In the midst of global debates on this year’s Oscar victors and snubs, the Insurance Information Institute has curated its own notable movie list. These films spotlight insurance in pivotal roles and span over 65 years, boasting performances from cinematic icons like Edward G. Robinson, Cary Grant, and Faye Dunaway. Modern stars like Jack Nicholson and Jennifer Aniston have also made their mark in these narratives.
Double Indemnity (1944)
Directed by: Billy Wilder; Starring: Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson
This timeless film noir unravels the tale of besotted insurance agent Walter Neff (MacMurray), who collaborates with seductive client Phyllis Dietrichson (Stanwyck) to mastermind her husband’s “unintentional” demise. Their motive? To cash in on his life insurance’s double indemnity clause. However, an astute claims investigator (Robinson) grows suspicious. A deadly game of deception follows.
Oscar Tally: Nominated 7 times
Memorable Line: To me, a claims man is more than just a desk job from 9 to 5. He’s a surgeon with that desk as his operating table. The papers aren’t just forms; they represent people’s twisted hopes and skewed dreams. In essence, a claims man is a blend of a doctor, detective, judge, jury, and even a priest.
Memento (2000)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan; Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
After sustaining a brain injury leading to short-term amnesia, former insurance investigator Leonard Shelby (Pearce) is driven by the singular mission to track down his wife’s killer. Adapting to his condition, Shelby takes Polaroids and scribbles pertinent details on them, even resorting to inking vital information on his skin.
Oscar Tally: Nominated twice
Memorable Line: Memory isn’t infallible. It can warp a room’s dimensions or alter a car’s hue. Memories are interpretations, not factual records. Facts triumph over memories, and that’s the foundation of any investigation.
The Fortune Cookie (1966)
Directed by: Billy Wilder; Starring: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
The cunning William Gingrich (Matthau) senses a golden opportunity when a mishap involving Cleveland Browns’ “Boom Boom” Jackson and cameraman Harry Hinkle (Lemmon), Gingrich’s relative, occurs. Although Hinkle’s injuries are minor, he contemplates aiding Gingrich’s scheme to swindle the insurance agency, especially if it means winning back his former love. However, Hinkle’s budding friendship with a remorseful Jackson complicates matters.
Oscar Tally: 1 win (Walter Matthau, Best Supporting Actor) and 4 nominations
Memorable Line: If only the accident had happened outside the May Company. From them, you’d have gotten something! Couldn’t you have mustered the strength to move another 20 feet?