Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

During 'Once Upon a Time in America' the character types included a 'femme fatale' 'is a stock character of a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art.' Within Once Upon a Time in America Eve is the character that is seen at the beginning. She is also seen as the character type of a 'menaced woman' as she is sly and cunning when it comes to talking to the characters that have invaded her apartment.

The use of the formal costume such as the trilby hat worn by one of the police officers show the historical context of the film. In the time in which the film was set the trilby was seen as the 'rich man's favoured hat' The pearls that Eve wears are also a cultural signifier as it also shows that Eve must have been somewhat wealthy. 

The shadows used within the start of the film portray the different characters very effectively. When considering Eve in the screen shot above, her face is covered half by shadow half by light. This portrays her character type of a femme fatale perfectly as she is seen as an innocent character at the start but clearly brings her lover in to danger.

The use of the wet streets in the start of the film is a convention to the thriller genre. It casts of shadows darker creating mystery and worry, but also reflects light which can make it seem more ominous. Therefore becoming a convention of the thriller genre.