The Femme Fatale
Origins, Characteristics, and Female Representation
The Femme Fatale refers to the trope popularized by the film noir genre whose character consists of a sensual, attractive woman with self-imposed autonomy, whether it be financial, sexual, career, or a combination of these and other fields. Most often, the Femme Fatale uses her sexuality to manipulate and deceive men for her own personal agenda and percieved gains. The term "Femme Fatale" is orginally French, translating to "Fatal Woman" in English.
Characterstics of her personality include intense magneticism and attractiveness, in both the physical and attitude aspect. The Femme Fatale is also known to be introduced with a strong entrance, intializing her role as inherently sexual and eye-catching. Her wardrobe tends to be provocative, with revealing and/or flattering clothing, her hair styled in combination with a face of flawless makeup. In addition to that, her tendencies seem to be morally ambiguous or outright heartless, such behaviors including lying and material exploitation (usually in interactions with men).
Woman at the time of the Femme Fatales popularization viewed her character as empowering, solidfying her as a trope reused in the film noir genre and beyond. The Femme Fatale has inspired other tropes, such as the Vamp, the Siren, the Enchantress, and others.