The Postman Always Rings Twice

The runtime feels a bit too long, but it's a classic, intriguing story with a moral story about comeuppance.

Feels a bit like a lesser Double Indemnity, but considering how much I love that, I don't intend that as a knock. Turner and Garfield are underhanded and sly, sneaking around not only the woman's husband but also each other, as they continually attempt to blackmail the other. Great twist ending as well.

I've seen this compared to Double Indemnity a lot. There are some similarities, but there are plenty of differences too. It's a reasonably engaging story, but the dialogue lacks pizzazz. The direction also seems flat, especially in comparison to Wilder's work. And the leads aren't that great, either. Garfield isn't a guy you root for like Macmurray, and Turner isn't a gal you secretly root for like Stanwyck. But it's a solid noir picture, with a notable supporting performance from Cronyn.

Everything falls apart for everyone.

It's a great concept, and there are definitely some good scenes, but the toned down grit and the redemptive ending make it feel far too moralistic for a noir.