Name: An Vinh Nguyen
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How does Double Indemnity represent gender?
This annotated bibliography showcases a brief account of my further research on gender representation, one of the most unique features of film noir in Double Indemnity. Angryanchovie's viewpoint quite one-sided since it pays too much attention to masculinity. Bronfen's argument is sometimes lengthy and complicated, thus resulting in confusion to the readers. Although the text "Double Indemnity's Fatal Woman" is a careful analysis of Phyllis Dietrachson, it does not provide the readers with a clear definition of "femme fatal". The book chapter presents an excellent overview of women in film noir, but it lacks a deep investigation …show more content…
Angryanchovie (2014) argues that this type of character is usually respectful but lack moral qualities and deceived by the fatal woman, thus resulting in wrongdoings. Anti-heroes also would prefer to show original gender role rather than strength. Walter is "constructed" as a vigorous man with large shoulders, thus accounting for plenty of space on the movie screen. Moreover, Walter has a secured job and freedom in his life while Phyllis is under control of her husband. Angryanchovie (2014) tries to focus on the dominance and power of a man in a traditional patriarchal family. (118 …show more content…
A femme fatal is comparatively different from common Hollywood's female character: weak, less reliable, etc. Phyllis joins the collapse of her family values since not only men but also women look for desire in sexual affairs. Hence, many critics state that the classification of sex and sin in film noir is sometimes odd and redundant. Phyllis is a modern description of female sexuality. (Tasker 353) argues that a femme fatal is the representation of gender difference's jeopardy and the need and the peril of desire the man has to cope with. (115