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The femme fatale was a common figure in the European Middle Ages, often portraying the dangers of unbridled female sexuality. The pre-medieval inherited biblical figure of Eve offers an example, as does the wicked, seductive enchantress typified in Morgan le Fay.
A femme fatale is a seductive and beautiful woman who brings disaster to anyone with whom she becomes romantically involved. Learn about the origins, evolution, and variations of this archetype in mythology, art, literature, and film.
1. : a seductive woman who lures men into dangerous or compromising situations. 2. : a woman who attracts men by an aura of charm and mystery. Synonyms. enchantress. seductress. siren. temptress. See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus. Examples of femme fatale in a Sentence. an actress who was often cast as cynical, sexy femmes fatales.
Dec 18, 2022 · Learn what a femme fatale is, a character type that embodies beauty, mystery, seduction, and danger. Explore the history and examples of this trope in classic and contemporary films, from film noir to erotic thrillers.
- Phyllis Dietrichson - Double Indemnity. Femme fatales generally fall into two categories as far as looks go. You'll see those with black hair and black outfits (what you would typically expect from the black widow type), or the icy blond who wears white (see: "Body Heat" and "Basic Instinct").
- Ellen Berent Harland - Leave Her to Heaven. In terms of the brunette leading ladies of the '40s, the two most beautiful were probably Ava Gardner and Gene Tierney, and both effectively weaponized their beauty as femme fatales.
- Veda Pierce - Mildred Pierce. The two youngest femme fatales on this list — the teenage Veda and Kathryn in "Cruel Intentions" — are arguably the evilest.
- Kitty Collins - The Killers. Many of the best noirs are adaptations of equally brilliant books, and 1946's "The Killers" is no exception. The movie is based on a story by Ernest Hemingway, and was one of the few adaptations that he didn't despise.
Mar 6, 2024 · EW lists the best femme fatales who have successfully seduced audiences across film and TV history. From Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct to Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider, see the photos and learn about their roles and traits.
Jan 31, 2023 · Three new exhibitions explore how the femme fatale in art reflects evolving anxieties, writes Cath Pound.
