It's interesting how the titular character from Gilda (1946) seems to be considered a femme fatale: an archetype of seductive, manipulative, sometimes morally questionable female characters who ensnare other characters. While Gilda is undoubtedly seductive and beautful, she's far from a manipulator, nor does she have any kind of power. She doesn't ensnare any of the male leads as much as they ensnare her. Ballin seduces her with money and protection while Johnny traps her in a loveless marriage as a form of punishment. Gilda can control each and every man except for Ballin and Johnny.
Johnny and Ballin were both toxic and dangerous, thus each other's soulmate. All Gilda wanted was normalcy, security and love. Her only "mistake" was getting involved in this accursed marriage of Ballin and Johnny. She's far from a femme fatale.
