This document analyzes Miley Cyrus' music video "Wrecking Ball" through the lens of the male gaze theory. It examines four shots from the video that portray Miley in increasingly provocative ways, concluding with a nude shot of her. While Miley defended the video as representing emotional destruction, others argue it uses her sexuality to attract attention by appealing to the male gaze. The document evaluates whether the love story narrative is overridden by the provocative portrayals of Miley.

1. Applying The Male Gaze Theory:
Analysis of Miley Cyrus’ video “Wrecking Ball”

2. This close up of Miley instantly
complies with the male gaze
theory, however it is perhaps a
more milder version of what is to
come. Her red lips and blue eyes
portray her femininity and also
present her as an attractive
woman, that a male heterosexual
audience would be attracted to.
Shot 1:

3. This shot reveals Miley acting
intimately with a sledge hammer,
which is usually regarded as a
masculine object so could
perhaps so her trying to subvert
her femininity. Despite this, Miley
still appears sexualised through
her actions and the
distinctiveness of the red lipstick
which could give sexual
connotations.
Shot 2:

4. This shot reveals Miley laying down
by a tracking shot which works to
slowly reveal Miley posing
provocatively, thus creating
suspense and excitement for the
typical male heterosexual audience.
This is an example of voyeurism as
the men seek pleasure from the
shot. It could be argued that Miley is
objectified sexually as she lies with
the rubble.
Shot 3:

5. This long shot of Miley naked totally
confirms Mulvey’s theory. The
provocative shot connotes that
Miley is an object of sexual desire
which instantly appeals to male
viewers. However, Miley is in control
over the ball and therefore you
could argue that she does have
some power and is not totally seen
as a sexual object.
Shot 4:

6. After her video being deemed a controversial one,
Miley has defended her video with the following
statements:
I am represented as naked to show myself as
emotionally destroyed and have becomes
stripped (hurting inside)
The wrecking ball is symbolic to destructive love.
I kiss the sledge hammer to show I secretly love
the pain still.
Symbolism:

7. Some, including many fans of Miley would argue that
the video actually follows a strong narrative and
portrays an emotional love story.
Others would argue that Miley is presenting herself in
a provocative way to receive media attention and I
consequently believe the video uses elements of the
male gaze theory through completely sexualising
Miley and the love story narrative becomes
overridden by Miley’s provocative style.
Evaluation