‘Double Indemnity’ (1944, Wilder) is a classic interpretation of a Film Noir. It was set in 1938, when society had not been impacted by the changes in female roles. In opposition, ‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997, Hanson), was set in the 1950s, when the perceptions of women were being altered dramatically, on an upward spiral. ‘L.A. Confidential’ is additionally, considered to be a retro-Noir film, where elements are developed and influenced according to our modern day society. Genre conventions, the level of power the women are given, as well as the elements of narrative, are all significant components when considering the messages and values of women in the two films.
Within the movie, ‘Double Indemnity’ Phyllis Dietrichson is a classic interpretation of a femme fatale. As a character, she lacks emotion, and is very seductive and manipulative. Lola Dietrichson on the other hand, is much less witty and mysterious. The two characters are polar opposites. ‘L.A. Confidential’, contains Lynn Bracken. Whom gains power throughout the film, unlike Phyllis Dietrichson. Her character is just as manipulative, with just as much sex appeal. She has a significantly different attitude towards her life in comparison to Phyllis though; she is traditional, in the sense that she wants to be married, and wants to have a family. ‘L.A. Confidential’ additionally is a more accurate reflection of women during that period time, the 1950s: they typically wanted a family, a home, and a peaceful life.
The amount of power the women have in the two films is a second important factor when considering the messages and values of women. Both movies have different approaches when creating female characters with specific levels of power. For instance, in ‘Double Indemnity’ Phyllis Dietrichson does not conform to the norms of femininity. Rather, she is extremely independent, controlling, and empowering over men. Furthermore, at the