The opening scene of "The Big Sleep" establishes the mystery and intrigue of film noir. It begins with a shadowed door bearing the name "Sternwood," foreshadowing something dark concerning the family. A man named Marlowe arrives at the Sternwood mansion and is greeted by a butler. Marlowe inspects the posh interior while a femme fatale comes downstairs and flirts with him, establishing her as the archetypal dangerous woman. Their interaction is presented with shots that suggest Marlowe's control over her as the scene builds sexual tension through their dialogue and her falling into his arms.