BEYOND SEDUCTION: DECONSTRUCTING THE FEMME FATALE IN ANATOMY OF A FALL (2023)

Abstract

The film Anatomy of a Fall in 2023 has ignited intense debate on themes of feminism, power dynamics, and relationships. At the center of this discussion is the portrayal of its female protagonist, Sandra (played by Sandra Hüller), as an unconventional yet emblematic reinterpretation of the femme fatale archetype. This article comprehensively analyzes the film’s narrative style and mise-en-scène to frame Sandra as both a powerful and unknowable figure who diverges from the classic femme fatale mold. Particular attention is given to the ways in which Sandra’s identity as a mother, writer, and bisexual woman complicates conventional portrayals of femininity and maternal responsibility in cinema. Through an in-depth analysis of her characterization, cinematic language, and thematic significance, this study aims to illuminate how Anatomy of a Fall reconstructs the femme fatale’s trajectory-shifting from an inevitable downfall to an empowering and open-ended resolution. By doing so, this paper argues that Anatomy of a Fall contributes to a broader feminist reconfiguration of cinematic tropes. By destabilizing the femme fatale’s narrative fate and foregrounding female complexity without punitive closure, the film challenges patriarchal frameworks and expands the representational possibilities for women on screen.