The character of Vivian can be easily related to 'Eve' in Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon A Time In America'. Neither of them are low-life criminals and both women have a touch of class about their character.
'Eve' is on the left and 'Vivian' is on the right.
Do notice both of the ladies are blonde with curly hair. The blond hair could signify an angelic like persona. The curly style could suggest that there is more to them than meets the eye. Maybe even as far as being emotionally and socially. The lamp on the left (aside from providing ambient lighting) signifies Eve's fragile situation and the dainty cobweb of her criminal relations.
The cigarette in 'Vivians' mouth could signify her slightly devious nature. It could also connote how she never shows her feelings and keeps them shrouded to herself as if by an impenetrable blanket of smoke.
In the story of 'The Big Sleep' we first meet 'Vivian Reagan' when her husband mysteriously left with no reason. Even in this distressing time she does not seemed bothered in the slightest.
Well done James for linking your lang lit course to the thriller genre. I like the way you have posted the images of Eve and Vivian - classic images of the femme fatale. Blonde hair doesn't indicate the character is "angelic", in the context of Eve she is Noodles' mistress and the blonde hair indicates a racy, good time girl life style.
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