The media concept 'The Male Gaze' was created by Laura Mulvey in 1975 as she believes that audiences are forced to see through the eyes of a heterosexual male. This idea implies that directors sexualise women for the enjoyment of the male audience. This is due to the fact that camera shots linger on the female body for the pleasure of men. This objectifies women as females are made to be seen as if they are there simply to arouse males which in turn decreases a women's sense of equality as she begins to feel subordinate to men.
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| Laura Mulvey |
Feminists view The Male Gaze Theory in one of three ways:
1. How men look at women
2. How women look at themselves
3. How other women look at women
However, after viewing the two videos above it could be argued that it is unfair to criticise men for staring at women's bodies because the camera purposefully lingers over body parts and make them become sexualised. Although, because the bodies of these women are being admired by the men in the videos is could make ordinary women who are viewing the videos feel as if they are not good enough because they do not have the same body. This makes us question whether it is in fact a 'male' gaze.
Moreover, it is important to questioned the idea that some women enjoy being looked at which would in turn be a criticism of the theory, for example women in beauty pageants.
It could also be argued that it is acceptable to look at women but gazing is inappropriate. This is because gazing signifies a relationship of psychological power and the individual gazing could be viewed as being superior to the 'object' of the gaze.
Furthermore, we must question whether gender roles have been created by the media as the 'Male Gaze' is implemented in everyday life, in terms of perfume ads and music videos.
Proving the 'Male Gaze' theory in Horror trailers:
Carrie Trailer (2013)
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Jennifer's Body (2009)
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