Femme Fatale

The femme fatale is a contradictory figure in Hollywood, embodying female power but also reflecting shifting cultural attitudes toward independence and sexuality. This book explores how the archetype has evolved over time, from ethnically exoticized silent film vamps to classic film noir femmes fatales and postmodern revisions. It also examines how contemporary creators have appropriated the femme fatale in sympathetic and surprising ways, celebrating how "bad girl" roles have provided talented actresses opportunities to express their charisma.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The femme fatale, a contradictory figure in Hollywood, embodies female power, poise, and intelligence. Over time, she has evolved, reflecting shifting cultural attitudes towards female independence and sexuality. This book explores over a century of femmes fatales on the silver screen and TV screen, from ethnically exoticized silent film vamps to classic film noir femmes fatales and postmodern revisions. It examines how contemporary creators have appropriated the femme fatale in sympathetic and surprising ways, analyzing films, studio press kits, and reviews. The Femme Fatale celebrates how "bad girl" roles have provided talented actresses with opportunities to express their charisma on-screen.

Introduction:
The femme fatale, a captivating and enigmatic character in Hollywood, has fascinated audiences for over a century. Ostensibly the villain, she also embodies female power, poise, and intelligence, presenting a contradictory image that has intrigued filmmakers and viewers alike. While initially portrayed as a threat to male dominance, the femme fatale has evolved over time, reflecting shifting cultural attitudes towards female independence and sexuality. This book aims to explore the evolution of the femme fatale figure in Hollywood, examining how she has been portrayed on the silver screen and television and how these portrayals have reflected changing cultural norms.

Ethnically Exoticized Silent Film Vamps:
The femme fatale began her journey in the early days of cinema, with ethnically exoticized silent film vamps like Theda Bara and Pola Negri. These women were often portrayed as foreign and mysterious, with dark and seductive allure. Their roles were often limited to exotic dance sequences and sexualized characters, reflecting the sexualized and objectifying attitudes towards women in the early 20th century.

Classic Film Noir Femmes Fatales:
As cinema evolved, the femme fatale took on a more complex and nuanced role in classic film noir. Barbara Stanwyck, for example, played the iconic femme fatale in Double Indemnity, a film that explored the dark and dangerous world of insurance fraud. Stanwyck's character, Phyllis Dietrichson, was a sophisticated and manipulative woman who used her beauty and charm to lure her victims into a web of deceit and murder.

Postmodern Revisions:
In the postmodern era, the femme fatale underwent a significant transformation. Films like Basic Instinct and Memento challenged traditional notions of the femme fatale by subverting her archetype and exploring her motivations and emotions. These films portrayed the femme fatale as a complex and multi-dimensional character, with her sexuality and independence being celebrated rather than condemned.

Contemporary Film and Television Creators:
Contemporary film and television creators have continued to explore the femme fatale figure in innovative and sympathetic ways. Shows like Fleabag and Killing Eve have featured characters who embody the femme fatale archetype while also being nuanced and complex. Phoebe Waller-Bridge's portrayal of the character of Villanelle in Killing Eve is a prime example of this, as she is a skilled assassin who also exhibits a range of emotions and vulnerabilities.

Discourses about the Pleasures and Dangers of Female Performance:
The femme fatale figure has always been closely linked to discourses about the pleasures and dangers of female performance. Throughout history, women have been both celebrated and criticized for their sexual allure and independence. The femme fatale has been used as a symbol of both the dangers and rewards of female empowerment, with her ability to manipulate and control men often being seen as a threat to traditional gender roles.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the femme fatale figure has undergone a remarkable transformation over the course of Hollywood's history. From ethnically exoticized silent film vamps to classic film noir femmes fatales and postmodern revisions, she has been portrayed as a complex and multi-dimensional character, with her sexuality and independence being celebrated rather than condemned. Contemporary film and television creators have continued to explore the femme fatale figure in innovative and sympathetic ways, highlighting her complexity and emotional depth. The femme fatale remains a powerful and enduring symbol of female power and independence in Hollywood.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 114 x 178 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813598246