A hero is defined by the google dictionary "a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." One person who fits these qualities is Lola Dietrichson, you know besides the 'typically a man' part. Lola is the daughter of Mr. Dietrichson and the step-daughter to Phyllis Dietrichson. Lol herself does not play a huge role for the first half of the movie, only being seen once when Neff pitches to Mr. Dietrichson life insurance. In this scene, Lola begs to go out with her friend. However, Phyllis accuses her (Lola's) boyfriend, Nino. Lola denies it, causing Phyllis to reluctantly agree. Lola then gets a ride from Neff, to find that she is going to see Nino and not her friends. That's the only part Lola plays for the moment.
Lola plays a bigger role after the death of her father. She visits Neff's office in tears. In this moment, she confesses to him just how vile of a women Phyllis really is. Lola explains that she suspects Phyllis killed her mother and she had something to do with her father's death as well. This story is what turns Neff around. Lola's experiences with Phyllis is what makes Neff begin to doubt his lover. If Lola had not done this, then Neff would still be under Phyllis' control and would have never seen what a manipulative person she really is. If it wasn't for Lola's courage to confide in her secrets with Neff, Phyllis might have won and Lola would be in danger. This makes Lola one of the heroes of Double Indemnity.
Another hero in this film is Walter Neff. I consider Neff a hero to this film. He made the mistake of falling for Phyllis' trap and killing Mr. Dietrichson, but he did redeem himself in the end. After The other hero, Lola, bravely confess to him, Neff has an epiphany. That, on top of the fact that he also finds out that Phyllis has been seeing Lola's boyfriend, Nino, behind his back the entire time. These two events are what make Neff complete his 180. Neff chooses himself and what's right over the femme fatal. Him being able to kill Phyllis in the end is what truly makes him a hero, the person who takes down the villain. It's okay that Neff had made some mistakes for the duration of the film, as long as in the end he is able to redeem himself. That's what makes him a hero.
Great post! I love that you categorize Lola as a hero. I feel that she is definitely a hero since she does end up snapping Walter out of the trance Phyllis put him in. I think Lola could easily be overlooked as a hero simply because of the small part she plays, but the importance of that part makes her a hero. Walter Neff still has me questioning what a hero really is. I feel that him murdering Phyllis' husband would automatically make it so he can't be hero, but you have a point that he manages to redeem himself in the end. Good job!
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