Mrs Bannister
Mrs. Bannister is the Femme Fatale of the film, this is established through her beauty and dangerous connotations. Immediately, the protagonist Michael is taken by her, infatuated with her entire being. His voice over narration foreshadows the danger and tragedy his love for her will cause him. " Some people can smell danger...not me". It is typical of a Film Noir narrative to involve the Protagonist becoming involved romantically with the Femme Fatale, the relationship is often dangerous and forbidden.
Several other cinematic devices are also used to establish Mrs. Bannisters inevitable danger. Shadows of bars are cast over her face whilst she is in the carriage, this is typical of Film Noir representing imprisonment. We also see a police car drive by in the background as Michael enters the carriage to be next to Mrs. Bannister.
However, untypical of Femme Fatale Mrs. Bannister is presented as quite naive and helpless. When we are first introduced to her we see her be saved by Michael from some amateur mob. Later on she claims she "doesn't know how to shoot" and her servant says the only reason she works for Mr Bannister is to "look after that poor girl". This places her more in the category of a damsel in distress rather than a Femme Fatale who are usually more independent. This sense of naivety and innocence is further explored through the lighting. Her character contrasts that of the dark and suspicious personality of Michael. As the two walk towards the garage they are submerged in shadow as Michael says " I killed a man". However, they walk back into the light once again when Mrs. Bannister says " Well you nearly killed a girl!" The contrast of light and dark compares Mrs. Bannisters light hearted and naive attitude to those of the gloomy and criminal Michael. This contrast continues throughout the film through other means such as costume; Mrs. Bannister dressed in a bright white angelic gown next to the dark and rugged suit of Michael.