Even today they remain standards and benchmarks in cinema
If film noirs absolutely wanted a cynical tough hero, but deep down with a sensitive soul, black and white, dark photography, with low lighting and strong shadows, shots that highlight the psychological state of the heroes and a case that you don’t expect the outcome of, you had to he also has the femme fatale. Her “femme fatale”a woman charming and more seductive, traumatized by events and situations, mysterious, often dangerous, who hides, well hidden, secrets.
Film noir triumphed post-war, clearly influenced by the crash of 1929, as the “American dream” began to “fade”, giving way to a generalized image of system erosion, of prevailing pessimism.
Directly influenced by the dark and ominous aesthetic of German Expressionism, film noir featured legendary heroes and unforgettable poison women. The most important directors of the time will make the most of the tried and tested scenarios, but first they will have to find the ideal choice to stand against the hero, the “femme fatale”, who will haunt the viewer.
So let’s remember, through their iconic films, ten of the unforgettable legendary actresses, who associated their name with film noir and the “femme fatale” roles, which even today remain models and reference points in cinema.
Barbara Stanwyck
Along with Joan Crawford, she is perhaps the best manifestation of the definition of “femme fatale”, as she was irresistible as a dangerous femme fatale – a proper demon. Barbara Stanwyck (1907-1990) may not have had the beauty of Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn, the legend of Bette Davis, but she had all the characteristics of a “femme fatale” in the ideal degree. She may never have won an Oscar, although she was nominated four times, but her performances remain iconic, in everything she’s done, from witty comedy, to drama, and of course, film noir. In “Sinful Women” (1946) by Lewis Mulstone, where she plays a rich heiress with a dark past and the wife of a prosecutor, she will meet again her young love, who, however, knows about her criminal past. A film model of melodramatic film noir, with Stanwyck wanting to drag Van Heflin and – in his first appearance – Kirk Douglas into hell.
Rita Hayworth
She may not have been a particularly talented actress, but she was incomparably beautiful and combined with her sex appeal, she went down in the history of world cinema. But Rita Hayworth (1918-1987) will also be synonymous with “Jilda”, the classic film noir shot in 1946 by Charles Vidor, although she was perhaps better in the hands of Orson Welles in the famous film noir “The Lady from Shanghai”. However, in “Jilda” as the femme fatale of a gangster who falls in love with his first boy (an excellent Glenn Ford), she will become a symbol of Hollywood’s golden age.
Lorraine Bacall
She not only made Bogarde go crazy for her, but also the public, with her spectacular entrance into the cinema at the age of just 20. A woman of unique charm, tall, with an impressive face and a characteristic bass voice, Lorraine Bacall (1924-2014) will be lucky enough to work with great directors from the beginning and to have conquered Bogarde’s heart. In 1946, the great Howard Hawks will make the famous noir “The Big Sleep”, transferring to the screen Raymond Chandler’s detective novel written by William Faulkner and Lee Brackett and having Bogie in the role of detective Philip Marlowe and Bacall as the female temptress.
Gene Tierney
Her beautiful face and borderline innocent, she didn’t seem destined for “femme fatale” roles. And yet, Jean Tierney (1920-1991), a flexible and highly capable actress, will keep the role of the fatale in the masterpiece noir “Laura” made by Otto Premiger in 1944. A great film, with the hero policeman’s obsession with a dead woman, who discovers that she is alive, while her life continues to be in danger. Next to her is Dana Andrews.
Ava Gardner
Yes, this is the legendary Ava, one of the hottest and sexiest stars in Hollywood. Ava Gardner (1922-1970), who will remain as the “Barefoot Countess”, also excelled in film noirs, most importantly that of “The Killers” shot by Robert Siodmak in 1946. Gardner, will choose her victim, Burt Lancaster, a hunted that will make him defenseless against killers. Classic noir with a leading couple whose chemistry remains indelible.
Lana Turner
Legendary Hollywood bombshell, who will go down in history for her wonderful proportions, platinum hair and of course her turbulent life. Lana Turner (1921-1995) may not have been a great actress, but if she appeared, she would be a riot. He will star in the famous film noir “The Postman Always Knocks Twice” (1946), which is an adaptation of the book by James Kane. Turner will play the wife of a middle-aged gas station owner who falls in love with a wandering young man, whom she convinces to kill her husband. The excellent John Garfield, in the role of the lover, really looks small next to Turner’s irresistible charm.
Veronica Lake
Another sexy symbol, who as quickly ascended to the heavenly glory as quickly descended to hell, living a nightmare that ended prematurely and painfully. Blonde, with curls and a seductive face, Veronica Lake {1922-1973) will go down in history as the “Blue Dahlia”, from the film noir of the same name directed by the uneven Hollywood professional George Marshall. The screenplay, by Raymond Chandler, is about Johnny who returns from the war and finds that his wife has a lover. When he finds her dead, the police charge him, but he is joined by the beautiful wife of a nightclub owner, Veronica Lake. Starring Alan Ludd would make a great cinematic pair with Lake, and they would go on to make five more films together.
Mary Astor
An important actress, who marked a significant path in the cinema with her attractive personality and the depth of her performances. But Mary Astor (1906-1987) will be remembered by all cinephiles for her role as the femme fatale in John Huston’s 1941 genre-defining masterpiece, The Maltese Falcon, based on the book of the same name by Dashiel Hammett. Opposing the legendary Humphrey Bogarde, as well as the amazing characterizations Peter Lorre and Sidney Greenstreet, Astor will have her own share of the classic film’s success.
Joan Crawford
Old caravan, from the star legends about her cruel to full of vices personality and the myths that follow her even today. Joan Crawford (1904-1977) had a stormy life, full of controversy and unconventional behavior. In the film noir “The Ransoms of Pain” (1947) by Curtis Bernhard and co-starring Van Heflin, she will pass with ease, most of all, the characteristics of the demonic, seductive woman. However, it is no coincidence that she will also turn the heroine of the famous classic western “Johnny Guitar” into a “femme fatale”. She really vibrates the screen with the intensity of her eroticism, with the “cool” Sterling Hayden by her side.
Faye Dunaway
Of course there are also the successors of the femme fatales. With the neo-noir that sometimes has wonderful flashes, some stars of our recent times also stood out, with Faye Dunaway being the most typical case. In Roman Polanski’s landmark film Chinatown (1974) – by far the best film of the genre – she is the femme fatale who comes from the glorious past, only to become embroiled in a story of adultery and extreme corruption. Next to her is the incredible Jack Nicholson, in the role of his life and the suggestive John Huston.
Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
