Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze
8/01/14
MWE
Introduction to the Male Gaze
In 1975 Laura Mulvey introduced the ideology of the Male Gaze:
- Society is dominated by men, this includes Media
- Media is dominated by men, texts are constructed my male director therefore representation of the female is also constructed by men.
- The representation of women is argued to gratify men- women are objectified
- Objectification of women causes:
- scophilia (pleasure through sight)
- Preserves domination of men and overcomes the threat women has on men as they women are decreased to mere symbols
- Men fear to be effeminate and so they objectify women
The Male Gaze in relation to Freud's Psychoanalysis suggests that the effects of the text we have watched had affected our subconscious. In effect, it had influence our way of perception which shows in our actions. For instance: Women's inclination to always dress up. This is the product of the Male Gaze's influence on our ID.
The Male Gaze is still present in texts today. Music Videos have been criticized for objectifying women. This is done through:
- Misc-en-scene: Provocative clothing
- Stereotypical representation of women as the shrewd or unchaste
- Camera angles: close ups focusing on womens physique
Objectification of women is evident in Jason Derulo's music video "Trumpets". The woman is overly sexualized, a source of hedonistic pleasure of the male spectator as well as the male protagonist. The misc-en-scene is suggestive and promiscuous, the lights are dimmed and warm and the woman is direct to carry herself provocatively. The music used is also equally suggestive due to its lyrics which celebrates sex.
- scophilia (pleasure through sight)
- Preserves domination of men and overcomes the threat women has on men as they women are decreased to mere symbols
- Men fear to be effeminate and so they objectify women
- Misc-en-scene: Provocative clothing
- Stereotypical representation of women as the shrewd or unchaste
- Camera angles: close ups focusing on womens physique
Objectification of women is evident in Jason Derulo's music video "Trumpets". The woman is overly sexualized, a source of hedonistic pleasure of the male spectator as well as the male protagonist. The misc-en-scene is suggestive and promiscuous, the lights are dimmed and warm and the woman is direct to carry herself provocatively. The music used is also equally suggestive due to its lyrics which celebrates sex.
James Bond
The Jame's Bond Collection heavily uses objectification, part of the franchises appeal is the "Bond Girls". The Bond Girls are the attractive, sexy and alluring women which graces the screen, their presence is to attract and satisfy the male audience which is the dominant gender which views the film.
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