful yet psychotic wife of a client. Following a brisk tryst the two plotted and killed his client for a large insurance settlement and then turned upon one another. This double-cross led to the bullet in his chest and a full confession to his boss and mentor. The entire tale was dark and tumultuous like the seas the two chose to end it in.

I was not completely satisfied with Cain's ending, it seemed hurried and a little odd. After the realistic details and descriptions within Walter's account, it seemed farfetched that an insurance company would deal with Phyllis in such a manner. It would have been more plausible if Mr. Keyes had pursued his hunch of foul play into court with as much vigor as he had while investigating the death. Keyes was a sticker for the truth and justice. It would have been more satisfying to read about him crucifying, and making an example out of the pair, or having them get away with it.
I believe that Walter's treatment was fair. He had been an honest, upright citizen, who followed the law, though he dreamed of breaking it and rebelling against the system. The manner and haste to which he was seduced by Phyllis and acquiescence to her dark plans were surprising, and there was enough evidence that she was adept at deceit and skilled in her manipulation of men. It could be argued that Walter, a bored insurance salesman was struck, and convinced into doing her bidding. In return for his full, sworn statement his employers allowed him an opportunity to leave the country, rather than having him as a dark stain on their record.

Phyllis got off too easy, she should have been put to justice for her heinous crimes. She was the murder of innocent women and children, a skilled harbinger of death, and a masterful liar. She was allowed to bring about her own demise, in the manner that she chose. She showed no remorse for her actions, and decided to take her own life after she had exhausted all of her other options, and was not conflicted or scared of her decision. To her, it was simply the closing of a vicious loop, she had brought about the death of others and now was going to die herself. She should have been punished for her crimes, and eventually put to death in a manner not of her choosing.

At this point in the film version of the novel, we have not seen the end. It does not appear that the screenwriters have changed very much about it though. Compared to the similar point in the novel, they only combined a few different elements and changed Walter's method of confession.