The Femme Fatale of the Film Noir

Paper Summary:

This essay examines the depiction of the "femme fatale" in some characteristic works of the "film noir" genre. It is argued that while these female characters may seem today to be sexist on the surface - with female leads tending to be figures of temptation who attempt to corrupt or destroy men through their sexuality - on another level, the "femme fatale" of the film noir can be seen as a figure of strength and power reflecting the growing participation of women in the work force in American society during the war years of the early 1940s.

From the Paper:

"The genre of "film noir" is one of the most identifiable in film history. While there is general agreement on the core films that comprise the genre - in particular, "hard-boiled" American detective films of the 1940s - there is no consensus on the limits of the genre. At best, the genre seems defined by several stylistic characteristics common to many of the works associated with the genre. Perhaps the most often-noted of these defining features of "film noir" is the role played by the female leading actress; a role that may best be described as a "femme fatale"."

More papers on The Femme Fatale of the Film Noir:

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• Term Paper # 120054 : "Film Noir in America"
• Analytical Essay # 115697 : "The Role of Women in Film Noir"

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