The stereotype of the femme fatale has origins as old as Lilith in the Bible. She has appeared in art, mythology, drama, and literature ever since. She was a goddess and enchantress who could bend men to her will with trickery, seduction, sorcery, and wit. The advent of film allows us to fully experience her working her wiles in contemporary contexts.
In this course we will consider the accuracy of this stereotype. During class we will see one film each week and have time for discussion. Prior to class you will receive information about the film, the cast, the director, screenwriter, and other material to enhance your appreciation and experience.
The films are: The Blue Angel (1930) Marlene Dietrich; Double Indemnity (1944) Barbra Stanwyck; Body Heat (1981) Kathleen Turner; Out of the Past (1947) Jane Greer, Rhonda Fleming; our final film is a surprise in which the femme fatale never appears.