Femme Fatales

Phyllis Dietrichson

‘A persuasive, sinister vulgar blonde - a beautiful, sharp, predatory and unhappy femme fatale housewife named Phyllis Dietrichson’

Phyllis is well known for defining the role of ‘femme fatale’ and is one of the most famous Femme Fatale. She is represented through low angle shots, low-key lighting and mostly white clothing throughout the film, which all goes towards Phyllis being a true Femme Fatale as this contradicts her conniving and evil demeanour, presenting her to the characters within the film as pure and innocent. She possesses the infamous characteristics and representation of a devout femme fatale; she smokes, has a sexually alluring physique and is in the middle of putting together an immoral and devious plan- all with cunningly having a seemingly innocent and angelic face. Like many Femme Fatales, Phyllis is a guru of seduction- the first time ‘Walter’ and the audience meet her, she is in a towel, and as she comes down the stairs she buttons her blouse, something that she could have easily done whilst still in her bedroom-




Catherine Tramell

‘Catherine Tramell appears as a brilliant, charismatic sociopath, who manipulates everyone around her, largely for her own amusement’

Catherine is one of the most widely know Femme Fatales of the modern era. She oozes sexual allurement and creates sexual tension with everyone that she meets, both men and women, which gives this Femme Fatale the modern, contemporary and interesting twist. Due to the fact that she is a modern time Femme Fatale, she can take her sexual appearance to the next level and make herself even more sexually desirable by explicitly showcasing her body, for example the infamous interrogation scene, where she uncrosses her legs and reveals that she is not wearing any underwear. Catherine Tramell also possesses the characteristics of a Femme Fatale; she smokes, sexually attractive and has a devious plan up her sleeves, however, she is more of a ruthless cold-blooded killer, who murders her husband with an ice-pick. All in all Catherine Tramell exceeds the expectations of a Femme Fatale and renovates the Femme Fatale into an even more exciting character.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO9wiK27iHM
Gilda

‘With her sleek and sophisticated eroticism and lush hair; the love goddess portrayed the sexy, hedonistic women’

Gilda is a showstopper of a Femme Fatale. She is a performer and is known for her infamous one sleeve tease performance. Gilda also has owns the characters of the ultimate Femme Fatale, she smokes, sexually attractive who is scheming and plotting.

The Guardian 100

1. What is the Guardian 100 and who are the panellists that create it?
The Guardian 100 is a guide to the most powerful people in television, radio, newspapers, magazines, digital media, advertising, marketing and PR.

2. How many women are in the top 100?
18 women out of 100 people

3. What companies do these women work for and in what roles?
 Advertising
 Cheif executive
 Controller- publishing
 Editor- publishing
 Head of E4, commissioning editor responsible for Big Brother

4. What percentage of the 100 are women?
18%

5. How would you assess the balance of power in this list and why do you think it is this way?
In the Guardian 100, it is obvious that there are more men than women in the list, and one would think that anyways since we live in a patriarchal society, were men are dominant and women are subordinated and marginalised.