Male Gaze Theory

Male Gaze Theory

Using Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze Theory, I can apply this to some current films that are showing in cinemas. But firstly, the Male Gaze theory can be viewed that audiences can look at films in two ways:

• Voyeuristically
• Fetishistically

Cinema audiences watch these films in darkened rooms, so they are not seen by others. This makes them 'Voyeurs' and can have two effects:

• Objection of the Female Characters in relation to this theory.
• Narcissistic identification with an ideal image on the screen.

This theory also suggests that voyeurism involves turning the represented figure into a fetish, so that it becomes more desirable to the male audience. This leads to the creation of the iconic female movie-star who is celebrated for her looks and is considered more as an object other than anything else. This makes them like 'eye candy' for the male audience.

Underworld: Awakening (2012):

This film poster shows the main female character and not much else, which can show that is down to the male gaze that this is the way in which the film is advertised since they are using the looks to make it desirable for the male audience.


One for the Money (2012):

Here, the Male Gaze theory can be applied the movie poster shows the main female actor in focus, which again makes it desirable for the male audience.


Declaration of War (2011):

This film poster shows that Male Gaze Theory is not applied here since it shows a two shot of the main characters, and not showing the female character in any desirable (in terms of this theory) way.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011):

Also, this poster suggests that in the film, Male Gaze Theory cannot be applied since the again is a two shot, and the poster is not showing the female character in any desirable (in terms of this theory) way.