Only one thing bugged me


The fact that Walter and Phyllis were planning to commit the murder so soon after taking out the policy on her husband. As was mentioned in the film, only two weeks had passed between the enactment of the policy and the "accident", and even this was delayed by Dietrichson having broken his leg. I know they were eager to get him out of the way, but it is only logical to assume that the insurance company would raise an enormous red flag in such a circumstance. Furthermore, so much is made about Walter's inside knowledge of the insurance business that it seemed out of character for him to not even suggest that they wait several months.

But aside from that, an absolutely perfect film.

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As one of several improbabilities on which the conspiracy to murder and defraud hangs, should we see it as another sign that Walter, having succumbed to lust and greed, is not as clever as he thinks? Isn't it Phyllis, anxious to be free and rich after eliminating her bumbling accomplice, who pushes things along?

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You are correct. The fascinating thing about this film (and there are many) is that while Walter is short on character
(he openly hits on the wife of his client, the minute he enters her house!), Phyllis is, in fact, a psychopath. She let's
him think HE's leading HER on, when it's the other way around. Walter had a nice future. If she was sincere, she'd
leave her jerk of a husband, and marry him. But she had OTHER things on her mind, and quite a past...

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