Phyllis is a Femme Fatale by Chris Hovel
In the movie Double Indemnity Phyllis displays all of the characteristics of the typical femme fatale. When Walter and Phyllis first meet you could tell that she was using her sexuality to charm and lure Walter into her trap. At first Walter sees what Phyllis is trying to do and wants no part of the plan. However, he could not resist her and becomes involved in the murder plot. I don't believe that Phyllis is a totally positive or negative characterization of women in general. Just like Walter shows both positive and negative traits of men. Phyllis used what skills and tools she had to get what she wanted. Although not all women might like to admit to using their looks for the manipulation of men to get what they want, it actually happens. Not only does Phyllis use this power on Walter she also misleads Nino into unknowingly become the fall-guy for the murder.
Phyllis may not be the main driving force or mastermind of the whole murder plot she played a very pivotal role in its formation and execution. Without Phyllis there would have been no idea for the insurance plot in the first place. Walter did do most of the actual planning of how, where and when the murder would take place, and did most of the dirty work. Phyllis however never had any intention of being with Walter and was using him like a simple pawn in her master plan. In the end I wouldn't say that Phyllis held a position of true power or subservience. Just like I would say that Walter never truly had complete control of the situation either, but the plot to kill Phyllis' husband needed both characters to both be in control and not in control. Walter's job was to figure out how to get the insurance plan signed, kill Phyllis' husband, and get away with it. Walter's weakness was his emotional and romantic attachment to Phyllis and eventually became his down fall. Phyllis' job was to find someone who could finally put her most evil plan into motion. However Phyllis' weakness was that she would never have been able to kill her husband and get the money without Walter. Without Walter killing her husband was just another evil thought that never would have been possible without being able to find a guy to do it for her.