"Helpless Control"

n.d. Film Noir, Primary Characteristics and Conventions of Film Noir: Themes and Styles. http://www.filmsite.org/filmnoir.html says that femme fatales are “mysterious, duplicitous, double-crossing, gorgeous, unloving, predatory, tough-sweet, unreliable, irresponsible, manipulative and desperate women.”

The description above describes Phyllis in the book “Double Indemnity“ to the tee. While Phyllis was discussing with Huff why she had decided to murder her husband, she shows her sweetness as a façade to the true cut throat woman that she is.

Earlier in Phyllis' conversation with Huff she states (double Indemnity pg. 18), “ I haven’t any reason. He treats me as well as a man can treat a woman. I don’t love him, but he’s never done anything to me.“ Then later in that same conversation she states, “He’s not happy. He’ll be better off--dead.“
My take on her character is that she is trying to play it low-key and not seem like a murderer, when she really is. From the first time that she saw Huff and he took that long gaze at her curves, she picked up on it. She knew just what to do to influence him and get what she wanted. The next time he showed up she had the scene set, (Double Indemnity pg. 10) “She didn’t have on the blue pajamas this time. She had on a white sailor suit, with a blouse that pulled tight over her hips, and white shoes and stockings.”

Phyllis had a plan in mind (murdering her husband), but she didn’t know how to carry out that plan. She knew she needed help. Her job was to play the role of a “desperate housewife.” In that role she lured Huff in. He believes that he is in control, which is exactly what Phyllis wanted. She knew that when a man BELIEVES that he is in control, things get done. When a woman IS in control the man gets things done!